Computational Verification of the NBR 15220-3 Recommendations for Thermal Comfort in the City of Curitiba

ABSTRACT

Abstract The Brazilian Standard for Thermal Performance and Bioclimatic Zoning (NBR 15.220-3) establishes twelve strategies to achieve thermal comfort inside buildings considering the dry bulb temperature and the predominant humidity in each climate. These strategies are visualized in the Bioclimatic Charts of Brazil main cities. This study seeks, through computational simulation by the EnergyPlus software, to test the bioclimatic strategy proposed by the Standard for the city of Curitiba through the addition of thermal mass. The goal is to check the validity of the temperature limits related to the constructive guidelines described. The article is restricted to the analysis of Bioclimatic Zone 01 in which Curitiba is inserted. To this end, the unit of analysis was a standard apartment located in the city. It was used as a model for simulations with constructive materials of different thicknesses and thermal properties. The indexes of the materials correspond to those described in the Standard. From the comparison of results of the buildings internal temperature regarding the external temperature data, the applicability of the Thermal Mass Addition strategy was verified in the gap between 14 to 21 degrees Celsius of Dry Bulb Temperature. In conclusion, the limits stipulated in Standard for this Area were only partially confirmed.