Design analysis of single-sided natural ventilation

This study concerns single-sided natural ventilation by using a CFD model, along with analytical and empirical models. The effects of opposing buoyancy and wind forces on ventilation rates and indoor conditions were alos studied in that investigation.

The 3-year follow-up study in a block of flats - experiences in the use of the Finnish indoor climate classification

The investigation was made in a Finnish building built for people with respiratory diseases. During 3 years the main indoor air parameters were measured. In parallel a questionnaire to evaluate symptoms of the occupants and their satisfaction was conducted.The experiment proved that the use of low emitting building materials, along with a high quality control of the building practices during the contruction phases, gave full satisfaction to the occupants (decrease of their symptoms during the 3 year-occupancy).With low additional costs a high IAQ can be obtained.

Indoor environmental exposures and symptoms

It is a basic biological truth that people bring different levels of responsiveness to irritant stimuli to work. No one reacts to the same levels with the same intensity (symptoms are different)What are the stress factors that lead people to complain? Poor work organization, inadequate communication or pollutants ? The author suggests that priority should be given to the problems of work organisation before looking for problems of indoor air pollution, air-handling, or heating.Systematic approaches to stress management have shown to have major benefits.

Three examples of improvement of ambient conditions in industrial premices

Three experiments aiming at improving the atmosphere in industrial premices are described in this paper. The working conditions of the staff have been improved along with an amelioration of the process and quality of fabrication.The third example proves that a well adapted technical approach allows the improvement of working conditions coupled with an energy control.

Comfort notions. The control of indoor atmospheres

The notion of comfort is not easy to define. As it relies on elements partly subjective, a statistical approach of the user requirements is necessary.In order to reach the optimum reduction of the causes of discomfort, the profession in charge with the indoor air quality has adopted a certain number of rules that working groups of standardization try to improve and complete.

The effect of air temperature on labour productivity in call centres - a case study -

A study on the effect of air temperature on productivity was carried out in telecommunications offices with an observational approach in call centre 1 and an intervention approach in the second call center by installing cooling units.The study shows that the productivity can be reduced by 5 to 7 % when the indoor temperatures increase.

Thermal comfort in classrooms in the tropics

Thermal comfort variables were measured in Singapore mechanically ventilated classrooms. In parallel the cccupants filled questionnaires on their perception of the indoor climate. The results showed that ASHRAE Standard 55 was not applicable in free-running buildings in the tropics. The study showed that generally cool thermal sensations were more readily accepted by the classroom occupants than warm thermal sensations.

Solving the O&M equation

An effective and successful O&M (operation and maintenance) program for schools begins at the very start of the project and not at its facility completion : key design issues must be covered during planning and design phases. The owner must be identified and listened to, the understanding of how the O&M staff works, what its capabilities and technology skill level are, will help in designing the right facility within the capability of available resources.

Integration of high environmental quality comfort requirements during the retrofitting of educational buildings.

A important part of educational buildings must be retrofitted in many European countries, in the next years, for historical and demographic reasons. These retrofittings must be carried out with a limitation of energy consumption and a better indoor comfort. In this context, Annex 36 of International Energy Agency aims at promoting energy efficient measurements of educational buildings in the retrofitting process. In the same time, in France, decision makers want to integrate high environmental quality comfort requirements.

Effect of architectural decisions on indoor climates of residential buildings

The comparison of indoor temperatures measured in different Beijing buildings without air conditioners allowed those conclusions : the indoor temperature is different according to the floor at which a room is located , a high insulation of external walls and roof, along with a proper location of fenestrations and window shading can reduce incidence of solar radiations and improve indoor climates of the room.

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