Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
 | 1 | initial version |
The primary result in using the ZoneThermalChimney model is ventilation. It uses solar energy coming in through a window to warm air making is rise and pull air out of a zone inducing ventilation. The diagram below from the InputOutputReference shows its operation:
The InputOutputReference specifically says:
The air within a thermal chimney is heated naturally using solar energy. The air increases in temperature which causes its density to drop. This drop in density results in a natural vertical movement of air and a local drop in pressure. The drop in pressure is relieved by drawing air from the building interior, and the heat gained within the thermal chimney does not enter the occupied portion of the building.
Given this description, it does not sound like any of the heat gained in the thermal chimney can be used to heat the space.
| | 2 | No.2 Revision |
The primary result in using the ZoneThermalChimney model is ventilation. It uses solar energy coming in through a window to warm air making is rise and pull air out of a zone inducing ventilation. The diagram below from the InputOutputReference Engineering Reference shows its operation:
The InputOutputReference specifically says:
The air within a thermal chimney is heated naturally using solar energy. The air increases in temperature which causes its density to drop. This drop in density results in a natural vertical movement of air and a local drop in pressure. The drop in pressure is relieved by drawing air from the building interior, and the heat gained within the thermal chimney does not enter the occupied portion of the building.
Given this description, it does not sound like any of the heat gained in the thermal chimney can be used to heat the space.
