Thermal performance of residential building with mixed-mode and passive cooling strategies: The Brazilian context

The definition of user behavior in computer simulations for building thermal performance analysis is a challenging and complex task. People behave differently depending on their routine and culture, among many other factors. Thus, in this study, mixed-mode climatization for cooling and heating (air conditioning and natural ventilation) was analyzed considering different thermal performance indicators, construction systems and climates in Brazil. The typology analyzed was a single-family dwelling. The results showed not only how different cooling strategies can change the dwelling thermal performance, but also how this performance may be perceived differently based on the indicator. Depending on the indicator, distinct envelopes would be recommended. Also, the study demonstrated that for public policies, the stakeholders need to understand the behavior and occupancy patterns of residents who are representative of a country in order to identify, with more accuracy, the most appropriate envelope for each case. In the case of the indicators, metrics that are most easily adapted to considerer resilient according to climate changing are recommended for inclusion in standards and regulations.