USING SIMULATION TO EVALUATE AND IMPROVE THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF COURTYARD OFFICE BUILDINGS IN CAIRO

Abstract

This paper explores the implications of alternative design options for the thermal performance of office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. Typical courtyard office floor plan was selected for the investigation. Multiple design alternatives were considered involving various glazing and shading types, shading schedules, thermal insulation options, orientations, and ventilation scenarios. A numeric thermal simulation application was used to model the performance of these alternatives parametrically*1. The results show the significant degree to which design measures could reduce cooling requirements of (and overheating tendencies in) courtyard office buildings in Cairo.