Numerical Assessment of Bioclimatic Architecture Strategies for Buildings Design in Tropical Climates: A Case of Study in Panama

Abstract

The increasing concern expressed by building designers in Panama, due to new building-energy regulations, regarding sustainable development goals and energy efficiency, is leading architects to reanalyse their design strategies and evaluate the vernacular architecture. The main implications of the hot-humid climate characteristics stipulate that the need for cooling of indoor environments drives buildings’ design and settlements. This work aims to assess the use of bioclimatic architecture strategies in three existing building typologies design in Panama, in terms of thermal comfort performance. The approach adopted here is to compare and analyse the vernacular architecture with current architecture. Besides, to evaluate bioclimatic architecture strategies based on recent investigations and the guidelines proposed by Givony, Olgyay, among others. A numerical assessment was performed on the dynamic simulation software DesignBuilder, where the building’s passive strategies are evaluated in terms of operative temperature, relative humidity (rH), PMV, PPD, and discomfort hours (DH). All three houses, the HVA, HCA, and HRES were tested in three different locations within Panama City. Results showed that the strategies in HVA perform best for reducing rH levels, but the HRES performs best in overall thermal comfort performance, apart yet from the high rH levels encountered.

Análisis de la influencia de la masa térmica en climas tropicales mediante simulación con Energy 2D

“…En la Ciudad de Panamá se pueden observar viviendas en base de madera, cerca del área del Canal de Panamá que fueron edificadas en conjunto con estrategias bioclimáticas. Estas viviendas presentaron mejor desempeño cuando fueron comparadas con las estrategias de construcción usadas actualmente [24].…”

Recomendaciones para la aplicación de estrategias bioclimáticas pasivas en un clima mega térmico lluvioso, Tena-Ecuador

“…-Utilizar ventanas que puedan abrirse de forma abatible, corrediza con protección o persianas. -Protección de Mosquitos Fuente: Olgyay (1973), Molillón (2006) y Austin et al (2020) Estrategias recomendadas para la ciudad de Tena En relación con cada elemento del clima, es necesario disminuir la temperatura, radiación y humedad relativa se encuentran fuera del rango de confort, por lo tanto, es necesario ISSN: 2602-8085 Vol. 7 No.…”

Review of Zero Energy Building Concept-Definition and Developments in Latin America: A Framework Definition for Application in Panama

“…Although this study shows strong potential to achieve both NZEB and PEB by means of PV generation alone, the value 214 kWh m −2 y −1 could be further reduced if other passive and active strategies, such as those presented in Table 2, are considered. In Panama, other strategies could be implemented to reduce cooling needs, such as a roof heat exchanger [71], bio-inspired reflective-coatings arrangements [72], ventilation systems assisted by solar radiation [73], bioclimatic-based strategies [74], and large-scale solar-assisted absorption air conditioning systems [75]. However, currently, most studies remain in the preliminary research project stage, with strong bases in numerical studies but a lack of more research-based experimental studies.…”