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Last edited by ZHUXIAOQING-Julia-23072760 (talk | contribs) 2 seconds ago. (Update) |
- Comment: Wikipedia is a collaborative encyclopedia. It is not a place to draft a group assignment for school. —C.Fred (talk) 17:00, 1 January 2025 (UTC)
1. Introduction
edit(Julia & Alfred)
Thermal comfort and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) are crucial determinants of indoor space quality, impacting human health, well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction. These factors have become increasingly important in building design, as the aim shifts towards creating environments that not only ensure physical comfort but also promote mental and emotional well-being especially with a majority of people spending most of their times in offices, schools, and other indoor environments for much of the day. Thermal comfort refers to the state in which individuals feel comfortable with the surrounding temperature conditions, either hot or cold. It is influenced by a range of factors, including air temperature, humidity, air velocity, and radiant heat, as well as individual preferences and clothing levels [1].
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) extends beyond thermal conditions, incorporating various other factors such as air quality, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomics. A well-designed IEQ aims to reduce exposure to indoor pollutants, ensure proper ventilation, provide adequate lighting, and minimize noise disturbances [2]. Together, thermal comfort and IEQ play a central role in enhancing human health and performance in both residential and commercial buildings. Poor IEQ has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory issues and stress, while optimal IEQ contributes to improved productivity, concentration, and overall quality of life [3].
In the context of sustainable building practices, achieving a balance between thermal comfort and IEQ is vital to creating a energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and occupant-friendly spaces. As the demand for green building standards and sustainable design practices grows, these elements are increasingly incorporated into guidelines such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and other similar certifications. These standards aim to create buildings that not only reduce energy consumption but also provide optimal conditions for the health and comfort of their occupants [4].
As ASHRAE guidelines stated [5], since people spend about 80–90% of their time indoors and studies have indicated that a range of comfort and health related effects are linked to characteristics of the building, there has been a growth in interest in both academic and practitioner literature on occupant health and building design. There are studies to suggest that a few symptoms of discomfort from indoor environment lead to significant reduction in work performance of occupants [6]. New building regulations/legislations and green building guidelines have highlighted the past idea of sustainability that often ignored psychological, cultural and sociological dimensions [7]. Human beings have endeavoured to create indoor environments in which they can feel comfortable. Human health is foremost when it comes to assessing the overall comfort of the environment. If for any reason the built environment is leading to sickness or negative impact on occupant health then it is a matter of concern and could point to some design or technical flaw in the building system.
1.1. Thermal comfort
editThermal comfort influenced by several factors, including:
- Air temperature
- Humidity
- Air velocity
- Mean radiant temperature
- Clothing insulation
- Metabolic rate
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Thermal-comfort-factors-and-their-effects_fig1_365499413
Thermal comfort involves maintaining a balance between the heat produced by the human body and the heat lost to the environment.[8].
1.2. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
editIndoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is most simply described as the conditions inside the building. It includes air quality, but also access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions, and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort. It may also include the functional aspects of space such as whether the layout provides easy access to tools and people when needed and whether there is sufficient space for occupants. Building managers and operators can increase the satisfaction of building occupants by considering all of the aspects of IEQ rather than narrowly focusing on temperature or air quality alone[9].
As ASHRAE guidelines stated [5], since people spend about 80–90% of their time indoors and studies have indicated that a range of comfort and health related effects are linked to characteristics of the building, there has been a growth in interest in both academic and practitioner literature on occupant health and building design. There are studies to suggest that a few symptoms of discomfort from indoor environment lead to significant reduction in work performance of occupants [6]. New building regulations/legislations and green building guidelines have highlighted the past idea of sustainability that often ignored psychological, cultural and sociological dimensions [7]. Human beings have endeavoured to create indoor environments in which they can feel comfortable. Human health is foremost when it comes to assessing the overall comfort of the environment. If for any reason the built environment is leading to sickness or negative impact on occupant health then it is a matter of concern and could point to some design or technical flaw in the building system.
So I am very interested in this topic, which is very relevant to my daily life, and the following content will revolve around this.
2. Key Components of Thermal Comfort
edit(Zhang Fengguo&Julia)
2.1. Key Components of Thermal Comfort
editThermal comfort refers to the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. It is a complex interplay of environmental, personal, and psychological factors. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020, a globally recognized guideline, outlines the parameters necessary to ensure thermal comfort in indoor environments.
- Environmental Factors
The thermal environment significantly affects comfort through four primary variables:
- Air Temperature: A key determinant of thermal comfort, it influences the body’s heat balance. For most people, temperatures between 20–26°C are considered comfortable.
- Radiant Temperature: Surfaces that emit or absorb heat can alter perceptions of warmth. For instance, cold windows or warm walls can impact the overall thermal sensation.
- Air Velocity: Proper airflow enhances heat dissipation, improving comfort, especially in warm conditions. However, drafts in cooler environments may cause discomfort.
- Humidity: High humidity reduces sweat evaporation, leading to discomfort, while very low humidity can cause skin and respiratory dryness.
- Personal Factors
Personal characteristics, such as clothing insulation and metabolic rate, also play a vital role:
- Clothing Insulation: Clothing provides thermal insulation, affecting heat exchange between the body and the environment. ANSI/ASHRAE 55 accounts for clothing insulation values (clounits) when assessing comfort.
- Metabolic Rate: Higher activity levels generate more heat, requiring cooler environments for comfort. For instance, sitting (1.0 met) versus exercising (2.0 met) creates different thermal needs.
- Psychological and Contextual Factors
- Psychological aspects, such as cultural expectations and prior experiences, also influence thermal comfort. For example, individuals accustomed to tropical climates may tolerate higher temperatures better than those from colder regions.
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) encompasses several key elements that collectively impact the health, comfort, and productivity of building occupants. Here are the main components:
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- Pollutants: Includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, carbon dioxide (CO2), and other contaminants.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation helps to dilute and remove indoor pollutants[11].
- Thermal Comfort
- emperature: Maintaining a comfortable temperature range is crucial.
- Humidity: Balanced humidity levels prevent discomfort and health issues.
- Lighting
- Natural Light: Access to daylight improves mood and productivity.
- Artificial Lighting: Should be designed to minimize glare and mimic natural light.
- Acoustic Comfort
- Noise Levels: Reducing unwanted noise and providing sound insulation enhances concentration and comfort.
- Ergonomics and Architecture
- Design: Ergonomic furniture and thoughtful architectural design support physical comfort and reduce strain.
- Access to Nature
- Views and Greenery: Incorporating natural elements and views of nature can improve mental well-being.
3. Indoor Environmental Quality & Energy Efficiency
edit(Julia & Imran)
Because the conditions of a space are constantly changing based on the number, types and activities of occupants, these systems controlling indoor environmental quality need to be managed not just holistically — but also dynamically. The dynamic management of these systems allows for demand-based systems which use energy only when needed.
Digital technologies and connected solutions enable both near-real time optimization of energy, IEQ and hyper-personalization. By extending our analysis of IEQ from just systems into a specific space and even further to an individual occupant, hyper-personalized and optimized systems can lead to unprecedented improvements in energy efficiency. This can be accomplished by adding personal cooling, IAQ and lighting devices and integrating those devices into the broader system controls to optimize for personal comfort.artificial Intelligence for Efficient thermal Comfort.
Because every space is unique in its design, environment, and use, it is critical to assess the needs of that space first to determine the best approach to optimize IEQ for its occupants. In addition, as the use of the space evolves over time, ensuring that the proper indoor environment is supported may require recurring or continuous assessment techniques.
Assessments come in many forms and can address specific pieces of equipment, entire systems or even the application of those systems to the space and its need. Standards like LEED and other traditional approaches address how a system or space is designed but not how a space performs over time. Emerging methodologies and those recommended by the WELL Building Institute aim to address the issues associated with the performance of a space holistically.
In addition, there are several approaches and tools that can be applied to assess the indoor environmental quality of a space — ranging from simple measurement practices to assure minimum compliance with industry standards, to sophisticated modeling and simulation of airflow, lighting and acoustics in the space, and real-time surveys of occupants on various elements of IEQ. Solutions should therefore be tailored to the needs of the space, the occupants in that space and the needs of the customers who are charged with ensuring the right type of indoor environment is created to support its occupants.
3.3 Mitigate
editBased on the outcomes of an assessment, mitigation strategies can be developed to eliminate issues with indoor environmental quality. In addition, micro-climates can be specifically designed to meet the needs of specific spaces by using occupant centric approaches. Since there are a great deal of options when it comes to mitigation and design strategies, it is critical to the select the right approach for the right situation.
It is that critical balance that differentiates us as a partner in the sustainable built environment. In fact, we have demonstrated that by focusing on use-centric strategies and optimizing systems around occupants, much greater energy savings can be achieved. We also focus on uncovering and maturing innovations that support the goal of reducing risk and improving energy efficiency simultaneously.
3.4 Manage
editSince the purpose and use of any space can change over time, it is not sufficient to address indoor environmental issues just once. It is important to continue monitoring critical spaces and managing indoor environmental quality, ensuring that spaces always meet the needs of their occupants. Sensors and real time occupant surveys which provide feedback to automated control mechanisms enable real-time adjustments of indoor environments. Connected systems can enable remote experts to monitor and diagnose issues and recommend improvements based on sensors and system diagnostics, enabling a space to “react” to activities and incidents over time.
By continuously managing and monitoring spaces, we continue to ensure the best environments for occupants while optimizing energy usage, minimizing costs and carbon footprint. As digital and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies advance, our ability to control micro-climates, predict potential issues and improve the performance and environmental footprint of various spaces will also increase; enabling healthy and efficient spaces that endure over time.
4. Optimizing Thermal Comfort
edit(Lin Zirui)
- Passive Design
Using natural methods such as proper building orientation, shading, and insulation to reduce energy use.
1.Building orientation: Choose the right building orientation based on local climate and sun trajectory to maximize solar gain and reduce direct sunlight when necessary. Place windows on the south or west side of the building to gain solar heating in winter and reduce heat gain through shading measures in summer.
2.Shading design: Use fixed shading facilities such as blinds, sunshades or roof overhangs to block direct sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures. Use adjustable shading facilities such as electric curtains, blinds or awnings to adapt to different weather conditions.
3.Insulation: Use high-efficiency insulation materials such as aerogels, phase change materials or vacuum insulation panels and insulation technology to improve the insulation performance of the building envelope and reduce heat transfer.
4.Natural ventilation: Use the wind pressure difference generated by openings in different parts of the building, such as windows or doors, to promote air flow. Similarly, the thermal pressure difference generated by the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor can be used to promote air flow[14].
- Active Systems
Advanced HVAC systems and smart technologies for temperature regulation.
1.Intelligent HVAC system: Adopting the intelligent building energy-saving thermal comfort control framework based on deep reinforcement learning, by predicting and optimizing the operation strategy of the HVAC system, the prediction accuracy of thermal comfort is improved, and the purpose of reducing energy consumption is achieved at the same time.
2.Multi-objective optimization control: Considering the two objective functions of indoor thermal comfort and energy consumption, the genetic algorithm is used to optimize the HVAC system parameters to achieve energy efficiency optimization[15].
3.Dynamic thermal comfort control: Based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm[16], the thermal environment and the thermal perception data of the occupants to the environment are measured in real time to achieve the optimal control of dynamic comfort.
- Energy-Efficient Strategies
Integration of renewable energy sources and systems that minimize environmental impact.
1.Renewable energy integration: Solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal systems can provide sustainable energy for buildings. The integration of multiple renewable energy sources can be achieved by coupling wind and solar power generation with hydrogen energy storage systems. Through technologies such as water electrolysis, hydrogen storage and hydrogen fuel cells, the large-scale application of renewable energy-hydrogen-electricity can be achieved.
2.Integrated Energy System (IES): By integrating multiple energy resources, the energy production, supply, storage and consumption processes are optimized to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. These systems usually include photovoltaics, wind power, cogeneration, gas boilers, electric boilers, electric energy storage and carbon capture equipment. Optimization scheduling methods include stochastic programming, robust optimization, long-term optimization, medium- and short-term optimization and real-time scheduling. These methods can cope with the uncertainty of renewable energy and the fluctuation of load demand[17]
5. Health and Well-being Impact
edit(Gaya&Kok Poh Ee)
5.1 Introduction
editThe impact of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and thermal comfort on health and well-being is significant, influencing both physical and mental health outcomes. Poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, excessive humidity, and extreme temperatures can contribute to various health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and mental health disorders.[18] Creating healthy indoor environments is essential not only for occupant comfort but also for preventing illness and promoting overall well-being.
5.2 Health Risks of Poor IEQ
editPoor IEQ can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Inadequate ventilation and excessive humidity can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases[19]. Additionally, poor air quality is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. [20] Thermal discomfort, whether caused by excess heat or cold, can also exacerbate these health conditions and lead to other serious health complications, including heat stroke or hypothermia .[21] Mental health is also significantly impacted by IEQ. Chronic exposure to poor indoor environments can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression[22]. Psychological effects of poor IEQ include a decrease in overall life satisfaction, fatigue, and irritability.[23]
5.3 Statistics and Evidence
editIn 2012, 99 000 deaths in Europe and 19 000 in non-European high income countries were attributable to household (indoor) air pollution. Excess cold and mould in homes lead to asthma/respiratory illness and affects negatively the mental health of the occupant. Children’s educational attainment and emotional wellbeing can be affected by thermal discomfort. Cold indoor temperatures contribute to 30% to 50% of excess winter deaths. High heat levels negatively impact individuals with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and epilepsy. Cold and moldy living conditions can trigger asthma and respiratory illnesses, as well as harm the mental health of residents.Thermal discomfort can hinder children's educational performance and emotional well-being. Prolonged exposure to poor thermal conditions can lead to heat stress, dehydration, and even fatalities
[24] Thermal comfort plays a significant role in overall well-being. Extreme temperatures—whether too hot or too cold—can reduce physical activity and make maintaining a home more challenging. Consider scorching days where sitting by a fan is the only option, or freezing days where staying under a blanket feels necessary. Excessive heat often causes fatigue, while extreme cold can lead to restlessness and difficulty focusing. For those living alone, poor thermal comfort can increase social isolation, as people are less keen to host or welcome visitors in overly hot or cold homes. [25]
5.4 Mitigation Strategies
editTo mitigate the health risks associated with poor IEQ, building designs should prioritize occupant health through improved ventilation, balanced humidity levels, and effective thermal regulation [1].
Improving ventilation rates and optimizing air distribution can often be a cost-effective strategy for lowering indoor pollutant levels. HVAC systems should at least comply with the ventilation requirements outlined in local building codes. However, many systems are not properly operated or maintained to consistently deliver these intended ventilation rates. Enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in many buildings can be achieved by ensuring that HVAC systems are operated to meet their original design specifications. When significant pollutant sources are present, local exhaust ventilation may be necessary to directly remove contaminated air from the building. This approach is particularly effective in areas where pollutants tend to accumulate, such as restrooms, copy rooms, and printing facilities. Air cleaning can supplement source control and ventilation but has limitations. Standard furnace filters are cheap but ineffective for small particles, while high-performance filters capture finer particles but are costly. Mechanical filters don’t remove gases, and adsorbent beds, which can target certain gases, are expensive and require frequent replacement. Overall, air cleaners have limited utility.[26]
Education and communication are vital for managing indoor air quality. When occupants, management, and maintenance staff understand IAQ issues and collaborate, they can better prevent and resolve problems. The incorporation of biophilic design elements, such as indoor plants and maximizing natural light, can also enhance mental well-being and productivity [4].
5.5 Conclusion
editIn conclusion, addressing thermal comfort and IEQ in building design is crucial for promoting a healthier, more productive, and resilient population. Creating environments that prioritize indoor air quality, temperature regulation, and mental well-being is vital not only for preventing illness but also for enhancing overall quality of life. By incorporating sustainable practices, advanced technologies, and design solutions that foster well-being, we can create healthier indoor environments for all.
6. Challenges and Future Trends
edit(Wendy&Guo Shuhui&Zhou Jiangdong)
6.1 Challenges
edit- Balancing Energy Efficiency with Comfort Preferences
- Personal Variability: Individuals have varying thermal comfort thresholds influenced by age, gender, health conditions, and cultural expectations. This variability complicates the design of systems that aim for universal comfort.
- Energy-Efficiency Targets: Energy-efficient designs often limit flexibility in thermal control (e.g., fixed temperature ranges to reduce HVAC energy use), potentially sacrificing individual comfort. Dynamic Occupancy: Varying occupancy levels and usage patterns in buildings make it challenging to achieve both energy efficiency and consistent comfort.
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- Pollutant Sources: The presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and allergens can compromise air quality, especially in sealed, energy-efficient buildings.
- Ventilation Trade-offs: Enhanced ventilation improves IAQ but can increase energy consumption unless optimized.
- Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Rising global temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns create more significant challenges in maintaining comfortable indoor environments without excessive energy use.
- System Integration
Combining thermal comfort, lighting, air quality, and acoustics into a cohesive system is complex and often cost-intensive, particularly in retrofitting existing buildings.
- Technological Accessibility
Advanced solutions for improving IEQ, such as smart systems, may not be affordable or feasible for all buildings, especially in low-income or developing regions.
6.2 Future Trends
edit- Smart Building Systems
- IoT and AI Integration: Internet of Things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being used to monitor and adjust environmental parameters in real time, balancing comfort and energy use dynamically.
- Personalized Comfort Solutions: Smart systems are being developed to cater to individual comfort preferences by learning and adapting to user behavior.
- Innovative Building Materials
- Phase-Change Materials (PCMs): Materials that store and release thermal energy during phase transitions can help regulate indoor temperatures.
- Dynamic Insulation: Smart materials that adapt their properties based on environmental conditions can improve energy efficiency while maintaining comfort.
- Biophilic and Sustainable Materials: These materials not only enhance thermal properties but also promote overall well-being and IEQ.
- Passive Design Strategies
- Climate-Adaptive Designs: Architects and engineers are emphasizing designs that maximize natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal regulation using passive techniques.
- Green Roofs and Walls: These features provide insulation and improve air quality, contributing to both thermal comfort and IEQ.
- Data-Driven Optimization
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): Advanced BIM systems allow for precise simulation and optimization of thermal comfort and IEQ before construction.
- Occupant Feedback Loops: Systems incorporating feedback from occupants to continually refine and optimize environmental settings.
- Regulatory and Certification Advances
- Certifications like WELL, LEED, and BREEAM are evolving to emphasize thermal comfort and IEQ, driving innovation and standardization.
- Governments are increasingly mandating minimum standards for energy efficiency and IEQ.
- Microclimate Zones
Zoning within buildings, where spaces are conditioned differently based on usage patterns and occupant preferences, is becoming a focus area for maintaining efficiency and comfort.
- Renewable Energy Integration
- On-Site Renewable Energy: Solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems are being integrated into building systems to power HVAC systems sustainably.
- Thermal Storage Solutions: Innovations in storing excess thermal energy for use during peak demand periods enhance system resilience and efficiency.
6.3 How to face to challenges
edit- Smart Building Systems
- Adaptive Environmental Control: Integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies to dynamically adjust indoor environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, ventilation), balancing comfort and energy efficiency.
- Personalized Comfort Solutions: Development of intelligent systems that learn user preferences to create customized indoor comfort environments.
- Innovative Building Materials
- Use of Phase-Change Materials (PCMs): Regulating indoor temperatures by storing and releasing thermal energy, reducing energy consumption.
- Dynamic Insulation Materials: Smart materials that adapt properties to environmental conditions, improving energy efficiency.
- Biophilic and Sustainable Materials: Combining biomaterials with sustainable solutions to enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) and overall occupant well-being.
- Passive Design Strategies
- Climate-Adaptive Designs: Maximizing natural ventilation and daylighting to reduce dependence on mechanical systems and energy use.
- Green Roofs and Walls: Leveraging vegetation to provide additional insulation while improving air quality.
- Data-Driven Optimization
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): Using advanced BIM tools to simulate and optimize thermal comfort and building performance before construction.
- Occupant Feedback Loops: Real-time data collection to refine environmental settings for continuous optimization.
- Certification and Regulatory Support
- Promoting WELL and LEED Certifications: Ensuring building designs meet high standards of comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
- Governmental Support and Incentives: Mandating regulations and providing incentives for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.
- Microclimate Zones
- Differentiated Zone Control: Optimizing temperature and environmental strategies based on space usage and occupant preferences to improve efficiency and comfort.
- Renewable Energy Integration
- On-Site Energy Production: Utilizing solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems to sustainably power HVAC systems.
- Energy Storage Solutions: Developing thermal storage technologies to address peak energy demands and enhance system resilience.
- Specific Measures to Address Challenges
- Balancing Energy Efficiency with Personalized Comfort:
Employ AI to analyze user behavior and automatically adjust the environment. Offer tailored indoor climate control devices for individual needs.
Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Use low-VOC materials to reduce indoor pollutants. Integrate smart ventilation systems with sensors to optimize air quality.
Responding to Climate Change: Apply high-performance insulation materials for better thermal performance. Design buildings that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
System Integration and Accessibility: Develop affordable smart systems to ensure accessibility for broader user adoption.
- Education and Awareness
- Promoting Knowledge in the Construction Industry:
- Raise awareness among stakeholders and users regarding smart building technologies and sustainable design.
- Encourage adoption of advanced systems through education and demonstration projects.
7.Case study of residents’ satisfaction with IEQ
edit(Ding ruonan&Azreen)
7.1 Case Study - Office Building in Sweden
editThis case study comes from a study of an office building in Sweden by Quan Jin, Holger Wallbaum and others. They used a qualitative occupant survey method to study a large office building in western Sweden with a floor area of about 4,000 square meters and hundreds of employees living in it. The building has been newly renovated, has low energy consumption and good indoor comfort. It is certified as silver by the BREEAM International program. A questionnaire survey was organized to organize 160 employees to participate in the survey research, and the occupants' responses on perceived IEQ were collected, mainly involving thermal environment, air quality, acoustics and lighting, and daylight. From their survey data, we can see that:
- Most satisfied parts lie on the factors of lighting, daylight, air quality and relative humidity. In contrast, the condition of room temperature and noise are inclined to be dissatisfied.
- Among different factors, most perceived stress is caused by cold room temperature and too much room noise. The frequency is at least once a week. Other factors, such as air draught, dry air,dust and stuffy air are perceived as less stressful.
- More than 55% percent of the occupants prefer a warmer temperature in the office and more than 30% percentage of the occupants need the environment to be quieter with less noise.
- more than 20% percent of the occupants to be improved, including more fresh air and more daylight.
According to the survey, the main dissatisfaction of residents is caused by room temperature and noise. Acoustic and thermal environment are the main aspects that cause perceived stress. A considerable number of residents hope to improve the current indoor environment. This shows that the indoor environment quality needs to be further improved for the health and well-being of residents when working in an office environment. It is necessary to enhance the observation and participation of residents in the perception of the indoor environment.[27]
7.2 Case Study on clothing insulation at UTHM library building in Johor
editOrganization or employers usually set a ground rule for uniform for their professional attire and dress code for their workers to represent the company. The attire of the workers depends on the location of cities and the building type. For example, every country has its own acceptable comfort temperature range for office buildings. If the location of the building is in a tropical climate like Johor, the acceptable comfort temperature for the building might differ from the acceptable comfort temperature in China and India. Clothing insulation is one of the key components affects the success of thermal comfort adaptation.[28]
This case study on clothing insulation was carried out at the library building of University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) in Batu Pahat, Johor, a southern state in Malaysia. The library is a 6-storey building. There are seminar rooms, a computer room, a bookstore and a small cafeteria on the ground level. Level one to four are for library spaces. The level five is for administration offices. The library building features a circular geometrical design with a central courtyard. The library building is categorized as semi-outdoor, indoor and indoor open areas. However, this case study will focus on the library’s cafeteria and garden at ground level categorized as semi-outdoor spaces, seminar rooms at ground level categorized as indoor space and library spaces at level two until level three as indoor open spaces.
This study conducted with qualitative and quantitative method data collection. Data was collected via questionnaires from a group of UTHM library workers, staffs and students.
Scopes of surveys covered for qualitative study were gender, age, working hours, duration of the participants’ residence in Johor, typology, ventilation system, number of occupants, presence of external windows, workstation arrangement and thermal sensation vote. Data gathered for 1 year period. This 1-year period consists of two monsoon seasons. From April to October is Southwest Monsoon and from October to March is Northwest Monsoon.
The survey from this study shown that the thermal insulation of garment or also known as Clo value are different in cafeteria and seminar rooms. The average Clo value for canteen and garden of the UTHM library building are 0.46 and 1.05 respectively. These values show that clothing insulation affect the thermal comfort of a building or spaces environment. The participants of the survey who work at the seminar room tend to wear additional jackets compared to those who work at cafeteria.
Other than that, Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) values using ASHRAE 7-point scale were obtained from the survey. The result shown that cafeteria and garden were +1.5 and +1.0 respectively. The seminar room TSV value is -0.5. This indicates that the natural ventilated spaces like cafeteria and garden showed higher TSV values compared to the air-conditioned seminar rooms.
As for qualitative study, the ASHRAE Standard 55-2020: Guidelines for Thermo-Ecological Environment for Human Occupancy and Malaysia Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (2010) were used as reference for thermal comfort level for the building. Physical measurement method using instruments for temperature of the air, humidity, air velocity, differential pressure and mean radiant temperature were carried out on the specific areas selected such as cafeteria and garden for semi outdoor space, seminar room for indoor space and library space at level2 for indoor open space categories. Predictive Mean Vote (PMV) was used to determine the comfort range of the participants as specified by ASHRAE for the selected areas covered in this study.
The study for the UTHM library building at the selected areas suggested the importance of clothing insulation for their thermal comfort for those who work at the UTHM library building. Semi outdoor space like cafeteria and garden with natural ventilation provide pleasant surroundings, comfort, sustainability, energy efficiency and adhere to the recommended guidelines. The comfort range is between 0.35 and 0.80 Clo for flexible clothing and comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2020. However, the comfort range for strict uniform for indoor space like air-conditioned seminar rooms is between 0.75 and 1.45 Clo and doesn’t comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2020.
In conclusion, this study identified factors contributed to thermal comfort of the occupants in the UTHM library building such as clothing insulation, environment and ventilation system. Besides, this study shown the natural ventilation in semi-outdoor spaces provided a wider range of temperatures than air-conditioned indoor spaces.
8.Conclusion
edit(ALFRED)
In Conclusion, the relationship between indoor environments on occupant health and comfort is gaining more attention and more importance is being given during new building design. It highlights that people spend a significant amount of time indoors, making it essential to design buildings that promote well-being. Key elements of building design include thermal comfort and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), which includes air quality, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomics.
Thermal comfort is influenced by various factors like air temperature, humidity, air velocity, clothing insulation, and metabolic rate. It requires a balance between heat produced by the body and heat lost to the environment.
IEQ encompasses multiple aspects such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustic comfort, ergonomics, and access to nature, all of which can affect occupants' health and productivity.
To optimize these qualities, strategies involving dynamic management of building systems, tailored assessments, mitigation strategies, and continuous monitoring are necessary. Technologies like sensors, real-time surveys, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can aid in managing and enhancing indoor environments.
There exist both Passive and active strategies to improve thermal comfort. Passive design includes natural methods like building orientation and insulation, while active systems involve advanced HVAC technologies for better temperature regulation.
There is a proven link between significant health impacts of poor indoor air quality and thermal conditions, which can lead to respiratory illnesses, mental health issues, and decreased educational performance among children. there is a real need to place greater emphasis to creating healthier indoor spaces to support the well-being and efficiency of occupants and at the same time, reducing our environmental footprint while doing so.
References
edit- ^ Gagge, A. P., Stolwijk, J. A., & Nishi, Y. (2007). An effective temperature scale based on a simple model of human heat exchange. ASHRAE Transactions, 73(1), 247-267.
- ^ Mendell, M. J., & Heath, G. A. (2005). Do indoor pollutants and thermal conditions in schools influence student performance?. Indoor Air, 15(1), 27-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0668.2004.00320.x
- ^ Fisk, W. J. (2000). Health and productivity gains from better indoor environments and their relationship with building energy efficiency. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment, 25(1), 537-566. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.energy.25.1.537
- ^ Jones, P., Lannon, S., & Cross, J. (2018). The relationship between thermal comfort, environmental quality, and productivity: An overview of green building standards. Building and Environment, 137, 71-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.04.016
- ^ a b "Guideline 10P, Interactions Affecting the Achievement of Acceptable Indoor Environments, Second Public Review".
- ^ a b "United States Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Environments Division Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, Washington D.C (2000)".
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