Numerical Simulation of Ventilation Potential in Traditional Omani House: Bait Al Khandaq as an example

Abstract

The use of cooling systems has increased because of drastic changes introduced after the oil revolution in the local architecture by using modern building designs and practices that may not suit Oman's climate. The traditional architecture in this country is characterized by its passive cooling design features, which the Locals fine-tuned through trial and error. These sustainable passive design practices developed over the ages have the ability to provide healthy and comfortable spaces for their occupants while preserving the environment and natural resources. These strategies are still evident in many traditional settlements and buildings in Oman. The present research evaluates the effect of natural ventilation in achieving thermal comfort in traditional Omani houses. For this purpose, a traditional house in a hot-arid climate zone with vernacular architecture typology was chosen as a case study. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) was used to model the house and analyse the airflow and temperature levels in its spaces. The results show the efficiency of such a design to enhance natural ventilation and thermal comfort in similar geo-climatic regions.