A Field Investigation and Comparative Study of Indoor Thermal Environment in a Bioclimatic Dwelling in Turpan, China

Abstract

The residence consumes a significant amount of energy worldwide. Therefore, it is important to implement bioclimatic architectural systems using climatic “resources” of a particular location with building envelope to ensure human comfort. In present study, a field investigation of indoor thermal environment in a bioclimatic dwelling was conducted and compared with that in normal rural buildings in Turpan, China, in which relatively large diurnal and seasonal variability occurs. The bioclimatic dwelling was designed and constructed under the guidance of bioclimatic design method with 500 mm thick compress earthen brick wall to adapt to local climate. Field tests included measurement of thermophysical parameters. The results showed that the bioclimatic dwelling had better indoor thermal environment than normal rural buildings. Compress earthen brick walls reduced the amplitude of relative humidity and temperature fluctuations in the room air. It also reduced the frequency of low humidity periods. Room located at semi-basement had the best performance among all the rooms in summer. The indoor air temperature in semi-basement has a diurnal variation of 4.7°C from 29.1°C to 33.8°C while that in the north room of the rural house is around 33.6-35.5°C in summer. The utilization of passive solar heating can significantly increase indoor air temperature in winter afternoon. From 10:00 to 16:00 in the representative day, air temperature in the south bedroom of the bioclimatic dwelling increased from -0.7°C to 1.6°C while that of the rural house increased from -2.7 to -1.3°C. It is demonstrated that bioclimatic dwelling has the potential to reduce the energy demand for heating/cooling. The present work provides new thoughts and guidance for renewal of the traditional dwellings.

Keywords: Bioclimatic dwelling, Indoor thermal environment, Thermophysical parameters, Turpan