The Buoyancy Effect and Natural Ventilation

What is the Buoyancy Effect?

At Moffitt Corporation, we constantly advocate for natural ventilation and roof vents for your buildings. But often, we will hear the argument that either air conditioning will always be superior or that natural ventilation is not effective. We have one answer that trumps both of these arguments: The Buoyancy Effect.

Buoyancy is the upward thrust of an object from the water. If an object is less dense than the water beneath it, then it will float at the top of the water, constantly bobbing between the water and the force of gravity.

Heat follows the same effect. Heat and humidity contain denser materials than the air outside of a system. So this is why you will often hear the term: heat rises.

What does it have to do with Natural Ventilation?

Natural ventilation creates air movement that maximizes the efficiency of this principal. By creating a building with a large vent in the ceiling and funneling vents all the way up, the heat will naturally push itself out of the building towards the cooler air.

This creates a cyclonic effect as the hot air rushes out the top and the cooler air rushes in from the side to fill the empty spaces.

Watch this video to learn how Moffitt helped a steam power plant in Alabama. This natural ventilation requires zero power while also creating a great cooler for their boiler rooms.

Moffitt Corp

With Moffitt Corporation, we have been working for several years to create the best products for our customers. From our vents and intake to our daylighting and beyond, we work non-stop to provide the best solutions for your facility. If you would like to know more about our services or our company, feel free to call us today at 1 (800) 474-3267.