Maximizing the ENVI-met Capability of Modelling the Mean Radiant Temperature of a Tropical Archaeological Site

Abstract

ENVI-met is one of the most widely-used outdoor microclimatic models. Since previous studies found that ENVI-met tends to overestimate the MRT, this study attempted to maximize the ENVI-met capability of modelling the MRT in order to obtain accurate simulation results. This study developed three variations of the 3D-model and employed some features to improve the large MRT discrepancy between the field measurement and simulation that resulted from the preliminary model. The field MRT measurements were conducted using a globe-thermometer method on two hot days, i.e., September 21 and October 17. After comparing the results of field measurements and simulations, this study came into a conclusion that the current free version software is capable of performing MRT predictions with a low discrepancy (5%) by using "Solar Adjustment Factor"and "Cloud Conditions"features (19.7% improvement), and maximizing the spatial resolution. The spatial resolution in z-axis decreases the discrepancy by 2.5%.