Comparative CFD analysis of natural cross ventilation performance in factory buildings: The impact of ridge vent installation

Abstract This study investigates the effectiveness of ridge vent installation on natural ventilation performance in factory buildings, focusing on air exchange efficiency (AEE), air change per hour (ACH), dimensionless flow rate (DFR) and pressure difference (ΔCp) across different wind directions. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), a generic factory building is analysed in two configurations: without a ridge vent (baseline) and with a ridge vent. Four scenarios are examined: Case 1A (no ridge, wind at 0 °), Case 1B (no ridge, wind at 90 °), Case 2A (ridge vent, wind at 0 °), and Case 2B (ridge vent, wind at 90 °). The results show that ridge vent installation significantly improves ventilation performance. Case 1A achieved an AEE of 10.1 %, while Case 1B recorded the lowest at 5.55 %, both in the absence of a ridge vent. Ridge vent inclusion enhanced AEE by 13.8 % in Case 2A and by 57.5 % in Case 2B. The ΔCp measured between windward and leeward walls further support these findings, with a 6.96 % increase in Case 2A over Case 1A and a substantial 1185 % increase in Case 2B over Case 1B. Optimal wind alignment at 90 ° resulted in higher flow rates, as demonstrated by DFR and ACH values in Case 1B (0.0223, 3318 ℎ −1 ) and Case 2B (0.0265, 3907 ℎ −1 ). The factory building with ridge vent installation aligned at optimum 90 ° wind direction (Case 2B) achieved the highest values across all ventilation metrics, demonstrating superior ventilation performance. Although limited to a single factory model and specific wind conditions, this study highlights ridge vents as an effective passive ventilation solution for industrial buildings, particularly when aligned with wind direction. This research provides quantitative evidence to passive ventilation strategies in industrial architecture, offering guidance for improved natural ventilation performance.