The aim of this research is to assess the indoor thermal performance of rural dwellings in the\nEcuadorian highlands through both experimental and numerical analysis. A three-step methodology\nwas applied to conduct the research: (a) field data collection, (b) building thermal model development\nand calibration, and (c) comparison analysis and assessment of traditional improvement strategies.\nQualitative and quantitative data were collected from two representative rural dwellings under\ntypical usage conditions. The first is a traditional construction, medium-exposed thermal mass\ndwelling (Case A). The second is a local common, uninsulated, lightweight construction (Case B).\nThe thermal model was calibrated by comparing hourly temperature values of the observed and the\npredicted indoor air temperature. A high correlation level (R2) was achieved between the observed\nand predicted data; 0.89 in Case A and 0.94 in Case B. The results show that the roof, floor, and the\nairtightness are the critical building parameters affecting the indoor thermal environment. Likewise,\nthe indoor air temperature is increased up to 4 ââ??¦C through the implementation of traditional strategies.\nHowever, despite the rise in indoor air temperature, acceptable thermal comfort ranges were only\nreached for 25% of the total hours.
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