In-situ sensor network for microclimate and urban energy modeling and validation

Urban development results in substantial changes to the climate variables (e.g., temperature, wind movement), statistically differing from those of the surrounding area, which is referred as microclimate . In particular, urban heat island is a prominent phenomenon of intense urban microclimate variations, whereby notably hotter temperature arises in urban environment due to anthropogenic heat sources, air restriction and solar re-radiation induced by urban infrastructure, which can contribute to an increase of energy consumption in buildings. To better understand and evaluate the effect of microclimate in urban environment and its impacts to urban energy consumption, an extensive in-situ sensor network is being deployed in a pilot project located in Abu Dhabi City. By assimilating data from in-situ sensing measurements using sensor networks, and advanced modelling, an analysis of the intricate relationship between urban microclimate and urban form will be made. This project aims to provide an appropriate framework for monitoring and modelling the urban microclimate for efficient adaptation of future urban infrastructure.