Assessment of tree data configurations on cooling effects in urban settings

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of tree placement strategies on thermal cooling in Dutch urban areas, focusing on their influence on thermal comfort. First, a literature study is conducted to answer the first and second research questions of what may be expected of trees regarding thermal comfort and the most optimal planting pattern for thermal comfort. In the methodology, three urban configurations are designed, two tree-planting scenarios are selected, and the Tygron software is detailly explained to answer the research question of how trees’ thermal comfort can three urban configurations are designed, two tree-planting scenarios are selected, and the Tygron software is detailly explained to answer the research question of how can trees’ thermal comfort be modelled using Tygron software. Three neighbourhoods in The Hague are selected to model conceptual neighbourhoods versus the real world. This answers the research question of how the model’s results can be compared and configurated with current tree configurations. The sensitivity of the Tygron software is tested by adjusting meteorological data and answering the research question of the models’ sensitivity by adjusting meteorological data. The study finds that trees positively impact thermal comfort by reducing PET through shading, evapotranspiration, and blocking solar radiation. The placement of trees also affects their cooling ability, with single trees in a line resulting in a lower PET than a pair of two trees planted with an interval of two trees, between 0,1-1,4 °C for road and 0,8-1,1°C for sidewalk measurements. The study highlights the impact of the shadow effect on PET results, with trees and buildings both affecting the PET. The Tygron software has been used to model urban configurations, plant trees, and calculate PET, and the study found that the location of measurement points and the height of trees in the model affect PET results. Overall, this study contributes to the existing knowledge gaps in research, such as 3D modelling and the Tygron software regarding thermal comfort and tree placement, providing valuable insights for future urban planning and tree planting strategies to improve thermal comfort in Dutch urban areas.