Microclimatic modeling of the urban thermal environment of Singapore to mitigate urban heat island

This study investigates the urban heat island effect in Singapore and examines the key factors causing this effect. The possibilities of improving heat extraction rate by optimizing air flow in selected hot spots were explored. The effect of building geometry, facade materials and the location of air-conditioning condensers on the outdoor air temperature was explored using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. It was found that at very low wind speeds, the effect of facade temperature at the middle of a narrow canyon increased up to 2.5C with the facade materials and their colors was very significant and the facade material having lower albedo. It was also found that strategically placing a few high-rise towers will enhance the air flow inside the canyon thereby reducing the air temperature. Adopting an optimum H/W ratio for the canyons increased the velocity by up to 35% and reduced the corresponding temperature by up to 0.7C.

Suggested citation or credit:

Priyadarsini, R., Hien, W., & Waidavid, C. (2008). Microclimatic modeling of the urban thermal environment of Singapore to mitigate urban heat island. Solar Energy, 82(8), 727-745.

Source: Solar Energy

Publication Date: August 2008

Find it at: