Thermal performance simulation technologies contributing to sustainable shelter innovation

The improvement and the development of shelters that are adapted to the specific conditions of a context where populations affected by disaster are in need is a growing concern in emergency response. To adress this challenge, IFRC-Shelter Research Unit, is studying and investigating new evaluation methods to better analyze the options available and facilitate the development of relevant modifications and upgrades. Using specific engineering software for thermal performance simulation of buildings is one of the ways forward to tackle this task. Once correctly calibrated such tools can provide objective results indicating the performance of a shelter model for any given context and weather exposure. To develop this research, the essential first step is to collect and to clearly identify the relevant specificities of the models to test, especially the real physical and technical aspects of cladding materials, structural elements and joints. The groundwork to set up the simulation is rather complex but once established, the potential of the application is immense. It will allow to analyze in detail the entirety of physical aspects, specific features and mechanisms of a given shelter solution and provide for example: - Simulations to compare the performance of different shelter models proposed by manufacturers. - A quick and easy way to explore alternative designs regarding climatic comfort and propose effective alternatives, for example upgrades for winterisation by introducing additional insulating layers for cold climates as well as heat reduction through the right shading layers to reduce the sun impact; - Clear evidence for to demonstrate suitability of shelter types for specific climatic conditions; - Improving energy efficiency of shelters, in order to reduce fuel/wood consumption and also to reduce fuel supply logistic and pressure on natural resources. As a first stage, a thermal simulation model of the IFRC/ICRC/UNHCR standard family tent is under development in collaboration with the Research Laboratory “Architecture et Climat” of the Université catholique de Louvain (UCL) in Belgium. This model will be calibrated and verified by measurements and tests on a tent in real conditions. Based on this model IFRC-SRU with the support of British Red Cross will start exploring winterisation solutions for cold climate scenarios. This tool will be a huge step forward for professional research and development of sustainable low-cost and energy efficient shelters