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User Thermal Comfort in Historic Buildings: Evaluation of the Potential of Thermal Mass, Orientation, Evaporative Cooling and Ventilation

Author

Listed:
  • Mamdooh Alwetaishi

    (Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21099, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ashraf Balabel

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21099, Saudi Arabia
    Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Menofia University, Menofia 32511, Egypt)

  • Ahmed Abdelhafiz

    (Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21099, Saudi Arabia
    Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt)

  • Usama Issa

    (Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21099, Saudi Arabia
    Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Minia University, Minia 61111, Egypt)

  • Ibrahim Sharaky

    (Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21099, Saudi Arabia
    Material Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt)

  • Amal Shamseldin

    (Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21099, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Archtectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt)

  • Mohammed Al-Surf

    (U.S. Green Building Council and Green Business Certification Institute, Washington, DC 20037, USA)

  • Mosleh Al-Harthi

    (Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21099, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohamed Gadi

    (Department of Architecture Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

Abstract

The study investigated the level of thermal comfort in historical buildings located at a relatively high altitude in the Arabian Desert of Saudi Arabia. The study focused on the impact of the use of thermal mass and orientation on the level of thermal performance at Shubra and Boqri Palaces. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used in this study, including a questionnaire interview with architecture experts living at the relatively high altitude of Taif city, to obtain data and information from local experts. The computer software TAS EDSL was used along with on-site equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras and data loggers, to observe the physical conditions of the building in terms of its thermal performance. The study revealed that the experts’ age and years of experience were important aspects while collecting data from them during the survey. The use of thermal mass had a slight impact on the indoor air temperature as well as the energy consumption, but it helped in providing thermal comfort. Use of ventilation can improve thermal comfort level. Evaporative cooling technique has a considerable impact on reducing indoor air temperature with 4 °C drop, improving the thermal comfort sensation level. The novelty of this work is that, it links the outcomes of qualitative results of experts with field monitoring as well as computer modelling. This can contribute as method to accurately collect data in similar case studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Mamdooh Alwetaishi & Ashraf Balabel & Ahmed Abdelhafiz & Usama Issa & Ibrahim Sharaky & Amal Shamseldin & Mohammed Al-Surf & Mosleh Al-Harthi & Mohamed Gadi, 2020. "User Thermal Comfort in Historic Buildings: Evaluation of the Potential of Thermal Mass, Orientation, Evaporative Cooling and Ventilation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-23, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:22:p:9672-:d:447919
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Belén Onecha & Alicia Dotor, 2021. "Simulation Method to Assess Thermal Comfort in Historical Buildings with High-Volume Interior Spaces—The Case of the Gothic Basilica of Sta. Maria del Mar in Barcelona," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Ashraf Balabel & Mamdooh Alwetaishi, 2021. "Towards Sustainable Residential Buildings in Saudi Arabia According to the Conceptual Framework of “Mostadam” Rating System and Vision 2030," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-16, January.
    3. Robert C. Vella & Charles Yousif & Francisco Javier Rey Martinez & Javier María Rey Hernandez, 2022. "Prioritising Passive Measures over Air Conditioning to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Mediterranean Baroque Churches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-23, July.
    4. Abdullah Abdulhameed Bagasi & John Kaiser Calautit & Abdullah Saeed Karban, 2021. "Evaluation of the Integration of the Traditional Architectural Element Mashrabiya into the Ventilation Strategy for Buildings in Hot Climates," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-31, January.
    5. Lorenzo Diana & Saverio D’Auria & Giovanna Acampa & Giorgia Marino, 2022. "Assessment of Disused Public Buildings: Strategies and Tools for Reuse of Healthcare Structures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-25, February.

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