Simulation of Window-to-Wall Ratio for Thermal Comfort of Fully-Enclosed Courtyard Residential Buildings in Kafanchan

Abstract

The literature has revealed that relationship between the courtyard and the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) is paramount to thermal comfort of fully-enclosed courtyard residential buildings. This study, therefore, seeks to determine the optimum WWR for fully-enclosed courtyard residential building typology for Kafanchan and its environs. The Integrated Environment Solution and Virtual Environment (IES-VE) simulation software was used to simulate five typologies of WWRs for four typologies of room area(s) in fully-enclosed courtyard residential buildings in Kafanchan. The IES-VE software was used for the simulation experiment. WWRs were developed into five models which were simulated to determine the optimum. The results revealed that, WWR4 (window size of 1.44m²) has better air temperature condition in all the room areas than all the remaining WWRs. This suggests that it is the best, followed by WWR3, 2, 1 and 5 respectively. Conclusively, WWR4 is the optimum. However, further simulation studies are required to understand optimum location of windows for improved airflow in the fullyenclosed courtyard building.