Evaluating the thermal erformance of residential buildings in Tripoli using sustainable design strategies to achieve energy efficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65405/cd5tnp23Keywords:
Thermal performance - Residential buildings - Climate design - Limestone - Compacted soilAbstract
In this study, we evaluated and analyzed the thermal performance of several residential buildings in Tripoli, Libya, during the summer season, focusing on the impact of building materials and the properties of the building's exterior envelope on achieving thermal comfort and reducing heat transfer to the interior. The study relied on field measurements of temperature and relative humidity inside and outside three types of buildings: a white limestone building, a hollow concrete block building, and a soap house built with rammed earth.
A thermos hygrograph was used to record and analyze climatic data using graphs, with the aim of comparing indoor and outdoor environmental conditions and studying the buildings' response to climatic changes. The results showed that white limestone, with its thick walls (40–50 cm) and high thermal mass, exhibited remarkable stability in indoor temperatures. Hollow concrete blocks, with their thinner walls (23.5 cm) and high thermal conductivity, were more susceptible to daily temperature fluctuations. Similarly, the soapstone (rammed earth) construction, with its thick walls (up to 60 cm) and relatively low thermal conductivity, demonstrated a natural thermal efficiency exceeding that of some modern buildings. The study also showed that building materials with high thermal mass help store and gradually release heat, improving indoor thermal comfort and reducing reliance on mechanical air conditioning systems. The study recommended prioritizing climate-friendly design principles and using environmentally appropriate building materials to enhance energy efficiency and achieve sustainability in residential buildings.
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