What type of shafts can act as enormous pistons in a building?

HVAC shafts can act as enormous pistons in a building due to their function in controlling air movement and ventilation. These shafts are designed to accommodate the flow of heated or cooled air throughout a structure, contributing to the building's overall climate control. When air is cycled through these ducts, changes in air pressure can create force, similar to the mechanism of pistons in engines.

In multi-story buildings, the HVAC system often uses vertical shafts to move air between floors efficiently. These shafts can also allow for the expansion and contraction of air, which, in turn, exerts pressure on surrounding environments, making them functionally comparable to pistons. Understanding the role of HVAC shafts in pressure dynamics is essential for addressing air quality, energy efficiency, and overall comfort in buildings.

Other types of shafts, such as plumbing or electrical shafts, do not serve the same function. Plumbing shafts typically carry pipes for water and waste but do not generate dynamic pressure changes like air movement does. Structural support shafts are crucial for the building’s integrity but do not impact airflow or pressure in the same way.