scholarly journals Thermal Comfort Condition of Passengers in Naturally Ventilated Train Stations

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 02069
Author(s):  
Junta Nakano ◽  
Shin-ichi Tanabe
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Train Station ◽  
Spot Cooling ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
Indoor Comfort ◽  
Comfort Condition

Train is the most frequently used means of transportation in Tokyo. Train stations are gaining attention as commercial complex today, and higher level of comfort is being demanded for the indoor environment. Open structure of the train station and semi-outdoor like environment suggest that the thermal comfort condition is relaxed compared to indoor comfort standards. The objective of this study is to investigate the thermal comfort condition within train stations and to clarify the appropriate target for environmental control. Field surveys were carried out in summer, autumn and winter during July 2004 to August 2006 in four train stations located in urban area of Tokyo. Concourses were not air-conditioned except one station where spot cooling was operated in summer near the ticket gate. Each survey was conducted from 7:00 to 20:00 for 3 to 11 days per season per station for a total of 81 days. The survey consisted of thermal environment measurement and thermal comfort questionnaire. More than 80% of passengers felt thermally comfortable within the range of 19 to 29 °C SET*. However, acceptability zone was found to be 19 to 32 °C SET*, and it is recommended to design naturally ventilated train stations to fulfil this target.

scholarly journals The Effects of Different Space Forms in Residential Areas on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Severe Cold Regions of China

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (20) ◽  
pp. 3960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheming Liu ◽  
Yumeng Jin ◽  
Hong Jin
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
The South ◽  
Cold Regions ◽  
Space Forms ◽  
Transition Season ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
Outdoor Space ◽  
Comfort Condition

In the context of global climate change and accelerated urbanization, the deterioration of the urban living environment has had a serious negative impact on the life of residents. However, studies on the effects of forms and configurations of outdoor spaces in residential areas on the outdoor thermal environment based on the particularity of climate in severe cold regions are very limited. Through field measurements of the thermal environment at the pedestrian level in the outdoor space of residential areas in three seasons (summer, the transition season and winter) in Harbin, China, this study explored the effects of forms and configurations of three typical outdoor spaces (the linear block, the enclosed block, and the square) on the thermal environment and thermal comfort using the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET). The results show that the thermal environment of all outdoor space forms was relatively comfortable in the transition season but was uncomfortable in summer and winter. The full-enclosed block with a lower sky view factor (SVF) had a higher thermal comfort condition in summer and winter. The linear block with higher buildings and wider south–north spacing had a higher thermal comfort condition in summer and winter. When the buildings on the south side were lower and the south–north spacing was wider, the thermal environment of the square was more comfortable in winter.

scholarly journals Thermal Perception in Mild Climate: Adaptive Thermal Models for Schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 3948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Campano ◽  
Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo ◽  
Jesica Fernández-Agüera ◽  
Juan José Sendra
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Thermal Perception ◽  
Accurate Design ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Autumn And Winter

A comprehensive assessment of indoor environmental conditions is performed on a representative sample of classrooms in schools across southern Spain (Mediterranean climate) to evaluate the thermal comfort level, thermal perception and preference, and the relationship with HVAC systems, with a comparison of seasons and personal clothing. Almost fifty classrooms were studied and around one thousand pool-surveys distributed among their occupants, aged 12 to 17. These measurements were performed during spring, autumn, and winter, considered the most representative periods of use for schools. A new proposed protocol has been developed for the collection and subsequent analysis of data, applying thermal comfort indicators and using the most frequent predictive models, rational (RTC) and adaptive (ATC), for comparison. Cooling is not provided in any of the rooms and natural ventilation is found in most of the spaces during midseasons. Despite the existence of a general heating service in almost all classrooms in the cold period, the use of mechanical ventilation is limited. Heating did not usually provide standard set-point temperatures. However, this did not lead to widespread complaints, as occupants perceive the thermal environment as neutral—varying greatly between users—and show a preference for slightly colder environments. Comparison of these thermal comfort votes and the thermal comfort indicators used showed a better fit of thermal preference over thermal sensation and more reliable results when using regional ATC indicators than the ASHRAE adaptive model. This highlights the significance of inhabitants’ actual thermal perception. These findings provide useful insight for a more accurate design of this type of building, as well as a suitable tool for the improvement of existing spaces, improving the conditions for both comfort and wellbeing in these spaces, as well as providing a better fit of energy use for actual comfort conditions.

A review of research on dynamic thermal comfort

2021 ◽  
pp. 014362442110030
Author(s):  
Shuanghua Cao ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Bing Yang ◽  
Fan Li
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Indoor Thermal Environment ◽  
Building Energy Conservation ◽  
Environment Control ◽  
Intelligent Detection

Nowadays, people’s requirements for comfort are getting higher and higher, and traditional steady-state thermal comfort environment sometimes cannot meet people’s requirements. Dynamic thermal comfort is considered to meet people's requirements for comfort better than traditional thermal comfort, and it is also conducive to the health of occupants and building energy conservation. Therefore, this article reviews the literature on dynamic thermal comfort. First, this article briefly describes the transition from a steady-state thermal environment to a dynamic thermal environment. Next, this article reviews the research related to dynamic thermal comfort, such as the frequency of airflow fluctuations, simulation of natural wind, thermal prediction models, the use of intelligent detection equipment, and personal environmental control. This article summarizes the related research and development of dynamic thermal comfort from the aspects of dynamic airflow parameters, indoor thermal environment regulation, thermal experience, etc. This article aims to illustrate the necessity of the development of dynamic thermal comfort and its current results. The results show that under the trend of the artificial intelligence era, dynamic thermal comfort still has broad development potential. This article It can provide some research ideas for subsequent thermal comfort research. Practical application: This paper summarizes the research and development of dynamic thermal comfort from dynamic airflow, indoor thermal environment control, thermal experience, etc., and makes appropriate extensions and prospects accordingly. At the same time, the necessity of combining thermal comfort with AI trends is emphasized. This paper can provide references and ideas for thermal research on thermal comfort.

scholarly journals Does a neutral thermal sensation determine thermal comfort?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Shahzad ◽  
John Brennan ◽  
Dimitris Theodossopoulos ◽  
John K Calautit ◽  
Ben R Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Thermal Preference ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Comfort Zone ◽  
Indoor Thermal Environment ◽  
Human Thermal Comfort ◽  
Comfort Condition

The neutral thermal sensation (neither cold, nor hot) is widely used through the application of the ASHRAE seven-point thermal sensation scale to assess thermal comfort. This study investigated the application of the neutral thermal sensation and it questions the reliability of any study that solely relies on neutral thermal sensation. Although thermal-neutrality has already been questioned, still most thermal comfort studies only use this measure to assess thermal comfort of the occupants. In this study, the connection of the occupant’s thermal comfort with thermal-neutrality was investigated in two separate contexts of Norwegian and British offices. Overall, the thermal environment of four office buildings was evaluated and 313 responses (three times a day) to thermal sensation, thermal preference, comfort, and satisfaction were recorded. The results suggested that 36% of the occupants did not want to feel neutral and they considered thermal sensations other than neutral as their comfort condition. Also, in order to feel comfortable, respondents reported wanting to feel different thermal sensations at different times of the day suggesting that occupant desire for thermal comfort conditions may not be as steady as anticipated. This study recommends that other measures are required to assess human thermal comfort, such as thermal preference. Practical application: This study questions the application of neutral thermal sensation as the measure of thermal comfort. The findings indicate that occupant may consider other sensations than neutral as comfortable. This finding directly questions the standard comfort zone (e.g. ASHRAE Standard 55) as well as the optimum temperature, as many occupants required different thermal sensations at different times of the day to feel comfortable. These findings suggest that a steady indoor thermal environment does not guarantee thermal comfort and variations in the room temperature, which can be controlled by the occupant, need to be considered as part of the building design.

scholarly journals Post occupancy evaluation of thermal comfort and indoor air quality of office spaces in a tropical green campus building

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Hayati Yong ◽  
Qi Jie Kwong ◽  
Kok Seng Ong ◽  
Dejan Mumovic
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Green Campus ◽  
Campus Building

Purpose As suggested in many previous studies, good thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) played a significant role in ensuring human comfort, health and productivity in buildings. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the thermal comfort and IAQ conditions of open-plan office areas within a green-certified campus building through a post occupancy evaluation. Design/methodology/approach Using the field measurement method, environmental dataloggers were positioned at three office areas during office hours to measure the levels of thermal comfort parameters, CO2 concentrations and the supply air rates. At the same time, questionnaires were distributed to the available office staff to obtain their perception of the indoor environment. The findings were then compared with the recommended environmental comfort ranges and used to calculate the thermal comfort indices. Findings Results show that the physical parameters were generally within acceptable ranges of a local guideline. The neutral temperature based on the actual mean vote at these areas was 23.9°C, which is slightly lower than the predicted thermal neutrality of 25.2°C. From the surveyed findings, about 81% of the occupants found their thermal environment comfortable with high adaptation rates. A preference for cooler environments was found among the workers. Meanwhile, the air quality was perceived to be clean by a majority of the respondents, and the mean ventilation rate per person was identified to be sufficient. Research limitations/implications This study focussed on the thermal environment and air quality at selected office spaces only. More work should be carried out in other regularly occupied workplaces and study areas of the green educational building to allow a more thorough analysis of the indoor air conditions. Practical implications This paper highlights on the thermal comfort and air quality conditions of the air-conditioned office spaces in a green-certified campus building and is intended to assist the building services engineers in effective air conditioning control. The findings reported are useful for thermal comfort, IAQ and subsequently energy efficiency improvements in such building type where adjustments on the air temperature set-point can be considered according to the actual requirements. This study will be extended to other green campus spaces for a more exhaustive analysis of the indoor environment. Originality/value There is limited information pertaining to the environmental comfort levels in offices of green campus in the tropics. This study is, therefore, one of the earliest attempts to directly explore the thermal comfort and IAQ conditions in such workplace using both on-site physical measurement and questionnaire survey.

Effects of Workspace Design and Environmental Control on Office Workers' Perceptions of Air Quality

1992 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 890-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Personal Control ◽  
Employee Perceptions ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Work Space

This paper examines the influence of work space enclosure, individual difference variables (sex, job type), and control over the thermal environment on employee perceptions and satisfaction with air quality. The study population consisted of 200 office workers on five different floors of a single building that used either under-floor mounted air distribution units or a standard HVAC system. The under-floor units permit individual control over volume and direction of airflow in the work space. Four aspects of control were examined: availability of control; perceptions of control; exercised control; and; importance of thermal comfort as a goal. Dependent measures of air quality included: perceptions of air freshness; temperature; seasonal variations in temperature and satisfaction with temperature. The combined effects of work station enclosure and employee control were examined by means of multiple regression equations in which sex and occupational status were controlled. The results indicate that when the effects of sex and job status are statistically controlled, personal control and enclosure are significant predictors of employee perceptions. In order of importance; exercised control, perceived control, the importance of air quality as a goal; physical enclosure, and; availability of control all significantly influence perceptions of thermal comfort and satisfaction.

scholarly journals Assessment of Thermal Comfort in the Intelligent Buildings in View of Providing High Quality Indoor Environment

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1973
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Majewski ◽  
Łukasz J. Orman ◽  
Marek Telejko ◽  
Norbert Radek ◽  
Jacek Pietraszek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Concentration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environment Quality ◽  
Intelligent Buildings ◽  
Indoor Environment Quality ◽  
Very High

The paper analyses the indoor environment in two modern intelligent buildings located in Poland. Measurements of air and globe temperatures, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration in 117 rooms carried out in the space of 1.5 years were presented. Thermal comfort of the occupants has been investigated using a questionnaire survey. Based on 1369 questionnaires, thermal sensation, acceptability and preference votes were analysed in view of their interdependency as well as their dependency on operative temperature, which proved to be very strong. It has been found that the respondents did not completely rate thermal comfort and indoor environment quality as very high, although the overwhelming sensations were positive. Apart from the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, this might have also been the cause of individual human factors, such as body mass index, as tested in the study, or the finding that people were generally in favour of a warmer environment. Moreover, thermal environment proved to be the most important element for ensuring the well-being of the occupants.

scholarly journals Barriers on Establishing Passive Strategies in Office Spaces: A Case Study in a Historic University Building

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4563
Author(s):  
Nuno Baía Baía Saraiva ◽  
Luisa Dias Dias Pereira ◽  
Adélio Rodrigues Gaspar ◽  
José Joaquim da Costa
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Full Capacity ◽  
Free Cooling ◽  
Passive Strategies ◽  
The University ◽  
Indoor Conditions

The adaptation of spaces to different usage typologies can be complex in heritage buildings. Facilities were initially planned for a specific type of use that, when changed, require additional measures to ensure a suitable indoor environment. Passive strategies—e.g., free cooling—are commonly used as an alternative without requiring equipment installation. However, its implementation often leads to unsatisfactory conditions. Therefore, it is important to clarify the main barriers to achieving thermal comfort in readapted historic buildings. The present work investigates the thermal comfort conditions reported by workers in office spaces of a historic building in the University of Coimbra. A monitoring campaign was carried out between May and September 2020 to assess indoor conditions’ quality. Due to the current pandemic of COVID-19, offices were not occupied at full capacity. A one-day evaluation of thermal comfort was made using a climate analyzer and six occupants were surveyed on 19 August 2020. The main results highlighted discomfort due to overheating of spaces. The causes were related to the combination of inadequate implementation of the free cooling actions and the building use. Furthermore, it was recommended the installation of HVAC systems in case of full capacity.

scholarly journals Indoor Climate Performance in a Renovated School Building

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2827
Author(s):  
Pavla Mocová ◽  
Jitka Mohelníková
Keyword(s):  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Concentration ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
School Building ◽  
Ventilation Strategy ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Microbiological Testing ◽  
Indoor Comfort

Indoor climate comfort is important for school buildings. Nowadays, this is a topical problem, especially in renovated buildings. Poorly ventilated school classrooms create improper conditions for classrooms. A post-occupancy study was performed in a school building in temperate climatic conditions. The evaluation was based on the results of long-term monitoring of the natural ventilation strategy and measurements of the carbon dioxide concentration in the school classroom’s indoor environment. The monitoring was carried out in an old school building that was constructed in the 1970s and compared to testing carried out in the same school classroom after the building was renovated in 2016. Surprisingly, the renovated classroom had a significantly higher concentration of CO2. It was found that this was due to the regulation of the heating system and the new airtight windows. The occupants of the renovated classroom have a maintained thermal comfort, but natural ventilation is rather neglected. A controlled ventilation strategy and installation of heat recovery units are recommended to solve these problems with the classroom’s indoor environment. Microbiological testing of the surfaces in school classrooms also shows the importance of fresh air and solar radiation access for indoor comfort.

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