LV-22-C011 -- Detailed Thermal Impact Analysis of Passive Architectural Elements in Hot-Dry Climates

Increasing the rate of residential buildings is a global trend that will intensify the energy use growth substantially. This fact has spurred significant improvements in the efficiency of the buildings' mechanical systems technologies. However, few studies have addressed single-family house designs in as much detail as commercial-scale projects. Another priority that is overdue for examination is to include detailed analyses of the local climate effects to which houses should be designed to adapt. This paper includes a detailed analysis of a vernacular architecture passive element that potentially can mitigate the heat load of very hot-dry climates. This analysis is part of a broader study that looks to evaluate how modern design can integrate such elements in modern architecture. Architectural elements that traditionally have been used in different regions in the world, such as a rowshan--a type of protruding window surrounded by carved wood latticework--can still be included in modern design to both reduce the cooling loads and improve the indoor environment. The passive element geometry analysis included six sized variations of the aperture elements with a rectangular shape. The CFD simulation analysis of the passive element geometry found that the miniature opening sizes with rowshans performed better to keep the air temperature and airflow acceptable. The results also revealed improved thermal comfort conditions regarding inside space airspeed and lowered indoor air temperatures. Lowering the house's temperature also is reflected in the cooling energy requirements, particularly in the daytime from November to March; the ranges of daily average indoor temperature and relative humidity were reduced significantly (~15% to 30%). These results offer opportunities to establish housing criteria for improving thermal performance, leading to a path for sustainability and affordability while providing a high standard of living for limited-income people.