The climate spatial variability and its impact on the thermal energy simulation of buildings: a case study of São Paulo, Brazil
Matheus K. Bracht, Natasha H. Gapski, Matheus Geraldi*, Ana Paula Melo, Roberto Lamberts
Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
DOI: 10.62744/CATE.45273.1142-371-379
Email: matheus.geraldi@posgrad.ufsc.br
Abstract:
This study evaluated the impact of different weather stations on building energy simulations (BES) concerning local environmental factors. The investigation focused on eight distinct weather stations in São Paulo, Brazil, comparing their data's influence on thermal autonomy and cooling load in a low-income dwelling. Employing EnergyPlus for computational simulations, the outcomes were compared against the surrounding urban fabric and natural coverage indexes. The analysis revealed noteworthy differences between the weather stations with more natural vegetation and those densely urbanized. These disparities were particularly pronounced, with differences of up to fivefold observed in cooling degree hours (CDH) between these locations. Consequently, these discrepancies in weather inputs impacted cooling load predictions, portraying urbanized regions with markedly elevated cooling requirements relative to the more naturally covered areas. Regarding the correlation between the surrounding indexes, site coverage and vegetation cover were more impactful in predicting thermal
autonomy and cooling load.
Keywords: Urban Overheating, Social Housing, Brazilian Climatic Conditions, Urban Climate