Simulation-based decision-making for enhancing classroom thermal comfort at the University of the Philippines Rural High School

Date

5-2026

Adviser

Peter Tee Jay Alvarez

Principal

Buela, Mabel S.

Abstract

Thermal comfort in classrooms affects student concentration and academic achievement, as well as health and comfort. In tropical countries such as the Philippines, high indoor temperatures and humidity levels are a threat to student learning; especially in public schools, where the cost of mechanical cooling is high. This study analyzes the potential of passive cooling strategies for classrooms at University of the Philippines Rural High School (UPRHS) in Los Baños, Laguna. Thermal CFD simulation is used as the primary method for analyzing the effectiveness of the proposed interventions in a virtual setting. ANSYS Fluent was used to analyze air flow, temperature profiles, and PMV/PPD indices for different building layouts. Solar chimneys and natural cross-ventilation techniques were simulated and compared to the baseline situation of a typical classroom, as well as a hypothetical scenario with air conditioning units in optimal positions and locations. The results show that a combination of passive strategies, such as solar chimneys and natural cross-ventilation may yield results similar to the air conditioning scenario in terms of thermal comfort, yet it incurs much lower initial and operational costs. This may have implications for the design of schools in tropical regions and may support future policies on the incorporation of passive cooling into school infrastructure planning. Further studies on this topic should focus on validation of the simulations through field measurements, as well as the performance of the strategies over different seasons. This may then be adapted to other Philippine public schools in the country with similar conditions.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Document Type

Capstone

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