Checking the critical weather data of Phoenix, AZ, US( tools: Ladybug for Grasshopper, Climate consultant)
1. 2.
3.
Average hot-week day time temperature: 36.31 °( hot) Average hot-week RH: 30.035( dry-moderate) Average annual cloud cover: 3.17 %( clear skies)
Average hot-week UTCI comfort condition: 2.36( hot)
4. 5. 6. 7.
1. Annual dry bulb temperature 2. Annual relative humidity 3. Annual Cloud cover
4. Annual Outdoor UTCI 5. Total Radiation( Direct + diffuse horizontal)
6. Annual wind speed 7. Ground temperature at various depths
Analyzing the weather data and identifying feasible passive strategies
Key rules of thumb:
1. Good natural ventilation can reduce air conditioning in warm but not very hot days, if combined with some passive cooling techniques and shade
2. Sparse cloud cover and high radiation levels mean there’ s good daylight potential but windows and glazing need to be shaded at all times 3. Local plantations can help shade walls and improve outdoor micro-climate 4. Long and narrow floor plan to facilitate cross ventilation
5. Considering the low humidity ratios, evaporative cooling strategies are feasible to help reduce the indoor air temperature and induce comfort.
6. Treated courtyard and stack effect to induce ventilation can aid both the indoors and outdoors.
5