Principles of Airflow: Warm air rises, while cooler and denser air sinks due to differences in density. With ventilation placed near the roof, the rising warm air inside the room is allowed to escape. This movement creates a natural convection current, drawing in cooler air from the outside to replace the exiting warm air.
Removal of Pollutants: Indoor pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human respiration, cooking fumes, and various contaminants, tend to accumulate in the upper part of a room since warmer air rises. By positioning the ventilation near the roof, these pollutants can be effectively removed from the room, ensuring better indoor air quality.
Ceiling Height and Air Mixing: The distance between the floor and the ceiling in most rooms allows for sufficient air mixing and circulation. When ventilation is placed near the roof, it facilitates the movement of fresh air throughout the entire space, ensuring better distribution and preventing the accumulation of stagnant air in lower areas.
Natural Ventilation: Ventilation placed near the roof can take advantage of natural ventilation forces, such as wind and thermal buoyancy. These natural forces aid in the movement of air, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and saving energy.
Efficiency: Placing ventilation near the roof allows for more efficient use of energy in many cases. Since warm air rises naturally, less energy is required to expel it from the room compared to drawing cooler air from the floor level. This can result in energy cost savings in the long run.
It's important to note that specific considerations may vary depending on factors such as the building design, climate conditions, and specific ventilation requirements of the space. Some ventilation systems may incorporate both roof-mounted and floor-level vents to achieve optimal air circulation and temperature distribution in certain scenarios.