Building envelope vis-a-vis indoor thermal discomfort in tropical design: how vulnerable are the constituent elements?
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Date
2013
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Publisher
IJSET Publisher
Abstract
Abstract: Tropical climate is characterised with high temperature consequent upon high
solar gains which in effect impacts negatively on the interior spaces thereby creating thermal
discomfort for healthy living environment. This has resulted into adoption of various active
and passive design techniques/approaches to ameliorate the indoor living condition. This
article focuses on computer modelling of the heat transfer mechanisms into the building with
a view to identifying which element(s) of the building envelope is/are most vulnerable. In
doing this, a virtual model of a predominant residential building typology in the study area of
Ogbomoso, Nigeria, is subjected to thermal analyses via DesignBuilder, a computer
simulation package using Ogbomoso climatic data as obtained from a global climatic
database, Meteonorm. Results of the analysis indicate Exterior Glazing, Ceiling (Roof),
Walls, Floor among others, are vulnerable in that descending order with the most notable
ones, Exterior Glazing and Ceiling, calling for special attention. The paper therefore
concludes by offering useful suggestions to address issues related to the most vulnerable
elements so identified, with a view to improving the interior living spaces in the study area.
Keywords: Building Envelope, Thermal Comfort, Solar Gains, Tropical, Virtual Model,
Simulation, Indoor, Residential Building Typology, Thermal Analyses.
Description
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Keywords
Building, Building Envelope, Indoor Thermal Comfort, Building Design, Building Simulation
Citation
International Journal of Science, Environment and Technology