scholarly journals MULTISCALE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING IN URBAN TOPOCLIMATE

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ângela Fátima da Rocha ◽  
Ernany Paranaguá da Silva ◽  
Carlo Ralph De Mussis ◽  
Raphael De Souza Rosa Gomes ◽  
Geraldo Aparecido Rodrigues Neves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wavelet Transform ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Power Spectra ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Digital Signal ◽  
Wavelet Coherence ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Domain Modeling ◽  
Morlet Continuous Wavelet Transform

Climate is a complex system subject to much natural and anthropogenic interference. Urban microclimates and topoclimates need effective methodologies to localize coexisting phenomena, including multiscale approaches that demonstrate their relational character. Air temperature, air relative humidity, and wind are microclimatic variables that can be evaluated with respect to their qualitative energy flow characteristics. The technical performance of this monitoring depends on a good estimate of the statistics of the digital signal assessed, which in turn represents greater care in the management and implementation of structural change indicators derived from frequency-domain modeling. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the power spectra of the air temperature, air relative humidity and wind data series using the traditional Morlet Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) and the Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT), with Wavelet Coherence (WC) analysis. The daily, monthly and annual scales were studied, and the results demonstrated significant interrelationships between the variables. The WC values found were validated by the Monte Carlo method, scalograms and spectrograms, representing seasonal and daily cycle frequencies. The urban fractions presented behavior in accordance with the seasonality of tropical climates of the Cerrado, as well as of interference of the urban roughness. The CWT, XWT and WC tools are adequate for urban monitoring and planning analyses, qualitatively reflecting the urban dynamics of microenvironments

scholarly journals Significance and Causality in Continuous Wavelet and Wavelet Coherence Spectra Applied to Hydrological Time Series

Hydrology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Rodríguez-Murillo ◽  
Montserrat Filella
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Power Spectra ◽  
Wavelet Coherence ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Arma Process ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Common Effect ◽  
Measured Time ◽  
Wavelet Spectra

Wavelet transform, wavelet spectra, and coherence are popular tools for studying fluctuations in time series in the form of a bidimensional time and scale representation. We discuss two aspects of wavelet analysis—namely the significance and stochastic/deterministic character of the wavelet spectra. Real-time series of discharge, sodium, and sulfate concentrations in the alpine Rhône River, Switzerland, are used to illustrate these issues. First, the consequences of using an arbitrary stochastic process (usually, AR (1)) instead of the best-fitted general ARMA process in the evaluation of the significance of wavelet spectra are analyzed. Using a general ARMA instead of AR (1) decreases the significance level of the differences in wavelet power spectra (WPS) of ARMA and AR (1) compared to the WPS of the time series in all cases studied and points to a possible systematic overestimation of significance in many published studies. Besides, the significance of particular patches in the spectra is affected by multiple testing. A (conservative) way to circumvent this problem, using global wavelet spectra and global coherence spectra, is evaluated. Finally, we discuss the issue of causality and investigated it in the three measured time series mentioned above. Even if the use of the best fitted ARMA pointed to no deterministic features being present in the corrected series studied (i.e., stochastic processes are dominant in the three data series), coherence spectra between variables allowed to reveal cause-effect relationships between two “coherent” variables and/or the existence of a common effect on both variables. Therefore, such type of analysis provides a useful tool to better understand data causal relationships.

Is air moisture relevant on radiative heat exchange inside built environments?

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 1291-1316
Author(s):  
Nuno Serra ◽  
Viriato Semiao
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Radiative Heat Exchange ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Moist Air ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relative Differences ◽  
Real Scale

Purpose This paper aims to clarify the necessity of taking into account the commonly neglected radiation in built environments. Ignoring radiation within acclimatized spaces with moist air, which is a participating medium, can yield inaccurate values of the relevant variables, endangering the Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design accuracy and leading to energy inefficiencies and discomfort. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses computational fluid dynamics to predict non-isothermal flows with radiation, for both mixing and displacement ventilation strategies. The tool is applied to a lab-scale model (scale 1:30), and the results are compared with experimental data and predictions without radiation. Furthermore, the radiation influence is also assessed at real-scale level, including a parametric study on the effect of the air relative humidity on radiation. Findings The paper demonstrates the unequivocal impact of radiation on the flows thermal-kinematics at real-scale: ignoring radiation yields average air temperature differences of 2ºC. This becomes more evident for larger air optical thicknesses (larger relative humidity): changing it from 20 per cent to 50 per cent and 70 per cent yields maximum relative differences of 100 per cent for the velocity components and 0.4ºC for the air temperature. Nevertheless, the results for the lab-scale case are not so conclusive about the effect of moist air radiation on the thermal flow characteristics, but they evidence its impact on the flow kinematics (maximum relative differences of velocity components of 35 per cent). Originality/value The paper fulfills an identified need to clarify the relevant effects of air moisture on radiation and on the flow turbulence and thermal-kinematic characteristics for forced convective flows inside built environments.

scholarly journals Detrended Multiple Cross-Correlation Coefficient applied to solar radiation, air temperature and relative humidity

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea de Almeida Brito ◽  
Heráclio Alves de Araújo ◽  
Gilney Figueira Zebende
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Cross Correlation ◽  
Global Solar Radiation ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Hourly Data ◽  
Cross Correlations

AbstractDue to the importance of generating energy sustainably, with the Sun being a large solar power plant for the Earth, we study the cross-correlations between the main meteorological variables (global solar radiation, air temperature, and relative air humidity) from a global cross-correlation perspective to efficiently capture solar energy. This is done initially between pairs of these variables, with the Detrended Cross-Correlation Coefficient, ρDCCA, and subsequently with the recently developed Multiple Detrended Cross-Correlation Coefficient, $${\boldsymbol{DM}}{{\boldsymbol{C}}}_{{\bf{x}}}^{{\bf{2}}}$$DMCx2. We use the hourly data from three meteorological stations of the Brazilian Institute of Meteorology located in the state of Bahia (Brazil). Initially, with the original data, we set up a color map for each variable to show the time dynamics. After, ρDCCA was calculated, thus obtaining a positive value between the global solar radiation and air temperature, and a negative value between the global solar radiation and air relative humidity, for all time scales. Finally, for the first time, was applied $${\boldsymbol{DM}}{{\boldsymbol{C}}}_{{\bf{x}}}^{{\bf{2}}}$$DMCx2 to analyze cross-correlations between three meteorological variables at the same time. On taking the global radiation as the dependent variable, and assuming that $${\boldsymbol{DM}}{{\boldsymbol{C}}}_{{\bf{x}}}^{{\bf{2}}}={\bf{1}}$$DMCx2=1 (which varies from 0 to 1) is the ideal value for the capture of solar energy, our analysis finds some patterns (differences) involving these meteorological stations with a high intensity of annual solar radiation.

scholarly journals Effects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Lanza ◽  
Melody Alcazar ◽  
Deanna M. Hoelscher ◽  
Harold W. Kohl
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Nature Trails

Abstract Background Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features—trees, gardens, and nature trails—in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children’s interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children’s behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results. Methods During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school parks in Central Texas, United States, serving predominantly low-income Latinx families. To develop thermal profiles for each park, we installed 10 air temperature/relative humidity sensors per park, selecting sites based on land cover, land use, and even spatial coverage. We measured green features within a geographic information system. In a cross-sectional study, we used an adapted version of System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to assess children’s physical activity levels and interactions with green features. In a cohort study, we equipped 30 3rd and 30 4th grade students per school during recess with accelerometers and Global Positioning System devices, and surveyed these students regarding their connection to nature. Baseline analyses included inverse distance weighting for thermal profiles and summing observed counts of children interacting with trees. Results In September 2019, average daily heat index ranged 2.0 °F among park sites, and maximum daily heat index ranged from 103.4 °F (air temperature = 33.8 °C; relative humidity = 55.2%) under tree canopy to 114.1 °F (air temperature = 37.9 °C; relative humidity = 45.2%) on an unshaded playground. 10.8% more girls and 25.4% more boys interacted with trees in September than in November. Conclusions We found extreme heat conditions at select sites within parks, and children positioning themselves under trees during periods of high heat index. These methods can be used by public health researchers and practitioners to inform the redesign of greenspaces in the face of climate change and health inequities.

scholarly journals Thermal Performance of Single-Story Air-Welled Terraced House in Malaysia: A Field Measurement Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 201
Author(s):  
Pau Chung Leng ◽  
Gabriel Hoh Teck Ling ◽  
Mohd Hamdan Ahmad ◽  
Dilshan Remaz Ossen ◽  
Eeydzah Aminudin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Field Measurement ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Ventilation Performance ◽  
Globe Temperature

The provision requirement of 10% openings of the total floor area stated in the Uniform Building By-Law 1984 Malaysia is essential for natural lighting and ventilation purposes. However, focusing on natural ventilation, the effectiveness of thermal performance in landed residential buildings has never been empirically measured and proven, as most of the research emphasized simulation modeling lacking sufficient empirical validation. Therefore, this paper drawing on field measurement investigates natural ventilation performance in terraced housing with an air-well system. The key concern as to what extent the current air-well system serving as a ventilator is effective to provide better thermal performance is to be addressed. By adopting an existing single-story air-welled terrace house, indoor environmental conditions and thermal performance were monitored and measured using HOBO U12 air temperature and humidity, the HOBO U12 anemometer, and the Delta Ohm HD32.3 Wet Bulb Globe Temperature meter for a six-month duration. The results show that the air temperature of the air well ranged from 27.48 °C to 30.92 °C, with a mean relative humidity of 72.67% to 79.25%. The mean air temperature for a test room (single-sided ventilation room) ranged from 28.04 °C to 30.92 °C, with a relative humidity of 70.16% to 76.00%. These empirical findings are of importance, offering novel policy insights and suggestions. Since the minimum provision of 10% openings has been revealed to be less effective to provide desirable thermal performance and comfort, mandatory compliance with and the necessity of the bylaw requirement should be revisited.

scholarly journals Quantifying the Independent Influences of Land Cover and Humidity on Microscale Urban Air Temperature Variation in Hot Summer: Methods of Path Analysis and Genetic SVR

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1377
Author(s):  
Weifang Shi ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Aixuan Xin ◽  
Linglan Liu ◽  
Jiaqi Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Temperature Variation ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Urban Air ◽  
Air Temperatures

Mitigating high air temperatures and heat waves is vital for decreasing air pollution and protecting public health. To improve understanding of microscale urban air temperature variation, this paper performed measurements of air temperature and relative humidity in a field of Wuhan City in the afternoon of hot summer days, and used path analysis and genetic support vector regression (SVR) to quantify the independent influences of land cover and humidity on air temperature variation. The path analysis shows that most effect of the land cover is mediated through relative humidity difference, more than four times as much as the direct effect, and that the direct effect of relative humidity difference is nearly six times that of land cover, even larger than the total effect of the land cover. The SVR simulation illustrates that land cover and relative humidity independently contribute 16.3% and 83.7%, on average, to the rise of the air temperature over the land without vegetation in the study site. An alternative strategy of increasing the humidity artificially is proposed to reduce high air temperatures in urban areas. The study would provide scientific support for the regulation of the microclimate and the mitigation of the high air temperature in urban areas.

scholarly journals Solar Radiation, Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Dew Point Study: Damak, Jhapa, Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Arati Thapa ◽  
Hima Gautam
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Gaussian Function ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Dew Point ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Summer Maximum ◽  
Online Calculator ◽  
Climatic Phenomenon

Monitoring and prediction of the climatic phenomenon are of keen interest in recent years because it has great influence in the lives of people and their environments. This paper is aimed at reporting the variation of daily and monthly solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity (RH), and dew point over the year of 2013 based on the data obtained from the weather station situated in Damak, Nepal. The result shows that on a clear day, the variation of solar radiation and RH follows the Gaussian function in which the first one has an upward trend and the second one has a downward trend. However, the change in air temperature satisfies the sine function. The dew point temperature shows somewhat complex behavior. Monthly variation of solar radiation, air temperature, and dew point shows a similar pattern, lower at winter and higher in summer. Maximum solar radiation (331 Wm-2) was observed in May and minimum (170 Wm-2) in December. Air temperature and dew point had the highest value from June to September nearly at 29°C and 25°C, respectively. The lowest value of the relative humidity (55.4%) in April indicates the driest month of the year. Dew point was also calculated from the actual readings of air temperature and relative humidity using the online calculator, and the calculated value showed the exact linear relationship with the observed value. The diurnal and nocturnal temperature of each month showed that temperature difference was relatively lower (less than 10°C) at summer rather than in winter.

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