thermal comfort

This paper describes the development of computational thermal manikins (CTMs) to be used in a coupled simulation envrionment to simulate the human thermoregulary response in buildings. 3D graphic design and engineering tools have been used to create CTMs with different postures and clothing insultation levels. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of a nude CTM in a space with displacement ventilation has shown good agreement with experimental data of measured convective and radiative heat transfer coefficients.

Based on results from a field survey campaign, this paper describes three new developments which have been integrated to provide for a comprehensive basis for the evaluation of overheating risk in offices. Firstly, a set of logistic regression equations have been derived to predict the probability of office occupants’ adaptation of personal and environmental characteristics. Secondly, empirical adaptive increments (offsets in comfort temperature) have been derived for each of these modes of adaptation.

This paper discuss about characteristics and energy performance of personal air-conditioning system for a general multi-bed patient’s room. Two types of personal air-conditioning systems are evaluated by the laboratory experiment. Energy performance of a peri-counter FCU (a conventional) air-conditioning system is simulated by CFD to compare with that of personal systems. Compared with the conventional system, personal air-conditioning system has an advantage from the viewpoint of amenity improvement, but may consume more energy for cooling in the system.

Natural ventilation is generally accepted as the preferred ventilation option as it is a healthy and energy-efficient means of supplying fresh air to a building. In the USA it is seldom being applied as most climate zones are considered unsuited to apply natural ventilation, mostly due to perceived uncontrollability and very humid and hot or very cold seasons. For mid and high rise apartment buildings the option of natural ventilation is virtually disregarded because the tradition of full air conditioning is so well established.

Through the paper a model simulating the thermal performances of an environment in transient state is presented. The model is composed by two codes that, used in sequence, concur to obtain evaluation, at a local level, of the most used comfort indexes, starting from the acquaintance of the external climatic conditions and of the thermal-physical characteristics of the building envelope.

The paper discusses the concept of an adaptive thermal comfort design methodology and its impact on the selection, design and performance of climate control systems for large public spaces with transient occupancy in hot and humid climates. It outlines the design methodology which is based on providing localised comfort conditions to zones within a building based on its occupancy patterns, activity of occupants and acceptable thermal comfort criteria. The methodology focuses on quantifying the collective impact of space operating parameters on the thermal comfort of its occupants.

This study examined the effect of building envelope on thermal comfort. The effects of key energy conservation measures, such as window/wall ratio, transmittance of fenestration glass and shading devices, were studied. The output from EnergyPlus was use to predict their influence on thermal comfort. Standard energy conserving measures proposed by ENVLOAD to reduce indoor thermal discomfort and cooling energy consumption were examined.

The aim of this case study is to investigate an integrated heating/cooling system performance in central Europe climate conditions. The possibility of a reliable application of radiant low-temperature heating/ high-temperature cooling ceiling system with capillary mats is discussed. ESP-r, an energy performance simulation program, was used for this purpose. Three types of the buildings are taken into account: a residential building, an office building with small offices and an office building with open space offices. Each of them represents a different operating pattern.

The Lyon Confluence project is an actual urban planning operation of Lyon agglomeration. It is part of a global sustainable development process, mixing economic development, social equity and preservation of natural resources.

The raise of sustainability in the urban design is a key-factor for addressing the challenges in response to climate change, resource availability, environmental degradation and energy consumption. Urban planners need comprehensive microclimatic information in order to take decisions. This paper addresses the rehabilitation at the municipality of Acharnes, one of the largest municipalities of Attica, built at the southern foothills of Mt Parnitha, and 10 km north of Athens. The reintegration approach included field measurements of the thermal characteristics in the examined area.