Outdoor Thermal Comfort, Air and Thermal CFD

Our service leverages sophisticated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling technology, requiring specialized expertise in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and environmental physics. SOCOTEC’s team of CFD specialists employs industry-leading simulation software to create high-fidelity digital models that accurately represent complex airflow patterns, thermal exchanges, and humidity interactions in outdoor environments.

The CFD analysis process incorporates detailed environmental data inputs including:

• Local meteorological datasets spanning multiple years
• Site-specific topographical information at high resolution
• Precise 3D building geometry and material properties
• Vegetation characteristics including species, density, and seasonal variations
• Urban heat signatures from anthropogenic sources

To enhance the robustness and future relevance of our analyses, we incorporate forward-looking climate projection data from recognized climate models (IPCC scenarios) into our simulations. This approach allows us to evaluate not only current comfort conditions but also anticipated changes over 10, 30, and 50-year horizons, accounting for projected temperature increases, precipitation pattern shifts, and extreme weather event frequencies. By integrating these climate change projections, we provide clients with microclimate design solutions that remain effective and resilient throughout the built asset’s lifecycle, ensuring long-term comfort and usability despite changing environmental conditions.

SOCOTEC’s Outdoor Microclimate and Comfort Analysis service employs advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling to optimize outdoor spaces for human comfort and environmental resilience. By analyzing complex interactions between buildings, landscape elements, and local climate conditions, we provide evidence-based recommendations that mitigate adverse environmental impacts while creating comfortable, usable outdoor spaces in both urban and natural settings.

Our Services:

1. Comprehensive Microclimate Assessment

• Detailed analysis of local climatic conditions including seasonal variations
• Wind pattern mapping across the site and surrounding context
• Temperature gradient modeling and heat island effect quantification
• Humidity and evapotranspiration potential assessment
• Solar exposure and radiation modeling throughout daily and seasonal cycles
• Precipitation patterns and water movement analysis

2. Advanced CFD Analysis and Simulation

•  High resolution 3D modeling of air movement patterns
•  Wind speed and turbulence assessment at pedestrian level
•  Downwash and channeling effects around buildings identification
•  Thermal plume modeling from buildings and hardscape elements
•  Air quality and pollutant dispersion prediction
•  Seasonal scenario modeling to capture year-round conditions
•  Dynamic modeling of changing weather conditions

3. Human Comfort Evaluation

• Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) mapping across outdoor spaces
• Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Percentage People Dissatisfied (PPD) calculations
• Wind comfort and safety threshold analysis for different activities
• Seasonal comfort profiling for key outdoor spaces
• Accessibility mapping based on comfort parameters for diverse user groups
• Identification of microclimate extremes and potential discomfort zones
• Assessment against recognized outdoor comfort standards and guidelines

SOCOTEC’s Outdoor Microclimate and Comfort Analysis service combines cutting-edge simulation technology with practical design expertise to create outdoor environments that are comfortable, sustainable, and resilient in the face of our changing climate.