Termodinámica del patio mediterráneoCuantificación y aplicación al diseño de arquitecturas eco-eficientes

Abstract

The following doctoral thesis studies the way in which Mediterranean courtyards are used in architecture as passive energy saving systems, through a detailed understanding of their thermodynamic behaviour. In order to achieve this, one must first of all study the historical architectural importance of the courtyard, setting out to explain its origin and continued existence, an approach which highlights the physical qualities and objective benefits. This thesis will explain the current knowledge about its purpose and function in architecture. In order to better understand these factors, a relationship is established between different climates and different designs of historic courtyards. Subsequently, progress is made in describing and understanding the physical phenomena which determine the microclimatic behaviour of the courtyards, by establishing its relationship with the geometric characteristics. This is carried out theoretically with the study of various design types, as well as experimentally by monitoring and studying the courtyards. By combining the use of open source numerical simulations and architectural design software, a method is developed for quantifying their thermodynamic behaviour which allows us to achieve a deeper understanding and better use of the characteristics of courtyards for their use in the design of buildings. Finally, we study people’s mostly universal perception of that microclimate, both inside buildings with courtyards as well as within courtyards themselves. The work will objectively demonstrate the way in which buildings with courtyards have a better chance of offering comfort without increasing energy consumption. We demonstrate that architectural designs which include courtyards (in buildings) are more energy-efficient, all this is presented in a global study that also includes conceptual, qualitative and quantitative tools to encourage to facilitate the design of buildings with patio.