Study on Thermal Environment and Energy Consumption of Typical Residential Courtyards in Beijing’s Old City

Yuanyuan Li, Chuang Wang (), Ziheng Zhao, Jingjing An, Yang Shi, Shimeng Hao, Zhongqi Ren and Jie Zhang
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Yuanyuan Li: School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Chuang Wang: School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Ziheng Zhao: School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Jingjing An: School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Yang Shi: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Shimeng Hao: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Zhongqi Ren: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Jie Zhang: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-35

Abstract: Old city courtyards are crucial elements of Beijing’s ancient capital. However, existing ones face heating problems. This study focuses on renovated and original-style courtyards. By employing ENVI-met and DeST software, we comprehensively analyzed the courtyard’s thermal environment, ventilation, indoor conditions, and energy consumption. Findings reveal that both types have thermal discomfort. Original courtyards are colder in winter and hotter in summer due to wind and radiation. They possess better ventilation but a higher winter heating load. Both require winter heating, with the original ones having a larger unit area load because of envelope heat loss and ventilation differences. Their direct electric heating consumptions, 187.6 kWh/m 2 and 229.6 kWh/m 2 , respectively, surpass ordinary residences. This study defines issues for future green and low-carbon courtyard work.

Keywords: Beijing old city; siheyuan; original-style courtyards; renovated courtyards; green and low-carbon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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