Gravity ventilation is a natural air exchange system in a building in which the movement of air takes place due to the difference in temperature and pressure between the inside and outside. The principle of operation is based on the rising of warmer air upwards and its removal through vertical ventilation ducts. At the same time, fresh air flows into the rooms through window leaks, diffusers or special grilles.
The solution is simple to build and does not require electricity. For many years, it has been the standard in single-family and multi-family housing. Its effectiveness, however, depends on atmospheric conditions - in low temperature differences or windless weather, air circulation may be insufficient.
Another disadvantage is also the difficulty in controlling the precise intensity of the air exchange, which often leads to a heat losses. Despite these limitations, gravity ventilation is still used, especially in retrofit buildings, where it is a cost-effective solution that does not require a complex infrastructure.
