Alex Tan | Tzu Chi University (original) (raw)

Temporary Shelters by Alex Tan

Research paper thumbnail of Thermal Comfort Performances of Temporary Shelters Using Experimental and Computational Assessments

Buildings, 2021

This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer c... more This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer conditions. The temperature within the tent was higher compared to the standard configuration of the temporary shelter, but its relative humidity was lower. During the time period 09:30 to 14:30, temperatures at the center of the tent at positions 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 3.1 °C, 5.5 °C and 6.0 °C higher, respectively, than the average ambient temperature of 36.3 °C. However, temperatures for the standard configuration at similar central positions of 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 1.2 °C, 0.5 °C and 0.7 °C lower, respectively, than the same average ambient. In the afternoon, the standard configuration (PMV of 3.14 and PPD of 100) performed better than the tent (PMV of 5.03 and PPD of 100), although neither achieved thermal comfort. Various experimental configurations showed that double layers of roof lowered temperatures, but the thermal comfort (PMV of 3.32 and PPD of 100) remained unchanged. Various computational configurations showed that closing the door and one window and installing a mechanical fan of average speed 2.75 m/s lowered the temperature and increased the air speed to achieve thermal comfort with PMV and PPD values of 1.49 and 50, respectively.

Solar Chimneys by Alex Tan

Research paper thumbnail of Natural ventilation performance of classroom with solar chimney system

Energy and Buildings, 2012

The considered Zero Energy Building is a three-story building located in Singapore which was rece... more The considered Zero Energy Building is a three-story building located in Singapore which was recently retrofitted in 2009 with a range of green features. A solar chimney system was constructed to enhance the air ventilation within the interior spaces using a series of solar assisted ducts that linked the lower floor classrooms and upper floor hall. The mechanism of the solar chimney system is explained in detail and experiments conducted separated the classroom into experimental and reference regions of similar volumes. Results showed that the solar chimney system is operating well in the hot and humid tropics, including cooler days. Furthermore, the presence of the solar chimney system effectively caused the interior air speed of the experimental region to reach a maximum of 0.49 m/s and the interior air temperature to heat up slower and cool down faster by 1-2 h as compared to the reference region. Lastly, the position of the solar chimney's inlet within the classroom was found to be significant; lowering it to occupancy's height of 1.20 m increased the interior air speed to a maximum of 0.60 m/s.

Research paper thumbnail of Influences of ambient air speed and internal heat load on the performance of solar chimney in the tropics

Solar Energy, 2014

Solar chimney is a combination of solar assisted stack and wind driven ventilation where air in t... more Solar chimney is a combination of solar assisted stack and wind driven ventilation where air in the solar chimney expands under heating from solar irradiance and being relatively lighter, rises out from the chimney outlets, drawing the cooler air into the building through the fenestrations. This pull effect is complemented further by the push effect from the outdoor ambient wind. The study of solar chimney system within the zero energy building in tropical Singapore aims to determine the effects of ambient air speed and internal heat load on the thermal environment of the solar chimney ducts and classroom's interior. Experimental and computational results show that high ambient air speed greater than 2.00 m/s improves the air speed within the solar chimney ducts; both low and high ambient air speeds are found to improve the classroom's interior air speed. However, the significance of ambient air speed drops when solar irradiance is greater than 700 W/m 2. Furthermore, under the tropical weather conditions of high solar irradiance and low ambient air speed, cross ventilation performs better compared to solar chimney; hence, solar chimney is recommended to be employed under zero ambient air speed. Lastly, results show that the influences of internal heat load on the air temperature and speed within solar chimney ducts as well as classroom's interior are limited.

Research paper thumbnail of Parameterization Studies of Solar Chimneys in the Tropics

Energies, 2013

The paper examines the effect of the solar chimney’s stack height, depth, width and inlet positio... more The paper examines the effect of the solar chimney’s stack height, depth, width and inlet position on the interior performance (air temperature and speed at 1.20 m height above the ground) as well as proposes an optimal tropical solar chimney design. Simulations show that the output air temperature remains constant while the solar chimney’s width is the most significant factor influencing output air speed. The solar chimney’s inlet position has limited influence on the output air speed although regions near the solar chimney’s inlet show an increase in air speed. Furthermore, a regression model is developed based on the solar chimney’s stack height, depth and width to predict the interior air speed. To optimize solar chimney in the tropics, the recommendation is to first maximize its width as the interior’s width, while allowing its stack height to be the building’s height. Lastly, the solar chimney’s depth is determined from the regression model by allocating the required interior air speed.

Vertical Greenery Systems by Alex Tan

Research paper thumbnail of Acoustics evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls

Building and Environment, 2010

After decades of fast growth, the scarcity of land in cities causes many buildings to be construc... more After decades of fast growth, the scarcity of land in cities causes many buildings to be constructed very close to expressways, exposing occupants to serious noise pollution. In recent years, sustainable cities have found that greenery is a key element in addressing this noise pollution, giving rise to the popularity of vertical greenery systems (VGS). This research has two objectives. The first involves the study of eight different vertical greenery systems installed in HortPark, Singapore to evaluate their acoustics impacts on the insertion loss of building walls. Experiment shows a stronger attenuation at low to middle frequencies due to the absorbing effect of substrate while a smaller attenuation is observed at high frequencies due to scattering from greenery. Generally, VGS 2, 7 and 8 exhibit relatively better insertion loss. The second objective aims to determine the sound absorption coefficient of the vertical greenery system constructed in the reverberation chamber which is found to have one of the highest values compared with other building materials and furnishings. Furthermore, as frequencies increases, the sound absorption coefficient increases. In addition, it is observed that the sound absorption coefficient increases with greater greenery coverage.

Research paper thumbnail of Energy simulation of vertical greenery systems

Energy and Buildings, 2009

The objective of this research is to simulate the effects of vertical greenery systems on the tem... more The objective of this research is to simulate the effects of vertical greenery systems on the temperature and energy consumption of buildings. Firstly, it involves performing TAS simulations to determine their effects on thermal comfort and energy consumption. It is found that 100% greenery coverage from vertical greenery systems is effective in lowering the mean radiant temperature of a glass facade building. Furthermore, to lower the energy cooling load significantly, the shading coefficient of plant species has to be low. Secondly, a thermal calculation of the envelope thermal transfer value (ETTV) to obtain their effects on the thermal performance of building envelope is performed. Results show a linear correlation between shading coefficient and leaf area index where a lower shading coefficient leads to a greater thermal insulation. 50% greenery coverage from vertical greenery systems and a shading coefficient of 0.041 reduce the ETTV of a glass facade building by 40.68%. Lastly, vertical greenery systems in mitigating the UHI effect within an estate is simulated using STEVE model. The increase of greenery coverage from vertical greenery systems is most significantly felt with a drop in the minimum estate air temperature throughout a large region of the estate.

Research paper thumbnail of Perception Studies of Vertical Greenery Systems in Singapore

Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 2010

The objective is to discover the current perception of vertical greenery systems and barriers to ... more The objective is to discover the current perception of vertical greenery systems and barriers to their widespread adoption in Singapore. It can be concluded that the energy saving property of vertical greenery systems make them suitable for the local conditions as Singapore depends heavily on air conditioning. In addition, vertical greenery systems will also enhance the aesthetic of a building. Moreover, the installation of vertical greenery system is part of the effort to reduce the increasing serious air and noise pollution. Lastly, vertical greenery system is able to bring nature closer to humans. As with all greenery, constant clearing of the residue of dead leaves as well as periodical replacement and trimming cannot be avoided. These may become a barrier in convincing building owners to adopt vertical greenery systems. Furthermore, there is a lack of technical information, maintenance instructions, and information on plants suitable for vertical greenery systems locally. Lastly, there is lack of awareness of the benefits and performance of vertical greenery systems as well as a lack of grants and subsidies for implementation of vertical greenery systems.

Research paper thumbnail of Thermal evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls

Building and …, 2010

This research involves the study of 8 different vertical greenery systems (VGSs) installed in Hor... more This research involves the study of 8 different vertical greenery systems (VGSs) installed in HortPark to evaluate the thermal impacts on the performance of buildings and their immediate environment based on the surface and ambient temperatures. VGSs 3 and 4 have the best cooling efficiency according to the maximum temperature reduction of the wall and substrate surfaces. These results point to the potential thermal benefits of vertical greenery systems in reducing the surface temperature of buildings facades in the tropical climate, leading to a reduction in the cooling load and energy cost. In terms of the lowest diurnal range of average wall surface temperature fluctuation, VGSs 4 and 1 show the highest capacities. No vertical greenery system performs well in term of the diurnal range of average substrate temperature fluctuation. By limiting the diurnal fluctuation of wall surface temperatures, the lifespan of building facades is prolonged, slowing down wear and tear as well as savings in maintenance cost and the replacement of façade parts. The effects of vertical greenery systems on ambient temperature are found to depend on specific vertical greenery systems. VGS 2 has hardly any effect on the ambient temperature while the effects of VGS 4 are felt as far as 0.60 m away. Given the preponderance of wall facades in the built environment, the use of vertical greenery systems to cool the ambient temperature in building canyons is promising. Furthermore, air intakes of airconditioning at a cooler ambient temperature translate into saving in energy cooling load.

Papers by Alex Tan

Research paper thumbnail of Thermal evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls

Building and Environment, 2010

This research involves the study of 8 different vertical greenery systems (VGSs) installed in Hor... more This research involves the study of 8 different vertical greenery systems (VGSs) installed in HortPark to evaluate the thermal impacts on the performance of buildings and their immediate environment based on the surface and ambient temperatures. VGSs 3 and 4 have the best cooling efficiency according to the maximum temperature reduction of the wall and substrate surfaces. These results point to the potential thermal benefits of vertical greenery systems in reducing the surface temperature of buildings facades in the tropical climate, leading to a reduction in the cooling load and energy cost. In terms of the lowest diurnal range of average wall surface temperature fluctuation, VGSs 4 and 1 show the highest capacities. No vertical greenery system performs well in term of the diurnal range of average substrate temperature fluctuation. By limiting the diurnal fluctuation of wall surface temperatures, the lifespan of building facades is prolonged, slowing down wear and tear as well as savings in maintenance cost and the replacement of façade parts. The effects of vertical greenery systems on ambient temperature are found to depend on specific vertical greenery systems. VGS 2 has hardly any effect on the ambient temperature while the effects of VGS 4 are felt as far as 0.60 m away. Given the preponderance of wall facades in the built environment, the use of vertical greenery systems to cool the ambient temperature in building canyons is promising. Furthermore, air intakes of airconditioning at a cooler ambient temperature translate into saving in energy cooling load.

Research paper thumbnail of Acoustics evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls

Building and Environment, 2010

After decades of fast growth, the scarcity of land in cities causes many buildings to be construc... more After decades of fast growth, the scarcity of land in cities causes many buildings to be constructed very close to expressways, exposing occupants to serious noise pollution. In recent years, sustainable cities have found that greenery is a key element in addressing this noise pollution, giving rise to the popularity of vertical greenery systems (VGS). This research has two objectives. The first involves the study of eight different vertical greenery systems installed in HortPark, Singapore to evaluate their acoustics impacts on the insertion loss of building walls. Experiment shows a stronger attenuation at low to middle frequencies due to the absorbing effect of substrate while a smaller attenuation is observed at high frequencies due to scattering from greenery. Generally, VGS 2, 7 and 8 exhibit relatively better insertion loss. The second objective aims to determine the sound absorption coefficient of the vertical greenery system constructed in the reverberation chamber which is found to have one of the highest values compared with other building materials and furnishings. Furthermore, as frequencies increases, the sound absorption coefficient increases. In addition, it is observed that the sound absorption coefficient increases with greater greenery coverage.

Research paper thumbnail of Thermal Comfort Performances of Temporary Shelters Using Experimental and Computational Assessments

Buildings, 2021

This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer c... more This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer conditions. The temperature within the tent was higher compared to the standard configuration of the temporary shelter, but its relative humidity was lower. During the time period 09:30 to 14:30, temperatures at the center of the tent at positions 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 3.1 °C, 5.5 °C and 6.0 °C higher, respectively, than the average ambient temperature of 36.3 °C. However, temperatures for the standard configuration at similar central positions of 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 1.2 °C, 0.5 °C and 0.7 °C lower, respectively, than the same average ambient. In the afternoon, the standard configuration (PMV of 3.14 and PPD of 100) performed better than the tent (PMV of 5.03 and PPD of 100), although neither achieved thermal comfort. Various experimental configurations showed that double layers of roof lowered temperatures, but the thermal comfort (PMV of 3.3...

Research paper thumbnail of Thermal Comfort Performances of Temporary Shelters Using Experimental and Computational Assessments

Buildings, 2021

This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer c... more This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer conditions. The temperature within the tent was higher compared to the standard configuration of the temporary shelter, but its relative humidity was lower. During the time period 09:30 to 14:30, temperatures at the center of the tent at positions 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 3.1 °C, 5.5 °C and 6.0 °C higher, respectively, than the average ambient temperature of 36.3 °C. However, temperatures for the standard configuration at similar central positions of 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 1.2 °C, 0.5 °C and 0.7 °C lower, respectively, than the same average ambient. In the afternoon, the standard configuration (PMV of 3.14 and PPD of 100) performed better than the tent (PMV of 5.03 and PPD of 100), although neither achieved thermal comfort. Various experimental configurations showed that double layers of roof lowered temperatures, but the thermal comfort (PMV of 3.32 and PPD of 100) remained unchanged. Various computational configurations showed that closing the door and one window and installing a mechanical fan of average speed 2.75 m/s lowered the temperature and increased the air speed to achieve thermal comfort with PMV and PPD values of 1.49 and 50, respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of Natural ventilation performance of classroom with solar chimney system

Energy and Buildings, 2012

The considered Zero Energy Building is a three-story building located in Singapore which was rece... more The considered Zero Energy Building is a three-story building located in Singapore which was recently retrofitted in 2009 with a range of green features. A solar chimney system was constructed to enhance the air ventilation within the interior spaces using a series of solar assisted ducts that linked the lower floor classrooms and upper floor hall. The mechanism of the solar chimney system is explained in detail and experiments conducted separated the classroom into experimental and reference regions of similar volumes. Results showed that the solar chimney system is operating well in the hot and humid tropics, including cooler days. Furthermore, the presence of the solar chimney system effectively caused the interior air speed of the experimental region to reach a maximum of 0.49 m/s and the interior air temperature to heat up slower and cool down faster by 1-2 h as compared to the reference region. Lastly, the position of the solar chimney's inlet within the classroom was found to be significant; lowering it to occupancy's height of 1.20 m increased the interior air speed to a maximum of 0.60 m/s.

Research paper thumbnail of Influences of ambient air speed and internal heat load on the performance of solar chimney in the tropics

Solar Energy, 2014

Solar chimney is a combination of solar assisted stack and wind driven ventilation where air in t... more Solar chimney is a combination of solar assisted stack and wind driven ventilation where air in the solar chimney expands under heating from solar irradiance and being relatively lighter, rises out from the chimney outlets, drawing the cooler air into the building through the fenestrations. This pull effect is complemented further by the push effect from the outdoor ambient wind. The study of solar chimney system within the zero energy building in tropical Singapore aims to determine the effects of ambient air speed and internal heat load on the thermal environment of the solar chimney ducts and classroom's interior. Experimental and computational results show that high ambient air speed greater than 2.00 m/s improves the air speed within the solar chimney ducts; both low and high ambient air speeds are found to improve the classroom's interior air speed. However, the significance of ambient air speed drops when solar irradiance is greater than 700 W/m 2. Furthermore, under the tropical weather conditions of high solar irradiance and low ambient air speed, cross ventilation performs better compared to solar chimney; hence, solar chimney is recommended to be employed under zero ambient air speed. Lastly, results show that the influences of internal heat load on the air temperature and speed within solar chimney ducts as well as classroom's interior are limited.

Research paper thumbnail of Parameterization Studies of Solar Chimneys in the Tropics

Energies, 2013

The paper examines the effect of the solar chimney’s stack height, depth, width and inlet positio... more The paper examines the effect of the solar chimney’s stack height, depth, width and inlet position on the interior performance (air temperature and speed at 1.20 m height above the ground) as well as proposes an optimal tropical solar chimney design. Simulations show that the output air temperature remains constant while the solar chimney’s width is the most significant factor influencing output air speed. The solar chimney’s inlet position has limited influence on the output air speed although regions near the solar chimney’s inlet show an increase in air speed. Furthermore, a regression model is developed based on the solar chimney’s stack height, depth and width to predict the interior air speed. To optimize solar chimney in the tropics, the recommendation is to first maximize its width as the interior’s width, while allowing its stack height to be the building’s height. Lastly, the solar chimney’s depth is determined from the regression model by allocating the required interior air speed.

Research paper thumbnail of Acoustics evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls

Building and Environment, 2010

After decades of fast growth, the scarcity of land in cities causes many buildings to be construc... more After decades of fast growth, the scarcity of land in cities causes many buildings to be constructed very close to expressways, exposing occupants to serious noise pollution. In recent years, sustainable cities have found that greenery is a key element in addressing this noise pollution, giving rise to the popularity of vertical greenery systems (VGS). This research has two objectives. The first involves the study of eight different vertical greenery systems installed in HortPark, Singapore to evaluate their acoustics impacts on the insertion loss of building walls. Experiment shows a stronger attenuation at low to middle frequencies due to the absorbing effect of substrate while a smaller attenuation is observed at high frequencies due to scattering from greenery. Generally, VGS 2, 7 and 8 exhibit relatively better insertion loss. The second objective aims to determine the sound absorption coefficient of the vertical greenery system constructed in the reverberation chamber which is found to have one of the highest values compared with other building materials and furnishings. Furthermore, as frequencies increases, the sound absorption coefficient increases. In addition, it is observed that the sound absorption coefficient increases with greater greenery coverage.

Research paper thumbnail of Energy simulation of vertical greenery systems

Energy and Buildings, 2009

The objective of this research is to simulate the effects of vertical greenery systems on the tem... more The objective of this research is to simulate the effects of vertical greenery systems on the temperature and energy consumption of buildings. Firstly, it involves performing TAS simulations to determine their effects on thermal comfort and energy consumption. It is found that 100% greenery coverage from vertical greenery systems is effective in lowering the mean radiant temperature of a glass facade building. Furthermore, to lower the energy cooling load significantly, the shading coefficient of plant species has to be low. Secondly, a thermal calculation of the envelope thermal transfer value (ETTV) to obtain their effects on the thermal performance of building envelope is performed. Results show a linear correlation between shading coefficient and leaf area index where a lower shading coefficient leads to a greater thermal insulation. 50% greenery coverage from vertical greenery systems and a shading coefficient of 0.041 reduce the ETTV of a glass facade building by 40.68%. Lastly, vertical greenery systems in mitigating the UHI effect within an estate is simulated using STEVE model. The increase of greenery coverage from vertical greenery systems is most significantly felt with a drop in the minimum estate air temperature throughout a large region of the estate.

Research paper thumbnail of Perception Studies of Vertical Greenery Systems in Singapore

Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 2010

The objective is to discover the current perception of vertical greenery systems and barriers to ... more The objective is to discover the current perception of vertical greenery systems and barriers to their widespread adoption in Singapore. It can be concluded that the energy saving property of vertical greenery systems make them suitable for the local conditions as Singapore depends heavily on air conditioning. In addition, vertical greenery systems will also enhance the aesthetic of a building. Moreover, the installation of vertical greenery system is part of the effort to reduce the increasing serious air and noise pollution. Lastly, vertical greenery system is able to bring nature closer to humans. As with all greenery, constant clearing of the residue of dead leaves as well as periodical replacement and trimming cannot be avoided. These may become a barrier in convincing building owners to adopt vertical greenery systems. Furthermore, there is a lack of technical information, maintenance instructions, and information on plants suitable for vertical greenery systems locally. Lastly, there is lack of awareness of the benefits and performance of vertical greenery systems as well as a lack of grants and subsidies for implementation of vertical greenery systems.

Research paper thumbnail of Thermal evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls

Building and …, 2010

This research involves the study of 8 different vertical greenery systems (VGSs) installed in Hor... more This research involves the study of 8 different vertical greenery systems (VGSs) installed in HortPark to evaluate the thermal impacts on the performance of buildings and their immediate environment based on the surface and ambient temperatures. VGSs 3 and 4 have the best cooling efficiency according to the maximum temperature reduction of the wall and substrate surfaces. These results point to the potential thermal benefits of vertical greenery systems in reducing the surface temperature of buildings facades in the tropical climate, leading to a reduction in the cooling load and energy cost. In terms of the lowest diurnal range of average wall surface temperature fluctuation, VGSs 4 and 1 show the highest capacities. No vertical greenery system performs well in term of the diurnal range of average substrate temperature fluctuation. By limiting the diurnal fluctuation of wall surface temperatures, the lifespan of building facades is prolonged, slowing down wear and tear as well as savings in maintenance cost and the replacement of façade parts. The effects of vertical greenery systems on ambient temperature are found to depend on specific vertical greenery systems. VGS 2 has hardly any effect on the ambient temperature while the effects of VGS 4 are felt as far as 0.60 m away. Given the preponderance of wall facades in the built environment, the use of vertical greenery systems to cool the ambient temperature in building canyons is promising. Furthermore, air intakes of airconditioning at a cooler ambient temperature translate into saving in energy cooling load.

Research paper thumbnail of Thermal evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls

Building and Environment, 2010

This research involves the study of 8 different vertical greenery systems (VGSs) installed in Hor... more This research involves the study of 8 different vertical greenery systems (VGSs) installed in HortPark to evaluate the thermal impacts on the performance of buildings and their immediate environment based on the surface and ambient temperatures. VGSs 3 and 4 have the best cooling efficiency according to the maximum temperature reduction of the wall and substrate surfaces. These results point to the potential thermal benefits of vertical greenery systems in reducing the surface temperature of buildings facades in the tropical climate, leading to a reduction in the cooling load and energy cost. In terms of the lowest diurnal range of average wall surface temperature fluctuation, VGSs 4 and 1 show the highest capacities. No vertical greenery system performs well in term of the diurnal range of average substrate temperature fluctuation. By limiting the diurnal fluctuation of wall surface temperatures, the lifespan of building facades is prolonged, slowing down wear and tear as well as savings in maintenance cost and the replacement of façade parts. The effects of vertical greenery systems on ambient temperature are found to depend on specific vertical greenery systems. VGS 2 has hardly any effect on the ambient temperature while the effects of VGS 4 are felt as far as 0.60 m away. Given the preponderance of wall facades in the built environment, the use of vertical greenery systems to cool the ambient temperature in building canyons is promising. Furthermore, air intakes of airconditioning at a cooler ambient temperature translate into saving in energy cooling load.

Research paper thumbnail of Acoustics evaluation of vertical greenery systems for building walls

Building and Environment, 2010

After decades of fast growth, the scarcity of land in cities causes many buildings to be construc... more After decades of fast growth, the scarcity of land in cities causes many buildings to be constructed very close to expressways, exposing occupants to serious noise pollution. In recent years, sustainable cities have found that greenery is a key element in addressing this noise pollution, giving rise to the popularity of vertical greenery systems (VGS). This research has two objectives. The first involves the study of eight different vertical greenery systems installed in HortPark, Singapore to evaluate their acoustics impacts on the insertion loss of building walls. Experiment shows a stronger attenuation at low to middle frequencies due to the absorbing effect of substrate while a smaller attenuation is observed at high frequencies due to scattering from greenery. Generally, VGS 2, 7 and 8 exhibit relatively better insertion loss. The second objective aims to determine the sound absorption coefficient of the vertical greenery system constructed in the reverberation chamber which is found to have one of the highest values compared with other building materials and furnishings. Furthermore, as frequencies increases, the sound absorption coefficient increases. In addition, it is observed that the sound absorption coefficient increases with greater greenery coverage.

Research paper thumbnail of Thermal Comfort Performances of Temporary Shelters Using Experimental and Computational Assessments

Buildings, 2021

This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer c... more This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer conditions. The temperature within the tent was higher compared to the standard configuration of the temporary shelter, but its relative humidity was lower. During the time period 09:30 to 14:30, temperatures at the center of the tent at positions 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 3.1 °C, 5.5 °C and 6.0 °C higher, respectively, than the average ambient temperature of 36.3 °C. However, temperatures for the standard configuration at similar central positions of 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 1.2 °C, 0.5 °C and 0.7 °C lower, respectively, than the same average ambient. In the afternoon, the standard configuration (PMV of 3.14 and PPD of 100) performed better than the tent (PMV of 5.03 and PPD of 100), although neither achieved thermal comfort. Various experimental configurations showed that double layers of roof lowered temperatures, but the thermal comfort (PMV of 3.3...