Optimising energy efficiency and thermal comfort measures for a low-income residential building in Ahmedabad, India
Tania Sharmin1*, Md Mizanur Rahman2
1: Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom;
2: Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
DOI: 10.62744/CATE.45273.1166-523-531
Email: sharmint@cardiff.ac.uk
Abstract:
This study evaluates indoor thermal comfort conditions in a low-income residential building in
Ahmedabad, India, with the aim of identifying passive strategies for reducing summer discomfort. Despite being designed with environmental and passive strategies in mind, the building's indoor temperatures during the summer reached an uncomfortable average of 37.10 C during a 3-day measurement period. The study employs optimisation algorithms and parametric modelling to fine-tune simulation settings and parameters, aligning simulated results with measured data. It utilises energy simulations conducted using Climate-Studio in the Rhino-Grasshopper platform to assess various building parameters like window size, orientation, shading, and ventilation shaft. The results reveal that keeping windows open for natural ventilation significantly reduces indoor air temperatures with a 0.560 C reduction on average over a 3-months period. Moreover, various design scenarios, including changes in window size, shading, and the inclusion of a chimney, demonstrate their potential to enhance thermal comfort. However, it is noted that passive strategies alone may not achieve optimal comfort levels and should be complemented by broader landscape and urban planning strategies on an urban scale to create comfortable indoor conditions. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into improving indoor thermal comfort in low-income housing in hot climates, with implications for sustainable architectural design.
Keywords: Indoor Air Temperature, Indoor Thermal Comfort, Hot Climate, Design Optimisation, Passive Strategies