Analyzing the thermal performance of walling systems in low-income housing through computational fluid dynamics approach

Abstract

The thermal properties of wall materials have a direct impact on the thermal performance of the indoor environment, by also influencing the occupant’s well-being. Coupled with airflow dynamics, the thermal performance of wall materials influences the indoor air temperature distribution thereby impacting thermal comfort, particularly in naturally ventilated (NV) spaces. However, defining the relationships between the wall characteristics, airflow dynamics, and thermal comfort for selecting the appropriate wall material for low-income NV buildings is still not evident in the current literature. Therefore, this study proposes a simulation-based framework that considers the relationships between wall materials, airflow dynamics, and thermal comfort using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach by spatially plotting the thermal comfort within the NV spaces.The study analyses locally accessible wall materials, subjecting them to different operating conditions within NV dwelling units of low-income housing in India. Out of the analyzed wall materials, aerated autoclaved blocks exhibited a significant indoor temperature reduction of 20.7 % compared to the compressed stabilized earth blocks, with constrained airflow exacerbating temperature fluctuations. The global implications of these findings are substantial for urban low-income dwellers experiencing excessive heat. Mass housing efforts worldwide can benefit from using thermally efficient materials in construction thereby improving living conditions, and mitigating the impact of climate change on thermal comfort and health.