Improvement and Analysis of the Winter Thermal Environment of Rural Civilian Dwellings in Northwestern Area of China

Abstract

Two typical civilian dwellings, the earth dwelling and the brick and concrete dwelling, in northwestern areas of China were investigated, on-site measurement on winter outdoor meteorological parameters, indoor air temperature and relative humidity were conducted. The paper analyzed space arrangement, construction design, indoor thermal environment and situations of civilian dwellings, the results show that the resources of solar energy in winter in these areas are abundant, however, the indoor thermal environment of the dwelling is not satisfactory. Based on the analysis of indoor and outdoor thermal environment, with the consideration of local natural resources and climate situations, the paper proposes a design plan of energy saving for the traditional dwellings and provides recommendations for the healthy development of local civilian dwellings. Keywords-northwestern areas of China; rural civilian dwelling; indoor thermal environment; passive solar energy heating