Thermal performance of the new bioclimatic hall of the historical hospital in Florence.

Abstract The main aim of the present work is the study of the energy performances of the new hall of the Old St.Maria Nuova Hospital in the center of Florence (Italy). In particular this study aims to evaluate thermal, energy and environmental performances of the refurbishment project for the new hall of the historical hospital and to evaluate the significant reductions of energy consumption obtained. Transient simulations were carried out of the 3D model of the hall to analyse the air flow patterns, distribution and velocity, provided by an existing typical fan-coils air system. The present study highlights the importance of CDF-FEM simulation to predict and analyse the energy and thermal performance of the system (thermal buffer called hot room), when experimental measurements cannot be carried out due to high costs and time needed.