EVALUATING THE AERODYNAMICS OF A ROOFTOP GREENHOUSE

In this article the aerodynamics of a rooftop greenhouse is evaluated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This entails using a scale model and wind tunnel tests, as well as understanding the effects of design changes of the rooftop greenhouse on the aerodynamics. A wind tunnel test was conducted using a reduced scale model based on the full-scale rooftop greenhouse. Using these experimental results, a numerical model was developed in Star-CCM+ and the flow around the rooftop greenhouse was simulated. Once the numerical model results were found to be in good comparison to the experimental results, the greenhouse was redesigned to improve the aerodynamics. A numerical model was developed for the redesigned greenhouse and simulated again using CFD. The results indicated a reduction in the high-pressure points that were seen in the original model and less circulating patterns occurred which reduces the damage potential on the greenhouse due to wind flow. This article therefore provides insight into the design of a greenhouse to withstand high pressure from the wind on top of the roof of a building thus being more aerodynamically efficient.