The aim of this research is to assess the indoor thermal performance of rural dwellings in the Ecuadorian highlands through both experimental and numerical analysis. A three-step methodology was applied to conduct the research: (a) field data collection, (b) building thermal model development and calibration, and (c) comparison analysis and assessment of traditional improvement strategies. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from two representative rural dwellings under typical usage conditions. The first is a traditional construction, medium-exposed thermal mass dwelling (Case A). The second is a local common, uninsulated, lightweight construction (Case B). The thermal model was calibrated by comparing hourly temperature values of the observed and the predicted indoor air temperature. A high correlation level (R²) was achieved between the observed and predicted data; 0.89 in Case A and 0.94 in Case B. The results show that the roof, floor, and the airtightness are the critical building parameters affecting the indoor thermal environment. Likewise, the indoor air temperature is increased up to 4 °C through the implementation of traditional strategies. However, despite the rise in indoor air temperature, acceptable thermal comfort ranges were only reached for 25% of the total hours.

This paper shows the results of the TRNSYS modeling and simulation of a solar absorption cooling system under the weather conditions of Guayaquil, Ecuador in order to partially satisfy the thermal demand of an office building. The maximum hourly thermal load reaches 153 kW. The proposed model utilizes evacuated tube collectors, a LiBr-H ₂ O single effect absorption chiller, hot water storage and an auxiliary external boiler. As part of this study, the results of the system optimization by varying the dimensions of their main components are indicated. These results show that the optimal system could achieve a yearly solar fraction of 0.6.

Equatorial high-altitude regions are typically characterized by low non-extreme temperatures with a high diurnal oscillation. Therefore, typical constructive practices, in these regions, do not include the use of air-conditioning equipment or energy criteria in building design. As a consequence, dwellings behave out of the comfort temperature ranges most of the year. This work aims to investigate the influence of the main building parameters on the thermal behaviour of residential buildings in these regions. Results may be very helpful to outline recommendations in early design. A simplified model of a building located in Quito city (0 ${}^{\circ }$ latitude, 2800 MASL) using fourdifferent boundary conditions was developed. The model was validated by comparison with experimental measurements of indoor temperature for two dwellings. The model was used to conduct a parametric study as well as a sensitivity analysis of the influence of the window-to-wall ratio, infiltration ratio, wall material and thickness, facade orientation and use of single or double glass on the windows. Results showed that thickness and window-to-wall ratio and walls material are the most influencing parameters. Likewise, the use of insulation on the envelope, mainly in the roof, may help to reduce the discomfort, but always accompanied with other measures.

Natural ventilation has been studied as an effective strategy in order to reduce energy consumption without compromising occupant’s hygrothermal comfort in warm-humid climates. However, the main concern about the current state of art in the use of Building Energy Simulation (BES) as an approach to natural ventilation is the definition of input data which usually do not represent the real state of the buildings in the studied region. Within this context, the main contribution of this research is to propose a methodology through which the real state of buildings can be evaluated. By this analysis, valid input parameters was found to exploit the capabilities of BES and CFD simulations to fulfill the main objective of this study, which is to assess the impact of natural ventilation strategies in the energy consumption of HVAC systems and occupants hygrothermal comfort. Four natural ventilation strategies were evaluated: single sided ventilation, cross ventilation, solar chimney and double façade. The results show that the exclusive use of natural ventilation is ineffective to ensure hygrothermal comfort in a building with high thermal loads in a warm-humid climate like Guayaquil. However, by using a hybrid system (natural ventilation/dehumidification and cooling) cooling energy consumption can be reduced in up to 10.6% without compromising occupant’s hygrothermal comfort. Due to the promising results regarding energy savings, further research will aim to evaluate the impact of other passive strategies in energy consumption.