Exploring the natural ventilation potential of urban climate for high-rise buildings across different climatic zones

The natural cooling capacity of the environment can effectively reduce the building energy consumption by natural ventilation (NV). For architects, developing NV strategies requires a comprehensive understanding of the distribution characteristics of urban meteorology. This study investigates the vertical characteristics of urban local-scale meteorological parameters across climatic zones. It aims to assess the climatic potential for NV of outdoor air in high-rise buildings. Firstly, using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with Local Climate Zone (LCZ) data and sounding data, the vertical distribution of meteorological parameters are explored in typical urban areas across different climatic zones. Then, based on an adaptive thermal comfort model, the climatic potential is assessed for NV in high-rise buildings via the indicator of annual natural ventilation hour (NVH). Finally, the characteristics of urban meteorology is further is analyzed in terms of its impact on the natural ventilation potential (NVP) in each climatic zone. Results indicate that air temperature decreases with height from 0 to 500 m, with more pronounced temperature gradients in compact building areas. Near the ground level, Kunming (Temperate Zone) has the most NVH, reaching 4,840 h annually. However, when building height exceeds 100 m, Guangzhou (Hot Summer and Warm Winter, HSWW) becomes more suitable for NV. In cold regions, low temperatures limit NVP during winter, while high humidity constrains it in Temperate and HSWW zones. Overall, the annual NVP in high-rise building areas exceeds that of low-rise building areas. These distribution characteristics of NVP are anticipated to promote the utilization of natural resources for sustainable urban development.