Staying Cool in a Heat Wave
Created By RISC | 2 years ago
Last modified date : 2 years ago
Many countries around the world have suffered heat waves since the start of 2022.
Heat waves are declared when daily temperatures exceed the region's average for the time of year by 5°C for at least 5 days in a row. They can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, harming the old, the young, and people with congenital diseases such as high blood pressure.
Which countries were affected?
India in March experienced a 122-year high. Nawabshah in Pakistan experienced temperatures as high as 49.5°C. Japan had a heat wave in June. Isesaki, northwest of Tokyo, recorded temperatures as high as 40.2°C, the hottest temperature for June since records began in 1875. Tokyo’s power plants struggled to generate enough electricity for air conditioners.
Since June, many European countries have been experiencing heatwaves. In France, wildfires in the country's southwestern Gironde region in July caused a heat wave, forcing more than 24,000 people to evacuate as the fires destroyed more than 42,000 hectares. A wildfire in Leiria, Portugal, has destroyed over 3,000 hectares. According to German records, more than 1,636 people died from heatwaves in June, when temperatures reached 39.2°C. Because some residences lack air conditioning, the government was forced to provide temporary accommodation with air conditioning to help people escape the heat wave during the day.
Thailand is a tropical country whose people are accustomed to a hot climate. But remember that air conditioning could cause energy demand to exceed power capacity, just as in Tokyo, where people were asked to cooperate in saving energy.
Another option for thermal comfort is passive design, using natural factors to prevent heat from entering the building frame.
• Design a cool environment around the building by planting trees and grass.
• Use tree shade, water sources, and the wind to reduce heat before it reaches the building.
• Plan the building to reduce exposure to sunlight (orienting it north to south).
• Install building insulation materials with high heat resistance.
• Position windows to reduce direct sunlight.
All these steps can help create the most comfortable environment as well as reduce energy consumption from air conditioning systems.
Story by: Woraporn Poonyakanok, Senior Research Engineer at RISC
References:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/astonishing-heat-grips-india-and-pakistan/
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61976937
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/28/asia/japan-heatwave-air-conditioning-power-electricity-shortage-climate-change-intl-hnk/index.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62206006
https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2022/07/PD22_295_126.html