scholarly journals Housing retrofit as an intervention in thermal comfort practices: Chinese and Dutch householder perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank J. de Feijter ◽  
Bas J.M. van Vliet
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Technical Standards ◽  
Comfort Levels ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort ◽  
The One

AbstractContemporary packages of housing retrofit equipment are based on models of expected energy savings with regard to globally standardized thermal comfort levels. Previous research shows that the energy savings realised after a housing retrofit is substantially lower than expected. Attempts to reduce energy demand by physical re-design, utilising technical standards for thermal comfort as well as financial incentives, tend to ignore the role of retrofit interventions in the construction of everyday practices of thermal comfort making. Thermal comfort practices of heating, cooling and ventilation are moderated by specific householders’ motivations which constitute ‘wants’ and emerging ‘needs’ in the interaction with the housing retrofit equipment. This paper proposes that the interactions between the retrofitted buildings and the householders are the sum of material affordances, as signified by the design of the housing equipment on the one hand, and the practical affordances in practices-as-performances on the other. The study presents comfort practices in relation to recently retrofitted low-income housing estates in Beijing, Mianyang (Sichuan province, South-west China) and Amsterdam on the basis of 50 qualitative interviews with householders in each city. The paper concludes that the expected energy saving is counteracted by a poor match between conventional retrofit packages and householders’ considerations about their thermal comfort. To better reduce energy demand and to mitigate energy poverty, retrofit packages should provide adaptive thermal comfort as preferred by householders, rather than fixed or tightly specified thermal comfort. Such a perspective may support a more flexible and inclusive use of housing equipment as part of retrofit programs.

Reducing Energy Demand in Commercial Buildings: Balancing Convection and Radiant Cooling

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Chusak ◽  
Andrew Harris ◽  
Ramesh Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Exterior Wall ◽  
Displacement Ventilation ◽  
Comfort Levels ◽  
Isothermal Wall ◽  
Chilled Ceiling

Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, three different cooling systems used in contemporary office environments are modeled to compare energy consumption and thermal comfort levels. Incorporating convection and radiation technologies, full-scale models of an office room compare arrangements for (a) an all-air overhead system (mixing ventilation), (b) an all-air raised floor system (displacement ventilation), and (c) a combined air and hydronic radiant system (displacement ventilation with a chilled ceiling). The computational domain for each model consists of one isothermal wall (simulating an exterior wall of the room) and adiabatic conditions for the remaining walls, floor, and ceiling (simulating interior walls of the room). Two sets of computations were conducted. The first set of computations utilized a constant temperature isothermal exterior wall, while the second set utilized an isothermal wall that changed temperatures as a function of time simulating the temperature changes on the exterior wall of a building throughout a 24 hour period. Results show superior thermal comfort levels as well as substantial energy savings can be accrued using the displacement ventilation, especially the displacement ventilation with a chilled ceiling over the conventional mixing ventilation system.

scholarly journals Assessing the duality of thermal performance and energy efficiency of residential buildings in hot arid climate of Laghouat, Algeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darda Bencheikh ◽  
Madani Bederina
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort ◽  
The Difference ◽  
American Society

Abstract Thermal comfort is the main driver of buildings energy consumption; it has been classified by building occupants to be of greater importance compared with visual and acoustic comfort. To respond correctly and quickly to the increase in energy price and pollution, thermal regulations and comfort approaches have emerged. This paper compares the thermal performances and energy demand of a vernacular and a low-income modern dwelling using two major thermal comfort approaches (Givoni’s approach and adaptive thermal comfort recommended by The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers in ASHRAE standards 55-2010) and the energy professional’s method presented in the French Thermal Regulations RT2012. It shows the effectiveness of bioclimatic and passive strategies in reducing energy demand, increasing the thermal comfort level for the buildings, and therefore reducing greenhouse emissions. The results show that the vernacular house was comfortable during the warm day, which approved a 100% cooling energy efficiency (the thermal comfort has been achieved in a passive way), contrary to the contemporary dwelling, in which the use of air-conditioning modern systems was essential to meet the occupant needs in terms of thermal comfort. The difference between the houses’ energy performances was estimated, including a 39% reduction in energy demand.

scholarly journals Can We Regulate Our Way to Energy Efficiency? Product Standards as Climate Policy

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah M. Sachs
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Information Disclosure ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Carbon Taxes ◽  
Regulatory Approach

In this Article, I demonstrate that the regulatory strategy for energy efficiency is working. Although information disclosure, financial incentives, and other softer alternatives to regulation play a vital role in reducing energy demand, these should be viewed as complements to efficiency regulation, rather than replacements. The regulatory approach has led to substantial cost and energy savings in the past, it has enjoyed bipartisan political support, and it targets products and behaviors that are difficult to address through other policy tools. Given the politics of climate change in the United States, which make federal carbon taxes or a cap-and-trade system infeasible, the regulatory option should be expanded, not abandoned.

Subjective Evaluation of Thermal Comfort Using an Air Recirculation Device

1983 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 751-756
Author(s):  
David A. VanDyke ◽  
Frederick H. Rohles ◽  
Michael P. Webster
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
National Bureau ◽  
Environmental Laboratory ◽  
Fan Speed

To determine the effectiveness of a small fan in enhancing thermal comfort in an open office, eight subjects were studied at 24.4 C (76F), 26.1 C (79F), and 27.8 C (82F) (all at 50% RH), in an environmental laboratory where each workstation was equipped with a small variable speed fan. Control trials were run at all three temperatures without the use of the fan. Three subjective responses were measured: thermal sensation (a nine category rating scale), thermal comfort (a seven pair semantic differential scale), and temperature preference. During fan tests, subjects were allowed to adjust the fan speed to their preference at 15 minute intervals. Results showed that use of the fan could allow a 3°F temperature increase while maintaining the same comfort level, or increase comfort at temperatures of 79°F and up. The 3°F increase in temperature would result in a 9% energy savings, based on the National Bureau of Standards suggestion of a reduction in air conditioning energy demand of 6% per °C or 3% per °F. The study also shows that users prefer a fan that is adjustable in speed and placement.

Assessment of energy and environmental performances of a bioclimatic dwelling in Algeria's North

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Belkacem ◽  
L Loukarfi ◽  
M Missoum ◽  
H Naji ◽  
A Khelil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Solar Heating ◽  
Environmental Study ◽  
Building Energy Efficiency

Bioclimatic architecture strategies and solar active systems contribute strongly to the reduction of building energy demand and achieving thermal comfort for its occupants over the whole year. This paper deals with the study of the energy performance improvement of a pilot bioclimatic house located in Algiers (Algeria). First, a series of experimental measures are conducted during cold period to show the effect of passive and active solar gains on the improvement of the indoor air temperature of the house. Then, a dynamic model of a solar heating system coupled with a bioclimatic house has been developed using TRNSYS software and validated with experimental data. The validated model has been used to establish the energy balance of the pilot bioclimatic house without solar heating system and to compare them to those of a conventional house. Finally, the improvement of the energy balance of the pilot bioclimatic house has been done by passive and active ways. The passive one includes the increase of south facing windows size and the use of night cooling with the use of shading device in summer. The active one consists of the integration of a solar heating system. Furthermore, an environmental study has been performed. The experimental results show that the energy requirements of a pilot bioclimatic house are very low which is suitable for the use of solar heating system in building. The simulation results show that the application of bioclimatic strategies is a better way to provide thermal comfort in summer and decrease the space heating energy demand of the house with 48.70%. The active solar system will cover 67.74% of the energy demand for heating of the house. These energy savings generate a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. Practical application: This work will enable engineers and designers of modern buildings of buildings in a Mediterranean climate to improve building energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by a conjunction of different passive heating and cooling techniques such as insulation, thermal mass, window shades, night ventilation, and the solar heating system. The paper provides designers an effective strategy in terms of energy savings and indoor thermal comfort while reducing CO2 emissions.

Determination of fixed expenses in central heating costs allocation

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 810-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Joachim Gelegenis ◽  
Douglas Harris ◽  
Danae Diakoulaki ◽  
Helen Lampropoulou ◽  
George Giannakidis
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Cost Allocation ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Heating System ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Central Heating ◽  
Detailed Simulation ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reduction in efficiency of central heating systems of multi-family buildings when independent heating capability is offered to each apartment, to access the impact of the applied heating cost allocation (HCA) on this deterioration and suggest highly cost-effective ways (operation, control strategy, alternative HCA) of overcoming them at minimum cost. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reveals the problem of reduced efficiency in centrally heated multi-family dwellings through two case studies in real buildings, where data-loggers were installed and performance curve analysis was performed, in combination with detailed simulation. Findings – The paper finds that the enforcement of a suitable HCA regulation is a prerequisite to achieving energy savings in centrally heated multi-family dwellings. In addition the effects of dissimilarly heated apartments on the total energy demand and the significance of indirect heating and how these should be charged, are assessed. It is found that convenient operation of the central heating system may lead to high energy cost savings and higher efficiency at no cost. Research limitations/implications – HCA adopted more than three decades ago should be revised according to the present situation, namely, increasing fuel costs, existence of many low income families, energy poverty, availability of alternative (or supplementary) heating devices and better building envelopes. Practical implications – Occupants of multi-family dwellings should be appropriately educated and agree on rational use of the common heating system of the building. Originality/value – The paper identifies weak points of valid HCA regulation, reveals inefficiencies in centrally heated multi-family dwellings and measures the actual effectiveness of remedying measures. Detailed simulation contributes to the scientific documentation of the findings.

A comparative study on energy demand through the adaptive thermal comfort approach considering climate change in office buildings of Spain

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Sánchez-García ◽  
Carlos Rubio-Bellido ◽  
Mónica Tristancho ◽  
Madelyn Marrero
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Office Buildings ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort

scholarly journals Thermal Comfort in Places of Worship within a Mediterranean Climate

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7233
Author(s):  
Robert C. Vella ◽  
Francisco Javier Rey Martinez ◽  
Charles Yousif ◽  
Liberato Camilleri
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Comfort Levels ◽  
Parish Churches ◽  
Indoor Comfort

This paper investigates the relationship between the actual thermal comfort levels measured according to EN 16798-1 standard and the expected thermal comfort of attendees in five parish churches throughout 2018. This is carried out through statistical analysis of qualitative research based on questionnaire responses from church goers and quantitative research based on indoor measured data. This investigation includes the gathering of scientific data relating to temperature and relative humidity together with statistical data through thermal sensation surveys (TSSs). Thus, this study provides first-hand information about occupants’ diversities of thermal sensations and dynamic behaviour adaptations to the intricate environment within churches. Results determine that a significant correlation exists between the actual thermal comfort levels measured according to EN 16798-1 standard and the expected thermal comfort perceived by the church attendees in most of the parish churches under review. Analysis of the sources of discomfort and suggestions made by the occupants revealed that passive design measures contribute towards improved indoor thermal conditions, reduced energy demand and lower carbon emissions. This information provides assurance for optimised decision-making methods, used to generate accurate solutions for policy-makers, architects and engineers, with an understanding of practical applications of passive measures for places of worship. Moreover, the paper provides insight on indoor comfort levels in places of worship within a Mediterranean context, which is insufficiently addressed by scholars at a global level.

scholarly journals The Significance of the Adaptive Thermal Comfort Practice over the Structure Retrofits to Sustain Indoor Thermal Comfort

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2946
Author(s):  
Aiman Albatayneh ◽  
Mustafa Jaradat ◽  
Mhd Bashar AlKhatib ◽  
Ramez Abdallah ◽  
Adel Juaidi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Indoor Thermal Comfort ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort

Any building’s design should sustain thermal comfort for occupants and promote less energy usage during its lifetime using accurate building retrofits to convert existing buildings into low-energy buildings so that the heating and cooling loads can be minimized. Regarding the methodology adopted in this research, an energy model of an educational building located at the German Jordanian University in Jordan was constructed utilizing DesignBuilder computer software. In addition, it was calibrated utilizing real energy consumption data for a 12-month simulation of energy performance. Subsequently, a computerized evaluation of the roles of building envelope retrofits or the adaptive thermal comfort limits in the reduction of the overall building energy consumption was analyzed. The results of the study show that the current building’s external wall insulation, roof insulation, glazing, windows, and external shading devices are relatively energy-efficient but with high cost, resulting in significant financial losses, even though they achieved noticeable energy savings. For instance, equipping the building’s ventilation system with an economizer culminated in the highest financial profit, contributing to an annual energy savings of 155 MWh. On the other hand, in an occupant-centered approach, applying the adaptive thermal comfort model in wider ranges by adding 1 °C, 2 °C, and 3 °C to the existing operating temperatures would save a significant amount of energy with the least cost (while maintaining indoor thermal comfort), taking over any retrofit option. Using different adaptive thermal comfort scenarios (1 °C, 2 °C, and 3 °C) led to significant savings of around 5%, 12%, and 21%, respectively. However, using different retrofits techniques proved to be costly, with minimum energy savings compared to the adaptive approach.

scholarly journals Cooling Degree Models and Future Energy Demand in the Residential Sector. A Seven-Country Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2987
Author(s):  
Raúl Castaño-Rosa ◽  
Roberto Barrella ◽  
Carmen Sánchez-Guevara ◽  
Ricardo Barbosa ◽  
Ioanna Kyprianou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Residential Sector ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort

The intensity and duration of hot weather and the number of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, are increasing, leading to a growing need for space cooling energy demand. Together with the building stock’s low energy performance, this phenomenon may also increase households’ energy consumption. On the other hand, the low level of ownership of cooling equipment can cause low energy consumption, leading to a lack of indoor thermal comfort and several health-related problems, yet increasing the risk of energy poverty in summer. Understanding future temperature variations and the associated impacts on building cooling demand will allow mitigating future issues related to a warmer climate. In this respect, this paper analyses the effects of change in temperatures in the residential sector cooling demand in 2050 for a case study of nineteen cities across seven countries: Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Israel, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain, by estimating cooling degree days and hours (CDD and CDH). CDD and CDH are calculated using both fixed and adaptive thermal comfort temperature thresholds for 2020 and 2050, understanding their strengths and weaknesses to assess the effects of warmer temperatures. Results suggest a noticeable average increase in CDD and CDH values, up to double, by using both thresholds for 2050, with a particular interest in northern countries where structural modifications in the building stock and occupants’ behavior should be anticipated. Furthermore, the use of the adaptive thermal comfort threshold shows that the projected temperature increases for 2050 might affect people’s capability to adapt their comfort band (i.e., indoor habitability) as temperatures would be higher than the maximum admissible values for people’s comfort and health.

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