Experimental investigation and numerical modeling of the thermodynamic behavior of a workplace

What is it about?

This study focuses on the experimental investigation of the thermodynamic behavior of a workspace located in southern Algeria. ‘‘Testo’’-type instruments were installed to measure and record the thermal parameters of the workspace over 24 hours during a typical day in May 2024. In parallel, a numerical model was developed to simulate the thermodynamic behavior of the same space. A comparison between experimental and numerical results was then conducted to validate the accuracy of the developed model. The findings revealed that the absolute deviation between both sets of results did not exceed 4%. Moreover, the study highlights that the harsh climatic conditions of southern Algeria, combined with the commonly used construction materials, directly contribute to elevated indoor temperatures, particularly during summer. It was observed that the average indoor temperature ranged between 28 °C and 30.5 °C. These results underscore the need to consider alternative building materials that enhance thermal comfort while promoting energy efficiency.

Featured Image

Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash

Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The experimental campaign, conducted in May 2024 over a 20-day period, used advanced measurement tools such as the “Testo 175T2,” “Testo 175T3,” and “Testo 174H” data loggers. These instruments enabled precise monitoring of the following parameters: the internal surface temperature of the southern and northern facades, roof surface temperature, indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, and outdoor ambient temperature. This data was critical for model validation and for drawing conclusions regarding thermal comfort and energy-saving strategies in extreme climates. Although the experimental period does not cover all seasonal climatic variations, it corresponds to a representative hot-arid period in Adrar, characterized by high ambient temperature, very low relative humidity, and intense solar radiation. Therefore, the conclusions are interpreted within this specific climatic context.