Novel parameterisation of building storage heat flux for urban climate modelling

Liu, Y. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5159-9197, Grimmond, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3166-9415, Paskin, M., Hang, J. and Luo, Z. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2082-3958 (2026) Novel parameterisation of building storage heat flux for urban climate modelling. Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems. ISSN 1942-2466 (In Press)

Abstract/Summary

Accurate estimation of building heat storage flux (ΔQS) is essential for modelling the urban surface energy balance and urban climates. The Objective Hysteresis Model (OHM) is a computationally efficient scheme that uses coefficients (a1, a2, a3) that can be derived from standard thermal parameters for heat conduction. Currently, it is constrained by the scarcity of coefficients representative of diverse construction types and meteorological regimes. To address this problem, we develop a physically informed parameterisation that links OHM coefficients to key construction properties and weather forcing. Using large ensembles of parametric EnergyPlus simulations, we fit regression models that map thermal-mass thickness and properties, insulation placement, and meteorological drivers to a1–a3. We demonstrate the dominant influence of insulation placement: materials located exterior to the insulation layer account for most heat storage and release. The derived coefficients are verified using field observations undertaken at the Scaled Outdoor Measurement of Urban Climate and Health (SOMUCH) platform, where ΔQS is independently estimated using the element surface temperature method (ESTM). OHM-modelled ΔQS agrees closely with observations. Implemented within the Surface Urban Energy and Water Balance Scheme (SUEWS), the new scheme enables assessment of how construction choices affect neighbourhood-scale microclimate (e.g., air temperature, wind speed), underscoring the influence of insulation placement on both building and neighbourhood climates. This approach offers a practical means to rapidly infer OHM coefficients from readily available building and meteorological data, broadening OHM’s applicability across materials and climates and supporting improved urban design and heat-mitigation strategies.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/131441
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Meteorology
Publisher	American Geophysical Union
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