Identifying bioclimatic techniques for sustainable low-rise high-density residential units: Comparative analysis on the ventilation performance of vernacular dwellings in China

Vernacular dwellings equipped with bioclimatic techniques, used to form low-rise high-density communities in most Asian regions, are of great value for the development of modern sustainable residential units. Natural ventilation is a major concern mainly because of its climate-related characteristics of improving indoor thermal comfort at extremely low ecological costs. Therefore, this study applies a comparative analysis coupled with field investigations and numerical simulations to the ventilation technologies of vernacular dwellings in different areas of China. Geometric prototypes of typical vernacular dwellings in six climate zones were generated based on field measurements. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations were conducted in OpenFOAM with the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) modeling approach and the RNG k-epsilon turbulence model. A correlation analysis of the building elements and climate factors was also performed to determine the relevant parameters affecting ventilation performance. The results revealed different emphases and verified strategies for wind environment regulation based on different local climates. Six physical parameters, namely wind projection angle, orientation, wind inclination angle, window-to-wall ratio, top-to-bottom ratio, and height-to-width ratio of the atrium, are considered to be closely related to ventilation efficiency. The findings from the current research provide quantitative evidence of the effectiveness of natural ventilation technologies of vernacular dwellings and contribute to comprehensive knowledge for designing sustainable low-rise high-density residential units with optimum ventilation functions.