Effect of blue-green solutions on the urban climate: a Large Eddy Simulation study

Proponent: Sofia Fellini

Urban areas encounter significant challenges, including air pollution and thermal discomfort. To address these issues, introducing vegetation and managing/creating urban blue spaces are recognized solutions. However, achieving effective outcomes requires precise modeling tools for accurate design. While Urban Energy Balance (UEB) models and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations are commonly used, Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are more suitable due to their explicit handling of turbulence, which significantly affects momentum, energy, moisture, and scalar fluxes.

Embarking on a visiting period at Imperial College within Professor Maarten van Reeuwijk's research group, this project finances the exploration of the impact of water bodies and greenery on urban climate using LES simulations through the open-source code uDALES. Our goal is to deepen insights into urban climate physics, validate parameterizations in UEB models, and advance urban climate research.

The project will focus on three urban configurations: a tree-lined canyon, the replacement of a building with a green surface (lawn/park), and with a water body (pond/lake). Leveraging advanced modeling techniques, we aim to understand the complex interactions between urban infrastructure and natural elements, informing sustainable urban planning strategies.