Numerical analysis of thermal comfort behavior in Acehnese traditional houses in Indonesia
			
	
 
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				1
				Department of Architecture and Planing, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
				 
			 
						
				2
				Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jl. Syech Abdurrauf 7, Darussalam-Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
				 
			 
						
				3
				Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jl. Syech Abdurrauf No. 7, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
				 
			 
										
				
				
			
			These authors had equal contribution to this work
			 
		 		
				
		
		 
			
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
							
					    		
    			 
    			
    				    					Corresponding author
    					    				    				
    					Muslimsyah  Muslimsyah   
    					Department of Architecture and Planing, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
    				
 
    			
				 
    			 
    		 		
			
																	 
		
	 
		
 
 
Ecol. Eng. Environ. Technol. 2025; 5:27-42
		
 
 
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ABSTRACT
To achieve sustainability with limited global energy resources, minimizing energy consumption and utilizing local materials are essential. In Aceh, Indonesia, traditional houses have evolved over centuries, integrating passive design features that enhance thermal comfort. This study analyzes the thermal performance of Acehnese Traditional Houses using CFD simulations and direct measurements to assess their effectiveness in maintaining temperature stability in a tropical climate. The findings indicate that these houses exhibit good thermal performance. Wind speed distribution inside the building at 08:00 ranges from 0 to 1.6 m/s, with incoming air speeds of 1–1.4 m/s. At 12:00, wind speed increases to 0–2.7 m/s, with incoming air at 1.9–2.5 m/s, while at 16:00, wind speed varies between 0 and 2.5 m/s, with incoming air speeds of 1.5–2 m/s. Temperature measurements show a gradual increase from 23°C at 08:00 to a peak of 29°C between 12:00 and 14:00, followed by a decrease to 27°C by 16:00, demonstrating effective heat regulation. This study confirms that passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation and local materials, significantly contribute to indoor temperature stability. With indoor temperatures remaining within the thermal comfort range 80% of the time, Acehnese Traditional Houses provide valuable insights for sustainable architecture in tropical regions. Future research should explore the impact of extreme weather and potential design adaptations to further enhance thermal efficiency.