Analysis of Stack-driven Pressure Changes Caused by Opening and Closing of Main Entrance Doors in a High-rise Residential Building Using an In-situ Virtual Sensing Method

During winter, the stack effect increases pressure differences on the upper floors of high-rise buildings.When the main entrances are opened, the neutral pressure level of the building decreases, leading to a significant increase in pressure differences on the upper floors.Thus, opening and closing the main entrances of high-rise residential buildings can cause problems.In this study, the stack-driven pressure changes caused by the opening and closing of the main entrances were analyzed using an in-situ virtual sensing method.Changes in the pressure distribution were measured starting from a condition where all main entrance doors were closed and then gradually opening each door at the lobby and underground floors.The number of floors with pressure differences exceeding 50 Pa was recorded for each case.During peak commuting times, when all main entrance doors were opened, compared to when all entrances were closed, the pressure difference at the dwelling unit doors on the top floor increased by 11 Pa, and the number of floors at risk increased by 8.Under the coldest conditions, it increased by 24 Pa, and the number of floors at risk increased by 9.This study highlights the importance of managing main entrance doors and employing in-situ virtual sensing methods to reduce stack-driven pressure differences during building operation.