Thermal comfort in naturally ventilated buildings with double skin facade under tropical climate conditions: The influence of key design parameters

摘要

This paper evaluates the influence of key design parameters on the thermal behaviour of a naturally ventilated building with Double Skin Facade (DSF) under tropical climate conditions. Using a reference model of a conventional office building in the city of Rio de Janeiro and two groups of design parameters, dynamic thermal simulations are systematically applied to optimize design options with the aim to maximize the annual acceptable thermal comfort levels within the occupied spaces. This study not only defines the dimensional parameters to maximize the system airflows, but also investigates the significance of design decisions such as thermal mass and shading devices on the system performance. Options to avoid unintentional reverse flow on the upper floors and maintenance of balanced horizontal airflow rates across the floors are also addressed.