Building design for hot and humid climates – implications on thermal comfort and energy efficiency

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. By using thermal comfort analysis a range of values for those parameters can be identified, resulting in an acceptable level of thermal comfort. This analysis informs the mechanical system selection and design for maximum energy efficiency within the specified envelope of operating parameters. Finally, the paper outlines the use of building modelling software in exploring the link between the selection of an air conditioning system, its design and controls on the thermal comfort and the building energy efficiency.