Thermal performance simulation and the urban microclimate: measurements and prediction

Computer models used to predict building heating and cooling energy and occupant thermal comfort at present rely on climate data collected at a remote meteorological station. No account is taken of the changes in meteorological conditions caused by the urban developments, yet it is known the differences can be important. This paper reports on a project aimed at the development of a computer simulation model that will provide data representing realistic site-specific meteorological conditions that may then be input to building thermal simulation software to produce more accurate modelling of a building’s thermal performance.