An experimental and numerical thermal study of a small-scale urban block with courtyard

Abstract

Courtyards, as integral historical elements in architecture, play a crucial role in shaping the environmental and cultural characteristics of a region. Their global significance lies in their capacity to act as microclimate modifiers, significantly impacting the thermal conditions of their immediate surroundings. This study aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the intricate thermal dynamics inherent within courtyards, emphasizing the research gap in existing knowledge. In pursuit of this objective, an in-situ investigation was conducted using a reduced-scale model at the Urban Block with Courtyard (UBC) mockup in Tetouan, Morocco. The study used a small scale 1:10 model of an urban block with courtyard, constructed from Oriented Strand Board (OSB) wood. The model was equipped with two single-glazed panels, positioned both within and outside the courtyard, forming the basis of the experimental framework. The outcomes of these experiments were compared with a numerical approach integrated through the TRNSYS 18 software. This approach facilitated the description of thermal, radiative, and aeraulic phenomena at the microclimate scale. The results of the comparative analysis demonstrated a commendable level of concordance. The computed average absolute error in surface temperature for the courtyard walls was found to be less than 1 °C, with an average relative error of approximately 3.5 %. Notably, the developed numerical model showcased efficiency in addressing interoperability challenges associated with diverse analytical tools. Furthermore, the model contributed to reducing computational time compared to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations while maintaining a commendable level of precision in assessing thermal and energy performance aspects. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of courtyard dynamics, addressing a significant research gap and showcasing the efficiency of the developed computational model in architectural analyses.