Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural Ventilation

In rapidly urbanizing regions, enhancing passenger comfort in subway systems through sustainable methods is a critical challenge. This study introduces an innovative exploration of the impact of subway entrance geometry on natural ventilation and its subsequent effects on the thermal environment wit...

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Main Authors: Omar Mohamed Abdelaziz, Xu Cui, Xiaozheng Sun
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-09-01
Series:Buildings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/9/2785
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author Omar Mohamed Abdelaziz
Xu Cui
Xiaozheng Sun
author_facet Omar Mohamed Abdelaziz
Xu Cui
Xiaozheng Sun
author_sort Omar Mohamed Abdelaziz
collection DOAJ
description In rapidly urbanizing regions, enhancing passenger comfort in subway systems through sustainable methods is a critical challenge. This study introduces an innovative exploration of the impact of subway entrance geometry on natural ventilation and its subsequent effects on the thermal environment within Cairo’s subway system. The primary objective is to identify optimal entrance configurations that maximize natural airflow, thereby improving passenger comfort and reducing energy consumption. Focusing on the newly constructed segments of the Cairo subway, the research employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with a questionnaire survey to evaluate interactions between various entrance designs and urban wind flow patterns. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of how different geometrical configurations influence the capture and distribution of prevailing winds. The results indicate that specific entrance geometries can significantly enhance ventilation efficiency by optimizing wind capture and distribution. The most effective designs demonstrated substantial improvements in air quality and thermal comfort, providing practical insights for subway systems in similar hot arid climates. The novelty of this research lies in its detailed analysis of architectural elements to leverage natural environmental conditions for improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort in public transit systems. The significance of this study is its contribution to the field of sustainable urban transport, offering a valuable framework for urban planners and engineers. By demonstrating how thoughtful design can lead to energy savings and enhanced passenger experiences, this research advances the discourse on sustainable urban infrastructure. This work not only enhances theoretical understanding but also provides actionable recommendations for creating more sustainable and comfortable public transit infrastructures.
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spelling doaj-art-248c1beff0794195a724dbb8d2c04a0c2025-08-20T01:56:05ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-09-01149278510.3390/buildings14092785Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural VentilationOmar Mohamed Abdelaziz0Xu Cui1Xiaozheng Sun2School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, ChinaSchool of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, ChinaSchool of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, ChinaIn rapidly urbanizing regions, enhancing passenger comfort in subway systems through sustainable methods is a critical challenge. This study introduces an innovative exploration of the impact of subway entrance geometry on natural ventilation and its subsequent effects on the thermal environment within Cairo’s subway system. The primary objective is to identify optimal entrance configurations that maximize natural airflow, thereby improving passenger comfort and reducing energy consumption. Focusing on the newly constructed segments of the Cairo subway, the research employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with a questionnaire survey to evaluate interactions between various entrance designs and urban wind flow patterns. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of how different geometrical configurations influence the capture and distribution of prevailing winds. The results indicate that specific entrance geometries can significantly enhance ventilation efficiency by optimizing wind capture and distribution. The most effective designs demonstrated substantial improvements in air quality and thermal comfort, providing practical insights for subway systems in similar hot arid climates. The novelty of this research lies in its detailed analysis of architectural elements to leverage natural environmental conditions for improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort in public transit systems. The significance of this study is its contribution to the field of sustainable urban transport, offering a valuable framework for urban planners and engineers. By demonstrating how thoughtful design can lead to energy savings and enhanced passenger experiences, this research advances the discourse on sustainable urban infrastructure. This work not only enhances theoretical understanding but also provides actionable recommendations for creating more sustainable and comfortable public transit infrastructures.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/9/2785subway stationentrance designnatural ventilationCairo
spellingShingle Omar Mohamed Abdelaziz
Xu Cui
Xiaozheng Sun
Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural Ventilation
Buildings
subway station
entrance design
natural ventilation
Cairo
title Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural Ventilation
title_full Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural Ventilation
title_fullStr Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural Ventilation
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural Ventilation
title_short Enhancing Underground Thermal Environments in Cairo: The Role of Subway Entrance Geometry in Optimizing Natural Ventilation
title_sort enhancing underground thermal environments in cairo the role of subway entrance geometry in optimizing natural ventilation
topic subway station
entrance design
natural ventilation
Cairo
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/9/2785
work_keys_str_mv AT omarmohamedabdelaziz enhancingundergroundthermalenvironmentsincairotheroleofsubwayentrancegeometryinoptimizingnaturalventilation
AT xucui enhancingundergroundthermalenvironmentsincairotheroleofsubwayentrancegeometryinoptimizingnaturalventilation
AT xiaozhengsun enhancingundergroundthermalenvironmentsincairotheroleofsubwayentrancegeometryinoptimizingnaturalventilation