Analysis of the thermal performance of emergency tents employed in humanitarian crisis responses

Abstract

This article addresses the topic of thermal efficiency in buildings, particularly a tent used in humanitarian operations. The objective was to evaluate the effects of shading on the internal operative temperature of a tent through computational simulations using the EnergyPlus program. Four cases were simulated: tent open and closed, shaded and exposed to direct solar radiation. The results showed that both shading and the opening of doors and windows for air circulation reduce the internal operative temperature. However, the greatest effect is caused by the first strategy, with a reduction of the operative temperature up to 12°C when the openings are closed and 5°C when they are open. The findings indicate that simple solutions can substantially reduce the tent’s internal temperature, providing a more comfortable environment for its occupants, who are already stressed due to their affected situation.