Experimental Study on the Indoor Thermo-Hygrometric Conditionsof the Mongolian Yurt

Abstract

The Mongolian yurt is a circular dwelling with a wooden frame enclosed by a lightweight felt envelope. In this study, field experiments were conducted to understand the patterns of temperature changes of the yurt’s indoor thermal environment. The study found that the felt’s low thermal inertia affected the indoor temperature stability, resulting in a large difference between day and night temperatures inside the yurt. The felts adjusted the indoor humidity in the case of large outdoor humidity fluctuations, but when the outdoor humidity was very low, the indoor air was drier. Indoor temperatures were generally lower in the centre and higher in the surrounding peripheral areas, and the main influencing factors included felt seams, gaps between the door and Khana, the ground, and solar radiation. The main factor influencing the temperature of the felt wall’s inner surface was solar radiation. The effects on temperature and humidity when opening the component felt pieces were obvious: humidity adjustment was best with the top felt piece opened; indoor temperature adjustment was best with the gaps between the floor and felt wall pieces closed; and the door curtain was most effective for insulation when the outdoor temperature was low.