Radiant Wall Cooling for Sheltered Structures in Underdeveloped Countries in Extreme Climates

Abstract

Hot and harsh climates of many underdeveloped countries are extremely problematic. People find themselves battling heat exhaustion and premature death caused by unforgiving heat events. The aim of this research is to improve the thermal comfort of Haitian residential shelters through testing radiant wall cooling and sustainable design principles. The research is limited to concentrate on small sheltered structures typically found in locations of low-income families, specifically in Haiti. The researchers focused on through literature review by investigating (1) previous case studies, (2) industry standards means and methods of sustainable construction, and (3) current trends in the host nation residential construction, striving for the most plausible acceptance of residential hybrid technology. The study includes the assemblies of a composite design--i.e., corrugated metal, bamboo and water delivery--to function and achieve a betterment for an interior shelter climate, by constructing a small replica test model. The limited scale model was constructed and tested in an effort to prove or disprove the theory of thermal comfort utilizing radiant wall cooling in hot climates. The model used both host nation common materials, and limited outside technology; thus enabling ease of accessibility to the native people. The testing of the models occurred in three phases; two of which are presented in this paper. The use of Fluke thermal imaging and Fluke temperature and moisture instrumentation were utilized collect data from the models. The findings of this study conclude the integration of such material assemblies are appropriate to change the performance of the interior shelter space during hot climates. It is with these efforts and findings the researchers are encouraged and look to open dialogue among architectural, engineering and building professionals to create new levels of thinking into more exploratory means per each individual host nation's challenges. These hybrid methods of construction may quickly be implemented and continued long after humanitarian efforts have departed.