Scale Model Studies of Different Ventilation Strategies for Tropical Public Housing in Surabaya

The present study explores applying different ventilation strategies for public housing in Surabaya through a scale physical model. Previous studies indicate that natural ventilation alone is insufficient for alleviating discomfort in warm-humid climates. Many studies have been carried out concerning this topic but rarely evaluated performance comparison among different strategies in the low-to-middle residential unit. The present study aimed to analyze the influence of varying ventilation strategies on the thermal condition of the internal space of public housing in Surabaya. Three strategies, i.e., naturally induced ventilation, fan-induced ventilation, and direct evaporative cooling, were included in the study. Thermal condition in the models was then recorded and analyzed. The study shows that fan-induced ventilation and direct evaporative cooling can reduce indoor air temperature. Regarding the detrimental impact of humidity on comfort, natural and fan-induced ventilation will be sufficient to promote a tolerable indoor environment.