Comparative Study of Architectural Elements to Improve the Wind Environment in Hot and Humid Climates

• Published in: Journal of architectural engineering 2023-09, Vol.29 (3)
• Main Authors: Khakzand, Mehdi, Chahardoli, Saeid, Niknejad, Anahita, Khanijazani, Taha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air flow; Air quality; Architectural elements; Comparative studies; Computational fluid dynamics; Energy consumption; Indoor air pollution; Indoor air quality; Mechanical devices; Population growth; Technical Papers; Thermal comfort; Ventilation
• ISSN: 1076-0431; 1943-5568
• DOI: 10.1061/JAEIED.AEENG-1546

Abstract Population growth and building mechanical devices to achieve thermal comfort have increased energy consumption. The hot and humid climates account for high energy consumption in the building sector. Meanwhile, for centuries, vernacular houses in this climate complied with their environment. This paper examined the vernacular architectural elements of two southern cities of Iran with hot and humid climate conditions on the coast of Makran. However, a comprehensive study of these elements and their role in indoor air quality and the creation of thermal comfort has yet to be discovered. This study incorporated climatic information into a computational fluid dynamics simulation to analyze vernacular architectural elements in the study area. By combining the architectural elements of Bushehr and Chabahar vernacular houses, 13 building models were created, with a component of each element to be investigated. Results showed which elements boost the incoming flow and which models become more effective in developing an enhanced model in terms of ventilation. However, a wind exchanger (Dudkesh) works better than a wind catcher and Taremeh in terms of airflow velocity across the buildings. Additionally, models could establish about 38 % comfortable hours during the year with natural ventilation and sun shading in Bushehr. Practical Applications Before HVAC systems and the emergence of technology, people in different cities discovered different ways of ventilating and cooling their homes. Among these strategies was the use of architectural elements in their vernacular dwellings. A tall wind catcher or a central courtyard could change the air condition and was not solely intended for aesthetic purposes. Many of Iran’s ancient cities have architectural elements unique to their old vernacular architecture. According to their location, these elements differed in size and shape based on the climate. Chabahar and Bushehr are located near the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea in southern Iran. Although both are located in hot and humid areas, the architectural elements used in their vernacular architecture differ. In this study, we tried to examine their function individually or by combining them to see whether they could work if installed in another environment.