Exploring the possibilities of improving thermal and energy quality in school classrooms in Costa Rica through the use of passive strategies

Abstract

In tropical developing countries, the considerations of energy efficiency and quality of school buildings are minimal, compromising the conditions of internal comfort. This paper explores the effects on thermal comfort and energy generated by performing parametric variations on the typical configuration of naturally ventilated classrooms in tropical Costa Rica. Using dynamic simulations by Design Builder, weather data, and surveys of comfort, classrooms with the same design pattern in three locations prone to overheating were analyzed. Energy demand and improving the operating temperature of the enclosure by varying bioclimatic parameters of passive cooling and solar control were reviewed. The results indicate that certain configurations can optimize the performance of the typology of cases studied. The impact of choosing appropriate design parameters and the use of simulation tools in verifying building performance is demonstrated.