The effects of rhythm on building openings and fenestrations on airflow pattern in tropical low-rise residential buildings

Effective passive airflow in low-rise residential buildings in hot-humid environment is crucial to maintaining good indoor thermal comfort for occupants. However, investigation of effects of the rhythm of window openings on achieving a passive airflow pattern in such buildings in the tropical climate of sub-Saharan Nigeria have been rarely studied. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of the rhythm of window openings on passive airflow patterns for indoor thermal comfort in low-rise residential buildings in the hot-humid environment of Obosi, Nigeria. It involved experimental research using the Anemometer TA465 instrument for measuring wind velocity, relative humidity, and temperature of the purposively designated buildings in the three layouts of the study area for both wet and dry seasons. Employing the Yamane statistical formula, a sample size of 433 was obtained, and questionnaires were administered to occupants of the studied buildings and analyzed using categorical Regression Analysis (CATREG). The regression analysis showed that p=0.000, i.e. p<0.05 indicating that there was a significant relationship between the type and sizes of windows (elements used in measuring rhythm) and the intensity or force of breeze (a measure of passive airflow pattern). Further analysis of the data involved the use of Autodesk CFD 2018 (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for building wind flow simulations. The result showed variations in temperature levels (indications of differences in indoor thermal comfort) of various indoor spaces of the investigated designated floors and buildings, especially ground floors and the top-most floors of the buildings. The study underscored the need to use architectural rhythm design strategies to create a positive impact on airflow patterns in low-rise buildings, especially in densely built-up urban areas. The results of this study are instructive in noting that in order to attain passive airflow in buildings in the face of challenge of land restrictions, vertical stacking of building floors could be used once an adequate rhythm of window openings is adopted

The Effects of Rhythm on Building Openings and Fenestrations on Airflow Pattern in Tropical Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Effective passive airflow in low-rise residential buildings in hot-humid environment is crucial to maintaining good indoor thermal comfort for occupants. However, investigation of effects of the rhythm of window openings on achieving a passive airflow pattern in such buildings in the tropical climate of sub-Saharan Nigeria have been rarely studied. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of the rhythm of window openings on passive airflow patterns for indoor thermal comfort in low-rise residential buildings in the hot-humid environment of Obosi, Nigeria. It involved experimental research using the Anemometer TA465 instrument for measuring wind velocity, relative humidity, and temperature of the purposively designated buildings in the three layouts of the study area for both wet and dry seasons. Employing the Yamane statistical formula, a sample size of 433 was obtained, and questionnaires were administered to occupants of the studied buildings and analyzed using categorical Regression Analysis (CATREG). The regression analysis showed that p=0.000, i.e. p<0.05 indicating that there was a significant relationship between the type and sizes of windows (elements used in measuring rhythm) and the intensity or force of breeze (a measure of passive airflow pattern). Further analysis of the data involved the use of Autodesk CFD 2018 (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for building wind flow simulations. The result showed variations in temperature levels (indications of differences in indoor thermal comfort) of various indoor spaces of the investigated designated floors and buildings, especially ground floors and the top-most floors of the buildings. The study underscored the need to use architectural rhythm design strategies to create a positive impact on airflow patterns in low-rise buildings, especially in densely built-up urban areas. The results of this study are instructive in noting that in order to attain passive airflow in buildings in the face of challenge of land restrictions, vertical stacking of building floors could be used once an adequate rhythm of window openings is adopted. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-08-016 Full Text: PD

Potentials for alternative energy in Nigerian cities and remote communities

The energy sector of Nigeria’s economy constitutes a critical challenge. This sector has defied all efforts for its reform and restoration largely due to ineffective and poor policy implementation. In the 20th century, oil was the main driving force in global geopolitics and the main force behind massive industrialization. However, oil is moving in a downward trend. In its place will be an array of technologies, in the form of alternative energies with long term prospects. The standard of living of a given country can be directly related to per capita energy consumption but energy crisis is on the increase due to population and improved standard of living especially in developing cities. The aim of the study is to identify alternative energy potentials for Nigeria in view of her current energy challenges. The methodology applied in this study include case studies and review of existing literature on the subject. Identified energy crises include, incessant power outage, shortage and scarcity of petroleum products, high electricity bill, vandalization of pipelines and oil installations. The paper discussed the energy crises in Nigeria, the potentials of alternative energy technologies, and the challenges of its development for Nigerian cities and recommends that renewable energy and energy efficiency are necessary factors to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria