Efficient Roof Shapes through Wind Flow and Indoor Temperature, Case Studies: Flat Roofs and Domed Roofs

Characteristics of efficient roof shape is a part of configuration of efficient architecture which seems to be an ideal in contemporary architecture especially in contemporary architecture of developing countries such as Iran. This study is to investigate two roof shapes in view of air flow and indoor-temperature to find efficient roofs shapes for residential buildings in Tehran. Computational modeling and simulation methods are applied to reach this purpose. A mathematical modeling along with CFD simulation by Fluent Software is used to determine variables. For simulating velocity and pressure path lines ?-? standard model and finite difference discretization technique is applied. Results show that a sample room with dome roof is about eight Kelvin degree cooler than the same room with flat roof. Also velocity and pressure simulations indicate that roof geometry has a major impact on reducing heat transfer of room and roof temperature. Finally the study suggests some methods for using results in an operational situation.