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Estimating the indoor thermal comfort deficit in the social housing built in Ecuador by integrating Building Information Modelling and Geographical Information Systems

Abstract:

This study aims to estimate the thermal comfort deficit that exists inside of the social housing dwellings that are built in Ecuador. For this, building energy simulations of the social housing model were carried out considering the climatic conditions of all parishes of the continental part of the country. From simulation results, thermal comfort was evaluated using the adaptive comfort model included in CEN Standard EN15251. Based on the Category III acceptability limits of the standard, the adaptive thermal discomfort hours inside social housing were calculated. Finally, the adaptive thermal discomfort hours were mapped using a Geographic Information Systems software, in order to identify areas of the country where there is a high thermal comfort deficit inside social housing. The obtained results show areas in the Andean Highlands, where there is a significant thermal comfort deficit. For this reason, it is recommended that the political proposals involving public investment in building refurbishment focus on the regeneration of dwellings that are located in these areas of the country.