Analysis of the energy saving potential of natural ventilation of teaching buildings in colleges in hot summer and cold winter areas

Abstract The building sector is a major contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions. Efficiently reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution is crucial for sustainable social development. Natural ventilation, as a passive cooling method, offers pollution-free and zero-energy consumption benefits while reducing indoor energy usage. Based on climate adaptation requirements in the Hefei region, this study investigates ventilated buildings in the area, analyzing their performance characteristics and practical applications. Using a university student dormitory in Hefei as a case study, we designed natural ventilation experiments and conducted numerical simulations using Airpak software to determine suitable designs for university teaching buildings in the region. The study simulated indoor and outdoor wind environments under different ventilation conditions to explore the effects of natural ventilation on the building environment and analyze its energy-saving potential. Through Airpak simulation of summer natural ventilation in university teaching buildings, we examined energy-saving potential by varying the number of open doors and windows while considering human comfort factors. Results indicate that when all external windows are open and front/rear doors are closed, indoor temperature and wind speed meet human thermal comfort requirements, demonstrating significant energy-saving potential. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing natural ventilation design in buildings and offers new directions for building energy conservation.