Modeling and Validation of the Cool Summer Microclimate Formed by Passive Cooling Elements in a Semi-Outdoor Building Space

Abstract

<jats:p>Previous measurements (Del Rio et al. 2019) have confirmed the formation of cool summer microclimates through a combination of passive cooling elements (i.e., evaporative cooling louver, vegetation, and sunscreen) in semi-outdoor building spaces in Japan. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is useful to understand the contribution of each element to semi-outdoor and indoor microclimates with natural ventilation, and to determine their effective combination. To date, there have not been sufficient studies on the modeling and validation for the CFD simulation of microclimates by such elements. This study demonstrates the modeling method using literature-based values and field measurements. It also demonstrates model validity by comparing the obtained results with field measurements. The results show that CFD simulation with detailed modeling of these elements can replicate vertical temperature distributions at four different positions across the semi-outdoor space and indoor space. The maximum difference in air temperature between the measurements and simulation results was 0.7–1 °C. The sensitivities of each passive cooling element on the microclimates formed in both spaces were confirmed. The watered louver condition and shorter louver–window distance were most effective in cooling both spaces. These results indicate that the modeling method could be effectively applied to assess cool microclimates and formulate a passive cooling design.</jats:p>

Experimental and Numerical Analysis on Effect of Passive Cooling Methods on an Indoor Thermal Environment Having Floor-Level Windows

“…Due to the similar outdoor environment, meteorological conditions, and microclimate, the validation method in this study followed the one conducted by Del Rio et al [42], which adopted the CFD-based simulation method to observe the cross-ventilation performance by large openings. Different from their case, the humidity conditions were added to be tested in our validation, and the input relative humidity as the boundary condition was observed in the experiment.…”

Direct evaporative cooling from wetted surfaces: Challenges for a clean air conditioning solution

“…He (2011) and J. He and Hoyano (2010, 2011), or wetted sun blinds (Del Rio et al, 2020). Green walls also operate as evaporative cooling surfaces and can be installed not only outdoors but also indoors (L. Pérez‐Urrestarazu et al, 2015).…”