Thermo-fluid dynamic performance of a ventilated pitched roof: Numerical modelling and experimental validation

Wooden ventilated pitched roofs represent a widely spread construction solution in Nordic countries. They have several benefits, including the drainage of excessive moisture from and reduction surface temperature to prevent snow melting thus icing at eaves gutters. Modelling components is complex requires thorough understanding phenomena occurring air cavity, where convection plays central role heat transfer process. The approach assumptions adopted for roof model are therefore crucial investigate thermo-fluid dynamics cavity. A literature review showed need comprehensive numerical experimental research focusing on constructions, especially climates. This article presents dynamic modelling roof, which belongs full-scale building located Trondheim (Norway), ZEB Test Cell Laboratory. was created using finite element method-based software COMSOL Multiphysics. Transient simulations were performed different climate conditions results flow speed along cross section compared with measurement data validation. simulation show good agreement both particularly summer day. deviations will be object study future research, further explored by testing inputs, boundary turbulence models.