Optimising Thermal Comfort in Algerian Reference Hotel Across Eight Climate Zones: A Comparative Study of Simulation and Psychrometric Chart Results

Ahmed Kaihoul (), Mohammad El Youssef, Efisio Pitzalis, Leila Sriti, Yasmine Dechouk, Khaoula Amraoui and Alla Eddine Khelil
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Ahmed Kaihoul: Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via San Lo-renzo 4, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Mohammad El Youssef: Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via San Lo-renzo 4, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Efisio Pitzalis: Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via San Lo-renzo 4, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Leila Sriti: LACOMOFA Laboratory, Department of Architecture, Mohamed Khider University of Biskra, Biskra 07000, Algeria
Yasmine Dechouk: SCI CHYK Paris, 75011 Paris, France
Khaoula Amraoui: LACOMOFA Laboratory, Department of Architecture, Mohamed Khider University of Biskra, Biskra 07000, Algeria
Alla Eddine Khelil: Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via San Lo-renzo 4, 81031 Aversa, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-27

Abstract: Since gaining independence in 1962, Algeria has significantly developed its tourism infrastructure, including notable projects by Fernand Pouillon. The thermal performance of hotel buildings, measured by discomfort hours and considering the design parameters for both PMV-PPD and adaptive comfort models, is a crucial study area across Algeria’s eight climate zones. This research focuses on the M’Zab Hotel in Ghardaïa, designed by Pouillon, utilising in situ measurements and dynamic simulations with EnergyPlus. After validating the simulation model, the performance of the optimised model, derived from sensitivity analysis parameters, is explored. A comparative study is conducted, analysing results obtained through simulation and psychrometric charts for both comfort models across Algeria’s climate zones. The findings indicate that the optimised design significantly reduces discomfort hours by 27.9% to 54.8% for the PMV-PPD model and 38.8% to 90.3% for the adaptive model, compared to the actual design performance. Strong correlations are observed between the simulation and psychrometric chart results for the PMV-PPD model, while the correlation for the adaptive model requires further investigation.

Keywords: thermal comfort; PMV-PPD model; adaptive model; sensitivity analysis; software simulation; psychrometric chart; climate zones of Algeria (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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