Climate classifications and building energy use implications in China

Kevin K.W. Wan, Danny H.W. Li, Liu Yang, Joseph C. Lama

    Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

    52 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Cluster analysis of summer and winter discomfort in terms of heat and cold stresses based on 102-year (1901-2002) weather data in China was conducted. Five bioclimate zones were identified. These were compared with the corresponding thermal and solar zoning classifications. Bio-I and Bio-II tended to locate largely within severe cold and cold climates in the north with excellent solar availability (annual clearness index Kt generally exceeding 0.5). Bio-III and Bio-IV covered mostly the hot summer and cold winter and mild climate zones. Despite the relatively low Kt in winter, passive solar heating should be able to meet a significant proportion of the heating requirements. Bio-V covered the hot summer and warmer winter region, where heat stress and hence cooling requirement dominated. Decreasing trends in the zone-average annual cumulative cold stress during the 102-year period were observed for all five zones. There was, however, no distinct pattern for the heat stress and the changes tended to be more subtle. These indicate that climate change during the 20th century affected winter discomfort (especially in colder climates in the north)morethan the summerdiscomfort. This could have significant implications for energy use in buildings if such trends persist. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1463-1471
    JournalEnergy and Buildings
    Volume42
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2010

    Research Keywords

    • Building designs
    • Climate classifications
    • Cluster analysis
    • Energy use
    • Heat stresses

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Climate classifications and building energy use implications in China'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this