Towards a Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Fuzzy Logic Controller of the Optimum Windcatcher Internal Design for Efficient Natural Ventilation in Buildings

Recently, increased attention has been given to the coupling of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with fuzzy logic control system for obtaining optimum prediction many complex engineering problems. The data provided can be obtained from accurate such Windcatcher performance achieve thermal comfort conditions in buildings, especially hot climate regions, is considered as one problem. Windcatchers used natural ventilation and passive cooling systems arid windy regions Saudi Arabia. Such solution energy-saving residential buildings regions. In present paper, three-dimensional numerical simulations a newly-developed windcatcher model have performed using ANSYS FLUENT-14 software. adopted algorithm first validated against previous experimental measurements pressure coefficient distribution. Different turbulence models firstly applied simulations, namely, standard k-epsilon (1st 2nd order), Wilcox k-omega SST model. order assess accuracy each proposed system, it found that second gave best results when compared measurements. A new internal design enhance performance. characteristics are presented, estimated. velocity profiles showed good agreement shown predict different important parameters Moreover, CFD operating described.