Applying Natural Ventilation for Thermal Comfort in Residential Buildings in Singapore

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of using natural ventilation for indoor thermal comfort in residential buildings in Singapore based on climatic data analyses. A typical year of weather data was selected by statistical analyses of weather data over a five-year period in Singapore. The characteristics of weather data for a typical year were analyzed with regard to temperatures, wind speeds, and wind directions. Thermal comfort models for natural ventilation applicable for Singapore were used for the assessment of thermal conditions. It was found that by applying natural ventilation, a thermally comfortable indoor environment can potentially be provided for a large number of hours in the year with optimum of facade designs for residential buildings (negligible heat sources). The study also developed facade design guidelines based on the required indoor air velocities for thermal comfort.