Modelaje matemático y simulación computadorizada del enfriamiento natural de una vivienda en Puerto Rico

Abstract

The planning of social interest housing developed by the government of Puerto Rico during the sixties basically optimizes the economic aspects. Although, unfortunately, they shun a very important aspect in the intrinsic relationship between the habitant and his habitat (environment): the degree of thermal comfort of the users and the economic implications that bears to reach this comfort. The reinforced concrete housing unit built in many island towns has an approximate cost between $10,000 and $15,000. It is 8 feet high, from floor to ceiling, and its walls and ceiling are 4.5 and 5 inches thick, respectively. The dwellers of this type of housing had to make additional investments to achieve an acceptable degree of comfort. The natural coolling of residential dwelling-housint is an alternative to the growing demands of electric power for the air conditioning and mechanic ventilation of this type of housing. This paper presents the results of a research study to anlize the natural cooling of dwelling-hosing that receives intense solar radiation year-round in tropical areas, particularly in Puerto Rico. The model for the study is a typical city planning unit built by the government of Puerto Rico. The selected unit is part of the Proyecto Habitacional Río Cristal of Mayaguez.