Paper Conference

Proceedings of SimBuild Conference 2010: 4th conference of IBPSA-USA

     

Thermal Behavior of Urban Canyons Using Numerical Modeling, CFD Simulation and GIS Mapping

Rafael Silva Brandão, Marcia Peinado Alucci
DAUAP,Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, São João del Rei, Brazil
LABAUT, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Thermal behavior of urban canyons has been extensively discussed in literature for the past decades. Existing methods focus on heavy, complex models for small areas or on simplified, parametric models, especially those that simulate night cooling and its relation to nocturnal heat islands. However, in urban planning, it is often important to analyze the thermal environment within the urban canopy layer in large, heterogeneous areas, during a 24 hour-cycle. This paper presents a method for simulating urban areas in CFD software and for using the results in a finite difference model for calculating air and surface temperatures. This may be used to asses a single urban canyon or several building groups, by using GIS mapping, which allows for the simulation of larger, complex areas. This is particularly important in cities of developing countries, where urban structure is highly heterogeneous and thermal environment tends to be greatly affected by climate change. The model has potential to contribute to the diagnosis of urban areas and to the overall city planning process.
Pages: 244 - 251
Paper:
simbuild2010_TS05A-03-Brandao