Thermal Performance of Naturally Ventilated Classroom in the Faculty of Engineering Hasanuddin University, Gowa Campus

Abstract

This study aims to identify the thermal performance of naturally ventilated classrooms of the new campus of Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University in Gowa. The natural ventilation system has three main functions that are to provide healthy air for occupants, to provide thermal comfort to the occupants, and to cool the fabrics in the building interior. Thermal comfort perceived by the user is determined by many factors, including physical, psychological, etc. This research was conducted by using the experimental method with research analysis using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation method. The input parameters in the simulation were obtained through field measurement in the form of room dimension, ventilation open area, and microclimate parameter. The simulation is carried out at maximum open conditions in existing ventilation system with open and closed class door treatment. The simulation treatment of airflow input speeds were 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 m/s. The results showed that the existing ventilation system of Classroom at Faculty of Engineering (FoE) Hasanuddin University (Unhas) with an opening ratio of 16.59 to 22.76% of the floor area is good enough to flow and distribute comfortable air movement inside the classroom, especially at airflow speeds above 0.5 m/s.