Keywords
global warming
CFD
thermal comfort
solar radiation
heat transfer
How to Cite
Abstract
This study analyzes the indoor thermal behavior of a building constructed in Huimilpan, Querétaro, by comparing experimental measurements taken
with an infrared thermal imaging camera versus numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The 16.38 m² building consists of concrete block walls, a galvanized sheet metal roof, as well as cast-in-place concrete structural elements. All measurements were taken on June 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., recording surface temperatures on interior walls and external environmental conditions. Sequentially, a three-dimensional virtual model was constructed by means of a poly-hexcore mesh, and boundary conditions based on in situ data were applied, including solar radiation and cross-ventilation. The results show high consistency between simulated and experimental values, with determination coefficients greater than 0.93 on the four walls evaluated. It was found that orientation has direct influence on the thermal response, with greater variability observed in walls exposed to intense solar radiation. The CFD model demonstrated its ability to reproduce observed thermal trends, validating its reliability as a tool in thermal comfort analysis and in the implementation of passive design strategies. It is concluded that the integration of simulations calibrated with experimental data can support architectural and urban planning in specific climatic contexts.
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