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Analysis of Window Trickle Vents at Various Pressure Differences

Author

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  • Arturs Palcikovskis

    (Institute of Sustainable Building Material and Engineering Systems, Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Kristina Lebedeva

    (Institute of Sustainable Building Material and Engineering Systems, Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Jurgis Zemitis

    (Institute of Sustainable Building Material and Engineering Systems, Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Anatolijs Borodinecs

    (Institute of Sustainable Building Material and Engineering Systems, Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

  • Aleksejs Prozuments

    (Institute of Sustainable Building Material and Engineering Systems, Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia)

Abstract

Air pollution remains a major global health concern, contributing to millions of premature deaths annually. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is strongly associated with sick building syndrome (SBS), which can lead to various health problems and reduced workplace productivity. This study examines the role of trickle vents as a passive component in natural and hybrid ventilation systems aimed at improving IAQ and occupant comfort. Two types of factory-produced trickle vents were tested in a controlled climatic chamber under systematically varied indoor–outdoor pressure differentials, generated using a blower system. Airflow measurements revealed a strong relationship between pressure difference and vent performance. Differences between the two vent types were largely due to variations in cross-sectional areas, influencing airflow resistance and pressure drop. Although neither vent achieved the required ventilation rates for standard conditions, their integration into hybrid systems, particularly in combination with mechanical exhaust fans, was found to significantly enhance potential airflow. The findings underline both the challenges and opportunities in achieving effective ventilation, especially in upper building floors where natural driving forces are reduced. This work contributes to the understanding of passive ventilation components and their potential to support healthier, more sustainable indoor environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Arturs Palcikovskis & Kristina Lebedeva & Jurgis Zemitis & Anatolijs Borodinecs & Aleksejs Prozuments, 2025. "Analysis of Window Trickle Vents at Various Pressure Differences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9304-:d:1775353
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhang, Sheng & Ai, Zhengtao & Lin, Zhang, 2021. "Novel demand-controlled optimization of constant-air-volume mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality, durability and energy saving," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 293(C).
    2. Aleksejs Prozuments & Anatolijs Borodinecs & Diana Bajare, 2023. "Trombe Wall System’s Thermal Energy Output Analysis at a Factory Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-13, February.
    3. Ana Briga-Sá & Anabela Paiva & João-Carlos Lanzinha & José Boaventura-Cunha & Luís Fernandes, 2021. "Influence of Air Vents Management on Trombe Wall Temperature Fluctuations: An Experimental Analysis under Real Climate Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-22, August.
    4. Alo Mikola & Raimo Simson & Jarek Kurnitski, 2019. "The Impact of Air Pressure Conditions on the Performance of Single Room Ventilation Units in Multi-Story Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-18, July.
    5. Aleksejs Prozuments & Anatolijs Borodinecs & Guna Bebre & Diana Bajare, 2023. "A Review on Trombe Wall Technology Feasibility and Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-15, February.
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