Numerical Study on Thermal Effects of Cold and High-albedo Surfaces Covered with Snow in Outdoor Environments

Abstract

In this study, a numerical method for predicting the radiative and convective heat transports around building blocks in a snowy region is developed. A field measurement is also carried out to clarify the effects of cold and high-albedo surfaces covered with snow. Although the surface temperature of the ground covered with snow was lower than that without snow, MRT and SET* above the snow surface were predicted to be higher than those without snow. This reflects the large effect of an increased albedo of the ground surface due to snow.