A new study has established precise HVACR design values for Lagos and Abuja by analyzing 23 years of hourly climate data from NASA. The research addresses a critical gap in Nigeria's HVACR sector, which has often relied on outdated or generalized data. By providing accurate, location-specific parameters, the study aims to enable the design of more energy-efficient systems, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
The findings highlight significant climatic differences between the two cities. Lagos, with its stable and highly humid climate, requires HVACR systems that prioritize powerful dehumidification alongside cooling. In contrast, Abuja's drier and more variable conditions mean that hybrid cooling strategies, such as evaporative cooling during dry seasons, are a more effective and energy-efficient solution.
The study provides detailed temperature, humidity, and design values at various percentile frequencies to ensure systems are properly sized to meet a range of demands. Incorporating these tailored design values can significantly enhance system efficiency, reduce the strain on Nigeria's energy infrastructure, and contribute to more sustainable building practices across the country's diverse climate zones. The research also recommends periodically updating these values to account for ongoing climate change.
Summarized from the original article published here: Taylor & Francis
