Ricerc@Sapienza

In this study, a microclimate analysis has been carried out starting with a particular urban configuration, "the street canyon". The analysis, conducted by performing numerical simulations using the finite volumes commercial code ANSYS-Fluent studies how the thermal and flow field are affected by the effect of the solar radiation, varying the ratio H/W. Furthermore, a thermo-fluid dynamic analysis of natural convection effects and of 3D characteristics of the flow field on the heat transfer coefficient, has been carried out.

In an urban micro-climate environment, the convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC) on the façades influences simulated building's energy demand and exterior wall surfaces temperatures. In this paper, it is analyzed how the CHTC values on the façades of a building located in an urban canyon influence the façades temperatures and how important is the choice of an accurate CHTC correlation on the space cooling and heating energy demand.

While urban areas expand both in terms of population and built/paved surfaces, cities are facing growing challenges. In particular, the wellbeing and comfort of urban population is of primary importance, and has to be pursued together with other objectives, such as the reduction of energy consumptions and emissions. These issues are all related, since energy consumptions lead to higher emissions, which translate into higher temperatures in cities, thus reduced thermal comfort for pedestrians, and air quality deterioration.