Optimizing Venturi Effect in Hyperboloid Tower Construction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the optimization of a hyperboloid tower's dimensions to maximize the venturi effect generated by thermal updraft from human body heat, particularly after physical activity on a hot day. The focus includes theoretical considerations of design parameters such as base size, skirt dimensions, and height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the ideal dimensions of a hyperboloid tower with a 40ft base to maximize the venturi effect.
  • Another participant suggests that for natural updraft towers, larger dimensions are generally better, but questions the significant contribution of human body heat to the overall effect.
  • A later reply considers whether a gathering of 20 or more people would be sufficient to generate a measurable convection effect, estimating that this group could produce around 1400 W of sensible heat.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of human body heat in contributing to the venturi effect, indicating that there is no consensus on the extent of its impact.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions regarding the effectiveness of human body heat as a power source and the specific design parameters of the hyperboloid tower remain unresolved.

Kai G
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What are the ideal dimensions of a hyperboloid tower that would maximize the venturi effect started by thermal updraft from human body heat (assuming previous physical activity on a hot day)? Given a 40ft base, how large should the skirt be and how high off the ground? A vertically symmetrical hyperboloid may not be required.
 
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Kai G said:
What are the ideal dimensions of a hyperboloid tower that would maximize the venturi effect started by thermal updraft from human body heat (assuming previous physical activity on a hot day)? Given a 40ft base, how large should the skirt be and how high off the ground? A vertically symmetrical hyperboloid may not be required.
For a natural updraft tower, the larger the better. However, the human body won't contribute significantly to it.
 
russ_watters said:
Welcome to PF!

For a natural updraft tower, the larger the better. However, the human body won't contribute significantly to it.

The intent is to act as a gathering place. Would 20+ bodies be sufficient?
 
Kai G said:
The intent is to act as a gathering place. Would 20+ bodies be sufficient?
Probably, yes. People aren't a very dense power source, but 20 people is about 1400 W of sensible heat, which should be enough to induce a measurable convection.
 

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