Thermal Analysis of Tibetan Vernacular Building - Case of Lhasa

Vernacular building is considered as sustainable in energy consumption and environment and its thermal performance is more and more concerned by researchers. This paper investigates the thermal property of the vernacular building in Lhasa by theoretical analysis on the aspects of building form, envelope and materials etc. The values of thermal resistance and thermal capacity of the envelope are calculated and compared with the current China building code and modern building case. And it is concluded that Lhasa vernacular building meets the current China building code of thermal standards and have better performance in some aspects, which is achieved by various passive means with close response to local climate conditions.

Authors:

• Lingjiang Huang
• Fangfang Liu

Keywords:

• Climate
• Vernacular Building
• Thermal Property
• Passive Means

References:

[1] China Building Code Of Thermal Design(GB 50176-93)
[2] weather Data is from www.energy.gov
[3] Deqingcuomu and Suolangdanba. "Analysis of Tibetan Climatology",
Tibet Science and Technology, Vol112, pp 49-511, (2002).
[4] Pan Yungang and Jin Jian. "Application of solar energy to heating system
in Lhasa Railway Station", Heating Ventilating & Air Conditioning,
Vol112, pp 49-511, (2002).
[5] Paul Oliver (Editor), Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the
World Vol.1, Theories and principles. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1997, pp193-208.
[6] Institute of Natural Science History (Editor), History of Chinese Ancient
Building technology. Beijing: Science Press, 1985, pp348.
[7] T.A. Markus, E.N. Morris, buildings, climate and energy. London:
Pitman, 1980, pp100.
[8] Kristian Fabbri and Lamberto Tronchin. "The relationship between
climate and energy in vernacular architecture in central Italy", The 23rd
Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture, 2006. pp.115-116
[9] Y.F.Liu, J.P.Liu.,Y.Liu, H.Quan, "Measurement of thermal environment
in a multistoried passive solar residence in Lhasa". Heating Ventilating &
Air Conditioning, pp. 122-124 (2007)
[10] Li Jing and Liu Jiaping,"Urban Cliamtology, Energy Conservation and
Thermal Performance of Lhasa City", International Conference on
Energy and Environment Technology, 2009. pp. 497-500