Integration of Wind Catchers in Modern Residential Buildings in the UAE as a Means of Providing Thermal Comfort
Loading...
Date
2014-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
This research is an evaluation of the effectiveness of wind catchers as means of providing
thermal comfort for modern residential buildings in the hot arid climates in the UAE.
Though this research involves a residence in Abu Dhabi as a case study, it stresses that the
results obtained can be used for other regions with similar climates and in most instances are
largely applicable. A computer simulation tool, IES VE 2013, is used as a methodology to
model spaces and different configurations that consist of the following parameters, are
tested: floor to ceiling height of the space, area of the window opening, height of the wind
tower, orientation of the wind tower, percentage opening of the window and the percentage
opening of the wind tower opening. An automatic condition profile is imposed on the
window and wind tower openings by the software so that they open and function only when
these conditions are satisfied.
The study initially reviewed literature already existing on the integration of traditional
sustainable techniques in the UAE. Further studies were done on how integral wind catchers
were in traditional architecture to provide cooling for occupants in residences.
The simulations were carried out in two steps. As a first step, the case study building as it
exists was subjected to a thermal simulation analysis. Results were obtained in terms of
annual hours within the human thermal comfort range and Degree Discomfort Hours
(DDH). The second step involved carrying out a series of simulations according to a test
matrix, results obtained were analysed in comparison to the existing case. Of the
configurations tested, the optimal configuration bore the following characteristics: Floor to
Ceiling Height of 6m, wind tower height of 9m with North West orientation, window area of
3 m2, wind tower opening of 2 m2, Percentage window opening of 100% and a percentage of
wind tower opening 100%.
The optimal configuration when tested resulted in 47.1% decrease in degree discomfort
hours and a 22.1% increase of hours annually in the thermal comfort range when compared to the existing case. Furthermore, when the existing case was re-simulated with a cooling
device switched on, it was estimated that the existing case consumes 39.5% more energy
than the optimal configuration.
The study concludes by identifying guidelines for the implementation and use of wind towers
in the modern age and with recommendations for future research.
Description
Keywords
wind catchers, modern residential buildings, thermal comfort, United Arab Emirates (UAE)