scholarly journals Indoor Thermal Comfort of Pregnant Women in Hospital: A Case Study Evidence

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 6664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristian Fabbri ◽  
Jacopo Gaspari ◽  
Laura Vandi
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort ◽  
Mixed Approach ◽  
Metabolic Unit

Despite studies on thermal comfort being consolidated in the scientific literature, people’s well-being in some specific conditions and places, such as hospitals, requires to be further explored. The paper describes the methodological approach adopted to evaluate thermal comfort level and perception of pregnant women hosted in the obstetric ward of a test-bed case (Sant’Orsola hospital in Bologna, Italy). The methodology adopts a mixed approach that compares the results of on-site monitoring by probe (as quantitative data) with the ones of a survey (questionnaire form) delivered to the involved subjects (as qualitative data) to understand if metabolic alteration may influence the pregnant women’s perception of comfort conditions. The first follows ISO 7730, the second, ISO 10551. The comparison between the instrumental collected data and the outcomes of the survey revealed a wide gap between TSV (Thermal Sensation Vote) and PMVm (Predicted Mean Vote, measured on-site). The reason can be identified in the use of a standardized metabolic unit from ISO that does not correctly reflect the physiologic condition of pregnant women. Following a trial and error methodology, a met value for pregnant women is accordingly proposed. Moreover, an adaptive thermal comfort approach is adopted. This research is a first step towards the definition of specific thermal comfort in a hospital ward hosting pregnant women and more generally offers a reflection about the need to define specific met in the standards for some particular categories (children, elderly, pregnant women, etc.) when investigating thermal comfort.

scholarly journals Empirical Model of Human Thermal Comfort in Subtropical Climates: A First Approach to the Brazilian Subtropical Index (BSI)

Atmosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 391 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Gobo ◽  
Marlon Faria ◽  
Emerson Galvani ◽  
Fabio Goncalves ◽  
Leonardo Monteiro
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Empirical Model ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Solar Radiation ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Subtropical Climate ◽  
Human Thermal Comfort ◽  
The City

The bioclimatic well-being of individuals is associated with the environmental characteristics of where they live. Knowing the relationships between local and regional climatic variables as well as the physical characteristics of a given region and their implications on thermal comfort is important for identifying aspects of thermal sensation in the population. The aim of this study is to develop an empirical model of human thermal comfort based on subjective and individual environmental patterns observed in the city of Santa Maria, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (Subtropical climate). Meteorological data were collected by means of an automatic meteorological station installed in the city center, which contained sensors measuring global solar radiation, air temperature, globe temperature (via a grey globe thermometer), relative humidity and wind speed and direction. A total of 1720 people were also interviewed using a questionnaire adapted from the model recommended by ISO 10551. Linear regressions were performed to obtain the predictive model. The observed results proposed a new empirical model for subtropical climate, the Brazilian Subtropical Index (BSI), which was verified to be more than 79% accurate, with a coefficient of determination of 0.926 and an adjusted R2 value of 0.924.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Thermal Comfort in the Traditional Bourgeoisie Houses in Beirut

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. p1
Author(s):  
Jad Hammoud ◽  
Elise Abi Rached
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Climate Zones

The increasing of energy demands has considerably increased the requirements for new and traditional buildings in different climate zones. Unprecedented heat waves have increased climate temperature, in particular, in moderate climate zones such as Lebanon. In Beirut, only the residential sector consumes 50% of total electricity consumption. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning) systems are used to reach acceptable thermal comfort levels in the new residential buildings. In case of the traditional bourgeoisie houses in Beirut, there are no discussions about the use of HVAC systems to achieve the required thermal comfort level. Thus, to reach an acceptable thermal comfort level, these houses which already contain natural ventilation system shall adapt the modern thermal comfort requirements and thermal comfort strategies and technologies where their architectural features and existing materials condition the available solutions. In order to identify the best options within the possible intervention lines (envelopes, passive strategies, equipment, renewable energy systems), it is necessary to perceive the real performance of this type of houses. In this context, the article presents the results of the study of thermal performance and comfort in a three case studies located in Beirut. Detailed field data records collected are analyzed, with a view to identify the indoor thermal environment with respect to outdoor thermal environment in different seasons. Monitoring also included measurement of hygrothermal parameters and surveys of occupant thermal sensation.

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.

scholarly journals Studi lapangan variabel iklim rumah vernakular pantai dan gunung dalam menciptakan kenyamanan termal adaptif

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Hermawan Hermawan
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Air Humidity ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort ◽  
Temperature And Humidity ◽  
Microclimate Variables

Microclimate variables are one of the variables that affect adaptive thermal comfort. The microclimate variables are air temperature, solar radiation temperature, air humidity and wind speed. In this study the discussion of microclimate variables is specific to air temperature and air humidity. This is based on other studies which mention that the most influential climate variables are air temperature and humidity. This research is a field study that will compare air temperature and humidity in coastal and mountain areas. Measurements are carried out in 3 seasons, namely the dry season to rain, the rainy season and the rainy season to the dry season. Measurement of air and humidity temperature variables in two rooms in the building and outside space and terrace. The results of the study show that there are significant differences between coastal and mountain dwellings. This difference is related to adaptive thermal comfort through thermal sensation. Thermal sensation results show that the location of the mountain is that most residents feel cool, while at the beach location, the residents are mostly comfortable or neutral.

scholarly journals Enhancement of Thermal Comfort Inside the Kitchen of Non-Airconditioned Railway Pantry Car

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 275-291
Author(s):  
Md Sarfaraz Alam ◽  
Urmi Ravindra Salve
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Air Velocity ◽  
Sustainable Improvement ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Air Ventilation

There are ample literature studies available, focusing on hot-humid built environment, which have achieved an increase in thermal comfort conditions by proper installation of ventilation-systems. The present thermal comfort study has been carried out in the kitchen environment of a non-air-conditioned railway pantry car in Indian Railways. The purpose is to enhance thermal comfort level under the currently applied ventilation system inside the kitchen of pantry car by determining the standard effective temperature (SET) index. During the summer and winter seasons, a field study was carried out to obtain the value of air temperature, globe temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity inside the pantry car for estimation of the SET index. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was used to obtain a better-modified case model of the pantry car kitchen for the improvement of thermal comfort. The design interventions for the pantry car kitchen were created, with emphasis on increasing energy efficiency based on low-power consumption air ventilation system. The study results indicated that, modified case-I model has a better ventilation design concept as compare to the existing and other models, which increased the air velocity and significantly decreased the air temperature inside the kitchen of pantry car at all cooking periods. A value of SET (28.6–30℃) was found with a comfortable thermal sensation within all cooking periods, which is better for the pantry car workers. This finding suggests a sustainable improvement in the thermal environment of the "non-air-conditioned" pantry car kitchen in the Indian Railways, which can be applied immediately.

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.

scholarly journals Thermal Comfort Assessment of an Office Building in Tropical Climate Condition

2018 ◽  
Vol 225 ◽  
pp. 01003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Koh ◽  
Hussain H. Al-Kayiem ◽  
Jundika C. Kurnia
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Tropical Climate ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Office Building ◽  
Climate Condition ◽  
Solar Research ◽  
Better Than

As a lot of people spend their time indoor, indoor thermal comfort will affect the performance of the occupants in terms of health, comfort and productivity. This paper aims to investigate the thermal comfort of an office building constructed using low cost materials in tropical climate condition. That has been achieved by investigating the PMV using the CBE thermal comfort tool in the post-graduate office building in the solar research site in UTP. The experimental measurements have been conducted at two different cases; without ventilation and with air-conditioned in the office building. The thermal comfort of the office building is assessed by using the ASHRAE thermal sensation scale. Results have demonstrated that the office room without ventilation is hot and not suitable for occupants to work at such thermal environment. Thermal comfort of the room with air-conditioning is warm and is slightly better than the room without ventilation as the PMV has been improved by around 60%. However, the acceptable thermal comfort level in the low-cost material office building is yet to be achieved.

Perceived and Measured Adaptive Thermal Comfort at an Outdoor Shaded Recreational Area in Malaysia

2012 ◽  
Vol 610-613 ◽  
pp. 1083-1086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabiatul Adawiyah Nasir ◽  
Sabarinah Sh Ahmad ◽  
Azni Zain Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Psychological Adaptation ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
The People ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
Recreational Area ◽  
Level Of Understanding

Psychological adaptation towards environmental ergonomic is important to encourage better usage of outdoor space. Green space is a significant aspect as it is beneficial for the community. Outdoor spaces are supposedly an essential component of urban recreation space that provides opportunities for recreational activities. Human responses to the outdoor environment and actual thermal sensation experienced by individuals are important to determine the people’s level of understanding of the condition. This paper explores people’s perception about the microclimate condition in hot and humid climate. The responses of the respondents are correlated with the measurement of the microclimate condition. The microclimate conditions of the urban recreational area are measured to get the actual sensation of thermal experience of the people. The results confirmed the existence of adaptive thermal comfort amongst the respondents where they perceived better microclimatic conditions compared to what were measured.

scholarly journals An evaluation of indoor thermal environment in fisherman housing in West Sumatera

2021 ◽  
Vol 881 (1) ◽  
pp. 012029
Author(s):  
H Handri ◽  
L H Sari ◽  
A Munir ◽  
A Ariatsyah
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Coastal Communities ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Air Velocity ◽  
Adaptive Thermal Comfort ◽  
West Sumatra

Abstract Pesisir Selatan is one of the districts in West Sumatra with a humid tropical climate with temperatures reaching 32°C during the day. The majority of coastal communities work as fishermen and build houses on the beach, such as in fishermen’s housing in South Painan. In this area there are two models of fisherman housing, namely government-assisted fisherman housing and fisherman’s original housing. Housing on the beachfront will be faced with quite extreme climatic conditions such as air velocity, air temperature, and air humidity which are relatively high on average. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the level of thermal comfort in the space in both models of fisherman housing to determine the performance of each fisherman’s housing in dealing with the climate. This study uses a quantitative approach by measuring the parameters of thermal comfort, namely air temperature, humidity and air velocity using a thermohygrometer and anemometer. The data collection method uses descriptive quantitative. Comfort level is evaluated based on the Indonesian national standard (SNI 03-6572-2001) and adaptive thermal comfort. Based on the results of the study, the level of thermal comfort in both models of fisherman housing is classified as uncomfortable according to SNI 03-6572-2001 and adaptive thermal comfort.

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