The Impact of Tree-Planting Location on the Microclimate and Thermal Comfort of the Micro-Public Space

Abstract

This study considered Jindai Street in Huizhou, Guangdong, as an example to discuss the impact of different tree-planting locations on microclimate and thermal comfort in the micropublic spaces. The computational fluid dynamics software PHOENICS was employed to simulate the microclimate and thermal comfort of 5 different tree-planting locations, including the centre (CO), the southwest corner (SW), the northwest corner (NW), the northeast corner (Ne), the southeast corner (Se) and with no trees (NT) in the site. The results showed that planting one tree can reduce the average air temperature at the pedestrian height (1.5 m from the ground) by 1.83~2.48ºC, increase the average relative humidity by 5.11~6.85%, increase the average wind speed by 0.15~0.29 m/s, and decrease the average UTCI by 1.63~2.30ºC. A tree planting on the southwest side has the best cooling effect in the afternoon. Planting one tree can significantly increase the air humidity no matter the planting location. Trees can have a better effect on improving ventilation when poorly ventilated at the site. The maximum UTCI drop was 3.35ºC under the tree canopy. The study clarified the microclimate and thermal comfort effect of tree-planting effects of different locations in the micropublic space.

Cooling Benefits of Urban Tree Canopy: A Systematic Review

“…CFDmodel-based software commonly used in this research field includes FLUENT, PHOENICS, ENVI met, etc. FLUENT and PHOENICS are used to simulate and analyze physical problems, such as airflow and heat exchange, in complex collection areas (such as inside and outside buildings), which are often calculated in combination with the RANS (Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes) turbulence model, and are mostly used in the study of blockscale areas and covering building elements [41,42]. ENVI-met is an integral 3D modeling software used to simulate the interaction of surface, vegetation, and atmosphere.…”