Micro-climatic Measurements in the Belen Area of Old Havana and three Courtyard Buildings: Comparison with Data from the Meteorological Station

The use of climatic data from a meteorological station for thermal simulations instead of the urban site conditions might result in erroneous evaluation of comfort inside buildings. This paper briefly summarises the method and results of two measurement campaigns in the summer 2003 and winter 2003-2004 in the Belen area of Old Havana. The study aims to obtain micro-climatic data of the site for further use in thermal simulations of courtyard buildings. A comparison between three types of buildings was made in order to have a preliminary impression on how building and courtyard characteristics affect the interior climatic conditions. The results show that the outdoor temperature in this neighbourhood is in general higher than in the station; nevertheless, each location has its own hygro-thermal behaviour. The mean reduction of the wind speed at the roof level is significantly high. The shape and size of the courtyard proved to be essential in the thermal comfort of the buildings.