Wasana Silangam. A study of important factors relating to the efficiency of roof ventilators. Master's Degree(Industrial Hygiene and Safety). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2008.
A study of important factors relating to the efficiency of roof ventilators
Abstract:
The objectives of this experimental study were to find the minimum wind
speed at which roof ventilators can effectively exhaust air, and to compare
the exhausting power of the ventilator at different angles of installation (0, 5, 10 and
15 degrees). The study also aimed to study the relationships between the exhausting
power inside the roof ventilator and the wind speed, the angles of the axles roof
ventilator and the wind directions that blow towards the roof ventilator. The study
was conducted in the simulation laboratory using a model designed to comply with
the regulations of Thai Industrial Standards 1408-1997, size 1.50 m x 3 m x 1.50 m.
The roof ventilator used in this experiment had a duct diameter 0.36 cm
(14 inches), weighed 2.8 kg, had 24 propellers and a needle axle, and was made of
aluminum. The experiments were conducted at 10 different levels of wind speed.
The result showed that the minimum wind speed at which the roof ventilator
can effectively exhaust air had an average value of 0.53 m/s (1.06 knots). The roof
ventilator had a cycle of about 8 rpm. The factors which affect the efficiency of
the ventilator were the wind speed and the axles of the roof ventilator.
The exhausting power of the roof ventilator can be calculated from equation
Y = 0.146X1 - 0.023X2. It was shown that the roof ventilator could be ventilated
most effectively when the axles of the roof ventilator were installed perpendicularly.
In case of installing the roof ventilators, the calculation could be performed using
the prediction model. When comparing the exhausting power inside the roof
ventilator at the axle of roof ventilator perpendicular and the angles of 5, 10 and 15
degrees at the same wind speed, it was found that the exhausting power inside
the roof ventilator when installed perpendicularly was significantly different at
a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.001).
This experimental study can be of use for designing and installing roof
ventilators in future.