Modelado y análisis del fenómeno de inercia térmica y su efecto en el confort de las viviendas de interés social en condiciones ambientales de la región metropolitana de Cali: un estudio de caso de investigación interdisciplinaria desde el aula de clase

In this article, the project-based learning methodology (PBL) was used to assist graduate students inarchitecture and civil engineering in understanding the phenomenon of thermal inertia in buildings and its relationship with indoor comfort in low-income housing. Additionally, undergraduate students from mechanical, electronic, and civil engineering programs were incorporated. The project began with assigning roles to each of the disciplines involved. This included working on the selection of a house model (based on the available options in the region), architectural and structural design, and initiating the construction process of a scaled model using the same materials as the local construc-tion industry.Simultaneously, work was done on the design and implementation of instrumentation for the houses, as well as calculating the thermal loads of the dwellings and determining thermal comfort. The models were evaluated under ambient conditions and local radiation for periods longer than a day. Comfort variables, external weather conditions, and periodic thermography of the houses were measured. The results allowed for a detailed study of the heating and cooling processes within the houses, identifying the construction elements that contributed the most to the thermal load. Overall, the study aimed to identify the inertia effects, which exhibited temperature differences between the interior and exterior of the houses.By reviewing the students' prior knowledge and providing feedback, it was determined that this experience was significant in helping them internalize the heat transfer phenomena necessary for designing and constructing high-quality living spaces that improve people's quality of life. Conduc-ting the project at a scaled-down level with real materials and construction methods allowed students from all disciplines involved to become familiar with all stages of a project, as they would be carried out in the industry. This had a highly positive impact on the university community and the appropria-tion and utilization of knowledge.