Buildings Energy Consumption and Thermal Comfort Assessment using Weather and Microclimate data: A Numerical Approach in Humid-Tropical Climate

Abstract

A numerical approach between standard weather and urban microclimate data has been analyzed. This study applies a methodology that integrates microclimatic boundary conditions to predict energy cooling demand. It was evaluated in the climatic context by coupling ENVImet and DesignBuilder (EnergyPlus). The coupling was explored at urban scale in Panama, tested for a case study considering morphological configuration, construction materials, occupation profiles, and equipment usage. Results show an average difference percentage of 5.07% in cooling demand when the microclimatic weather data is considered. Also, resulting indoor operative temperature indicated that thermal comfort levels are not achieved, which natural ventilation is not a suitable strategy to be implemented even at night hours.