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Abstract In this paper, the thermal performance of cliff-side cave and Yaokang was studied by local investigation and area measurement. The results demonstrate that cliff-side cave can significantly improve the indoor thermal environment without any active heating conditions in winter. Average indoor air temperature of cliff-side cave was 8.4 ℃, while average indoor air temperature of outdoor and brick buildings was -0.63 ℃ and -0.26 ℃. The thermal performance of Yaokang and its influence were examined on the indoor heat environment quantitatively, the results indicate that the surface temperature of the Yaokang is affected by the gas flow direction and reduces along with the flue flow direction. In the end, the effect of Yaokang heat to the thermal environment of cliff-side cave dwelling is analyzed. Results show that the indoor air temperature of cliff-side cave with Yaokang heating increased 7.6 ℃. The research of this paper provides academic support for the regeneration design of the cave and improves the comfort level of the Yaokang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the thermal performance of a sandwich ventilation wall was studied based on the hot and cold box. The model consists of two types of cover plates: wall thermal insulation set and non-set. We tested the surface temperature, air temperature and the heat flux density of air interlayer in three different forms of airflow within the wall. The experiment results show that introducing fresh air from the outside in cold areas in winter will not affect the thermal insulation performance of the wall if the hole openings are reasonably organized. Compared with the traditional exterior wall, the air flow rate and pressure increase in the structure of the air layer can improve the thermal performance of the sandwich wall. By com-paring the two kinds of wall heat transfer coefficienies of the non-thermal insulation cover plate and the thermal insulation cover plate, it is found that the thermal insulation design of the cover plate can further improve the thermal performance of the sandwich wall by 12.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vernacular architecture of cave dwelling is known for its use of local building materials and traditional heating system (Yaokang) for a comfortable indoor environment. However, it has not been proved by a quantitative evaluation study so far. A seven days short-term on-site monitoring was thus conducted in winter for evaluating the thermal performance and heating potential of Yaokang. Experimental results and Kang heating potential coefficient ( KPC) proposed here indicate that the average heat emission per unit area of the Yaokang is between 45 and 80 W/m 2 , giving energy saving of around 59.4% for cave dwelling in cold area of China. Additionally, to assess the long-term thermal response characteristic of underground cave dwellings, a two-years continuous remote monitoring was carried out. And the monitoring results show that the indoor air temperature of cave dwellings ranges from 9 °C to 17.4 °C in winter and from 22.8 °C to 26.7 °C in summer. Conclusions drawn from this study lay a theoretical basis for low energy building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adobe Yaokang for traditional heating in cold climates was presented. • A quantitatively analysis of the thermal performance of Yaokang was conducted. • Effect of Yaokang heating on indoor air quality were analyzed. • A mathematic model based on thermodynamics equilibrium of Yaokang was proposed. As a traditional heating system, Yaokang are widely used in cave dwellings in rural China. Yaokang are built by local craftsmen, according to traditional construction methods. To study the thermal environment of Yaodong dwellings with Yaokang heating and the effect of the burning of Yaokang on the health of residents, the thermal performance of Yaokang and the indoor air quality with Yaokang heating were quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that Yaokang has an excellent thermal storage capacity, and can supply heat to the room for a long period, even after the burning has stopped, with a thermal efficiency of 67.7%. Meanwhile, the concentrations of CO, particulate matter (PM2.5), CO 2 , and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air were generally within the ranges of good air quality or light pollution. Finally, based on the theory of thermodynamics, a mathematical model of Yaokang heating process was established, and verified using experimental data. Based on the model, optimization of the thermal characteristics of Yaokang and effective regeneration designs for the Yaodong can be obtained. This study can also provide basic data and theoretical support for the protection and inheritance of vernacular buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate responsive strategies contained in traditional native dwellings can provide theoretical basis for the development of sustainable buildings. This study focused on a quantitative analysis of cliff-side cave dwellings located in cold region of China. Field measurements in summer and winter were carried out. Based on the monitoring data, thermal environment of the cave dwelling and thermal characteristics of the adobe massive building envelope were evaluated. Results showed that the cliff-side cave dwelling was well adapted to local environment for its good ability of thermal insulation under the natural conditions. Furthermore, in order to assess the whole annual thermal performance and thermal comfort level, numerical simulations on the cliff-side cave dwelling models was also performed using the software Energyplus. Results showed that 52.50% time of the year was comfortable of the living room. Meanwhile, some technical strategies of making full use of solar energy and natural ventilation was proposed in the end of this paper, which can provide technical support for the regeneration design of traditional residential buildings. • Cave dwellings with massive envelope adapt themselves to the local climate well. • 52.50% time of the year was comfortable of the cliff-side cave dwelling room. • Renewable energy using strategies on the vernacular cave dwelling were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]