Numerical modeling validation for the microclimate thermal condition of semi-closed courtyard spaces between buildings

authored by: Aysan Forouzandeh
Abstract: In this study, the microclimate model ENVI-met version 4 was evaluated with field data inside courtyard spaces. The measurements were planned in different climate conditions in summer and winter at different points inside the courtyard located in Hannover, Germany. Climate variables —including air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS) and mean radiant temperature (T_mrt) — were investigated. The comparison between observation and prediction was performed while considering the accuracy of the model with the different domain and cell sizes, the different lateral boundary conditions for turbulence (LBC for TKE) and the time step size for flow. Consequently, the 2 × 2 × 1 m³ cell-sized model with cyclic LBC for TKE and t_flow = 0 s lead to quicker simulation and reliable results. This study provides further confidence that the ENVI-met model is capable of predicting the microclimate variables inside medium-narrow courtyards with an acceptable accuracy. The root mean square error (RMSE) value at the center of the shaded courtyard was calculated as approximately 0.73 °C for Ta, 3.34% for RH, 0.01 m/s for WS and 8.44 °C for Tmrt. However, due to the model resolution, inaccuracies in the values are displayed for Tmrt in the sun-exposed areas.
Organisation(s): Institute of Building Physics
Type: Article
Journal: Sustainable Cities and Society
Volume: 36
Pages: 327-345
No. of pages: 19
ISSN: 2210-6707
Publication date: 01.2018
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Geography, Planning and Development, Civil and Structural Engineering, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Transportation
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2017.07.025 (Access: Closed)