Comfort Energetics: Thermal Comfort Under Energy Constraints

Chapter
Part of the Springer Theses book series (Springer Theses)

Abstract

This chapter represents an energy-conscious approach to understanding thermal comfort. With the environmental variable of T, MRT, RH and wind v as its structure, it begins with a psychrometric analysis where the roles of temperature and humidity are denominated in PMV votes and the power needed to improve those votes. The role of humidity is critically reviewed with a case made for challenging the accepted norms an optimum RH range. Finally the efficacy of moving air is analysed in the different ways it can be employed.

Keywords

Relative Humidity Thermal Comfort High Relative Humidity Evaporative Cool Sick Building Syndrome 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

References

  1. ASHRAE. (2005). 2005 ASHRAE handbook: fundamentals. American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Incorporated.Google Scholar
  2. ASHRAE. (2009). ASHRAE Position Document on Airborne Infectious Diseases.Google Scholar
  3. ASHRAE. (2010). Standard 55: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy.Google Scholar
  4. Bacigalupi, P. (2009). The windup girl (1st ed.). Portland, United States of America: Night Shade Books. Google Scholar
  5. Battan, L. J. (2003). Cloud physics: a popular introduction to applied meteorology. NY: Dover Publications.Google Scholar
  6. Brundrett, G. (2008). Bacteria and Viruses. In Humidity Control Design Guide for Commercial and Institutional Buildings (pp. 128–137). American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.Google Scholar
  7. Burroughs, H. E., & Hansen, S. J. (2011). Managing Indoor Air Quality, Fifth Edition (5th ed.). Fairmont Press.Google Scholar
  8. Chiang, H. -C., Pan, C., Wu, H. -S., & Yang, B.- C. (2007). Measurement of flow characteristics of a ceiling fan with varying rotational speed. In Proceedings of Clima 2007 WeHBeingindoors. Presented at the Clima 2007 Wellbeing Indoors: REHVA World Congress, Helsinki, Finland.Google Scholar
  9. Clarke, J., Johnstone, C., Kelly, N., McLean, R., Anderson, J., Rowan, N., & Smith, J. (1999). A technique for the prediction of the conditions leading to mould growth in buildings. Building and Environment, 34(4), 515–521. doi: 10.1016/S0360-1323(98)00023-7
  10. Cohen, R., Nelson, B., & Wolff, G. (2004). Energy Down the Drain: The Hidden Costs of California’s Water Supply. Retrieved from http://www.pacinst.org/reports/energy_and_water/index.htm
  11. Cook, J. (1989). Passive Cooling. The MIT Press.Google Scholar
  12. Costa, C. (2012). Evaporative Mist Indoor Fan Cools Like AC Gadget Review. From http://www.gadgetreview.com/2012/06/evaporative-mist-indoor-fan.html. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  13. Cunningham, M. J. (1996). Controlling Dust Mites Psychrometrically—a Review for Building Scientists and Engineers. Indoor Air, 6(4), 249–258.Google Scholar
  14. De Dear, R. J., Leow, K. G., & Ameen, A. (1991). Thermal Comfort in the Humid Tropics - Part II: Climate Chamber Experiments on Thermal Acceptability in Singapore. ASHRAE Transactions, 97(1).Google Scholar
  15. Dunklin, E. W., & Puck, T. T. (1948). The Lethal effect of relative humidity on air-borne Bacteria. The Journal of Experimental Medicine, 87(2), 87–101.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  16. Emmanuel, M. R. (2005). An Urban Approach to Climate-Sensitive Design. Oxon: Spon Press.Google Scholar
  17. Fanger, P. O., & Christensen, N. K. (1986). Perception of draught in ventilated spaces. Ergonomics, 29(2), 215–235.Google Scholar
  18. Fanger, P. O. (2000). Indoor Air Quality in the 21st Century: Search for Excellence. Indoor Air, 10(2), 68–73.Google Scholar
  19. Fanger, P.O., Melikov, A. K., Hanzawa, H., & Ring, J. (1988). Air turbulence and sensation of draught. Energy and Buildings, 12(1), 21–39.Google Scholar
  20. Fisk, W. J. (1999). Estimates of potential nationwide productivity and health benefits from better indoor environments: an update. NY: McGraw Hill.Google Scholar
  21. Fountain, M., Arens, E. A., Xu, T., Bauman, F., & Oguru, M. (1999). An investigation of thermal comfort at high humidities. ASHRAE Transactions, 105(2), 94–103.Google Scholar
  22. Gong, N., Tham, K. W., Melikov, A. K., Wyon, D. P., Sekhar, S. C., & Cheong, K. W. (2006). The Acceptable Air Velocity Range for Local Air Movement in The Tropics. HVAC&R Research, 12(4), 1065.Google Scholar
  23. Harriman, L., Brundrett, G., & Kittler, R. (2008). Humidity Control Design Guide for Commercial and Institutional Buildings. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.Google Scholar
  24. Houghton, D. (1998). Building Comfort with Less HVAC. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://archrecord.construction.com/resources/conteduc/archives/research/12_98_1.asp
  25. Kowalski, W. (2005). Aerobiological engineering handbook airborne disease and control technologies (1st ed.). NY: McGraw-Hill.Google Scholar
  26. Lighthart, B., & Kim, J. (1989). Simulation of airborne microbial droplet transport. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 55(9), 2349–2355.Google Scholar
  27. McIntyre, D. A. (1976). Preferred air speeds for comfort in warm conditions. ASHRAE Transactions, 84(2), 264–277.Google Scholar
  28. Melikov, A. K., Cermak, R., & Majer, M. (2002). Personalized ventilation: evaluation of different air terminal devices. Energy and Buildings, 34(8), 829–836.Google Scholar
  29. Pasanen, A. -L., Juutinen, T., Jantunen, M. J., & Kalliokoski, P. (1992). Occurrence and moisture requirements of microbial growth in building materials. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 30(4), 273–283.Google Scholar
  30. Rohles, F. M., Jones, B. W., & Konz, S. A. (1983). Ceiling fans as extenders of the summer comfort envelope. ASHRAE Transactions, 89(1A), 245–263.Google Scholar
  31. Schiavon, S. (2009). Energy saving with personalized ventilation and cooling fan. Italy: University of Padua.Google Scholar
  32. Sterling, E. M., Arundel, A., & Sterling, T. D. (1985). Criteria for human exposure to humidity in occupied buildings. ASHRAE transactions, 91(1), 611–622.Google Scholar
  33. Tanabe, S., Kimura, K., & Hara, T. (1987). Thermal comfort requirements during the summer season in Japan. ASHRAE transactions, 93, 564–577.Google Scholar
  34. Toftum, J. (2004). Air movement—good or bad? Indoor Air, 14(7), 40–45.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  35. Turner, S. C. (2011). What’s new in ASHRAE’s standard on comfort. ASHRAE Journal, 53(6), 42–48.Google Scholar
  36. Zhang, H., Arens, E. A., Fard, S. A., Huizenga, C., Paliaga, G., Brager, G., et al. (2007). Air movement preferences observed in office buildings. International Journal of Biometeorology, 57(5), 349–360.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.School of Architecture and DesignUniversity of TasmaniaLauncestonAustralia

Personalised recommendations