A Simplified Algorithm to Predict Indoor Microclimate in Case of Courtyard Covering. A Case Study for the Courtyard of Palazzo Poggi in Bologna

The renovation or the functional transformation of existing stock to meet the new comfort standards and energy demand reduction often requires comparing alternative technological options and designing solutions especially when it involves historical buildings where the main goal is usually to preserve the original image and value of the building. The paper reports a study regarding the potential covering of the inner courtyard of Palazzo Poggi in Bologna with a roof to create an intermediate new space between outdoors and indoors to be used all year long. The study is particularly focused on the definition of a simplified algorithm to predict and evaluate the annual temperature trend of the court, once it has been covered, assuming some geometrical and thermal characteristics of the roof. The paper describes the calculation algorithm and its application on the Palazzo Poggi case study where a covering in EFTE (ethylen-tetrafluorethylen) membrane is supposed to be created.