Microclimate Energy Considerations in Building Design for Arid Regions

Abstract

Climate is one of the main parameters that can influence building designs in Iraq. Analysis and assessment of microclimatological data can aid urban architects and engineers to optimize human comfort through environmentally sustainable practices. The results indicated that the long-term measurements of total solar insolation and ambient temperatures have increased by 2.9% and 6.5% respectively. Albedo resulted in good correlation with heating coefficients and temperature of R2 = 0.89 and 0.63 respectively. Annual cooling degree days and heating degree days have reduced, while annual mean ambient temperatures and annual solar radiation have increased.

Keywords

• albedo, climatic factors, cooling & heating degrees, heating coefficient,