Simulation-based Approach to Optimize Courtyard Form Concerning Climatic Comfort in Hot and Humid Climate

Syracuse, NY

In hot and humid regions, in order to provide indoor thermal comfort conditions, most important design strategies are to maximize shady areas and natural ventilation. Courtyard building form was developed mainly in response to climatic requirements especially in hot climates. A courtyard is an unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by walls or building spaces. The function of the courtyard is to improve comfort conditions by modifying the microclimate around the building. The proportion of the courtyard affects considerably the shadows produced on the building envelope, and consequently the received solar radiation and the comfort conditions in the building. Moreover, courtyards are claimed to be highly effective in enhancing the ventilation and decreasing humidity level. This study intends to investigate variations in indoor thermal conditions according to different design configurations and scenarios. All calculations are made for a surrounded space of the courtyard. Thermal comfort conditions of this space are evaluated according to its orientation, ventilation type and courtyard configuration. In the study, different courtyard proportions, orientations and ventilation types are developed. Indoor comfort conditions of the selected space are calculated for Antalya which is a representative city of hot and humid region of Turkey. The software EnergyPlus, is used as a tool for simulating the thermal performance of the selected space. Operative temperatures, indoor humidity, and solar gains are calculated by using this dynamic thermal simulation program and a comprehensive evaluation on the aspects of thermal comfort conditions is carried out. In conclusion, the importance of the systematic approach in order to optimize the decisions taken during the design stage of thermally comfortable and conservative buildings is discussed.

https://surface.syr.edu/ibpc/2018/IE6/4