Spatial and temporal validation of urban microclimate simulations

Abstract

Understanding Urban Heat Islands is crucial for effective urban adaptation policies. Despite advances in simulation models, validation gaps remain, particularly in capturing microclimatic variations at the pedestrian scale. This study integrates dynamic monitoring with a low-cost portable device and validation using fixed and dynamic data to enhance CFD (Computational fluid dynamics) model accuracy. The objective is to assess an urban microclimate CFD model through temporal and spatial validation. Monitoring was conducted in Curitiba using a fixed reference station and a Low-Cost Portable Environmental Monitoring System (PLEMS) (1); a CFD model was developed and simulated in ENVI-met (2); and statistical validation metrics were analyzed (3). While temporal validation showed high agreement with low error magnitudes, spatial validation revealed low accuracy in predicting thermal comfort in urban canyons. Differences between intra-urban transect and simulated data highlight the need for model calibration.