While a wind scoop does not have any definitive numerical parameters, it is key to look into building size, climate, outdoor wind velocity, air quality, and materials when designing a wind scoop for a system.  

 

Studies have shown that a minimum outdoor wind velocity of 2.5 m/s is required in order to "feel" a cooling effect inside a typical, small sized, occupied building.  Furthermore, one can expect to feel 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler if a wind scoop ventilation system is utilized correctly.  The lower the humidity in the air, the better, for effective cooling to occur.  Air containing high humidity levels will not be able to provide the same results due to its temperature and moisture content.  

 

Despite missing relevant numerical parameters the following criteria should be considered when designing a wind scoop system:

 

• Temperature - Heating

  • Wind scoops are a form of passive ventilation, intended only for cooling.  Heating of a space cannot be achieved through this form of ventilation, therefore this must be considered when selecting an adequate HVAC system.  

 

• Temperature - Cooling

  • Cooling of a space is the most important feature of utilizing wind scoop technology.  Cooling can be achieved by simple air flow through the scoop and maximized by placing a pool of cool water in the path of the ventilated air, thus cooling it further as it travels through the space.

 

• Humidity

  • Humidity must be taken into account when designing a wind scoop system.  Areas of high humidity will not be able to provide effective cooling, therefore it makes more sense to use a wind scoop in an area of lower to mild humidity in order to allow for maximum cooling.

 

• Pressure

  • Pressure plays a major role in wind scoop effectiveness due to its ability to effect how quickly air moves through the space.  The size and shape of the scoop opening should be considered while designing a wind scoop.  This should be done in order to maximize difference in pressure head to allow for optimum air force and flow through the scoop to the space. 

 

• Gas Content/Particles

  • These should only be considered if a wind scoop is being designed in an area that has higher levels of pollution than the average location viable for a wind scoop.  The matter of human health comes into question when considering a wind scoop in a polluted area. 

 

• Velocity

  • Velocity plays a key role with how quickly the outdoor air is circulated within the indoor space.  It is important to create a wind scoop that provides the optimum velocity of airflow/air exchanges for its occupants, but one that doesn't cause disturbances to those that inhabit the space.