Envelope and Internal Space Performance of Office Buildings in a Hot Climate PDF

Throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, many buildings have their envelopes constructed with little regard for the hot summer temperatures, and this causes occupant discomfort. Temperatures in offices are normally controlled using a single-zone thermostat, and this type of control limits comfort to the sun-side of the space. There also tends to be problems associated with asymmetrical radiation. A pilot study was carried out. A room in a building was selected in which airflows and temperatures were measured. The space was then simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Once the CFD model had been validated, it was used for further analysis. Results from the pilot study highlighted several factors contributing to the problem. Airflow and temperature measurements defined the discomfort levels, and simulations obtained from the CFD showed that modifications made to the envelope specification could improve thermal comfort over a larger area of the occupied zone.

Authors: Ali M. Al-Garny, Ph.D.; John A. Tinker, Ph.D., C.Eng.

Citation: Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VIII

Keywords: December, Florida, 2001