A Field Investigation of Thermal Comfort Parameters in Green Building Index (GBI)-Rated Office Buildings in Malaysia

Abstract

This field investigation of thermal comfort parameters in Green Building Index (GBI)-rated office buildings employing various façade-shading devices compared thermal performance in terms of four main variables: indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, mean radiant temperature, and indoor air velocity. Over five days of fieldwork at each building, the four variables of interest were measured, recorded, and analysed using Excel graphs. The results show that the thermal comfort performance of each building was acceptable within the parameters of the GBI Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC) Tools for Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). In general, observed values were good for three of the four thermal parameters: indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity and mean radiant temperature. However, indoor air velocity fell below the acceptable range as defined by the GBI NRNC Tools. One possible reason for this negative outcome is low air exchange from the air conditioning systems in the selected buildings.

Appraisal of Thermal Comfort in Non-Air-conditioned and Air-conditioned Railway Pantry Car Kitchens

“…The average RH% of both railway pantry car kitchens measured during the entire summer season correspondingly, 76% for N-AC, and 75% for AC. As per Tarim et al [21] indicates the percentage of indoor relative humidity for the thermal comfort condition should be range from 55% to 70%.…”

“…A thermal comfort study is required four physical parameters like; "air temperature," "mean radiant temperature," "relative humidity," and "air velocity" [21], which measured in this study. Fig.…”

Thermal Comfort Performance of Naturally Ventilated Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Lockup in Hot and Humid Climate of Malaysia

“…Climate conditions are major influence factor to the design of a building which is close related to the user comfort as well as complying with the efficient construction criteria (Tharim et al, 2018). Malaysia is well known with the hot and humid climate with minimum annual average temperature between 23.7°C to 26.4°C and maximum annual average temperature between 26.4°C to 31.3°C with an average minimum daily temperature between 23.0°C to 29.0°C and maximum daily temperature between 34.0 °C to 36.9 °C.…”

“…According to building science, thermal comfort is defined as the balance of heat transfer between human and their environmental condition (Tang & Chin, 2017). Thermal comfort can also be influenced by the interaction between the building and the surrounding environment (Tharim et al, 2018). While general perception of thermal comfort is a condition where human mind, physical and psychological respond to the balance of heat transfer influenced by factors such as internal and external environment of the building and human body condition which are very subjective to be measured.…”

“…A building is designed and built to suit the user's needs, comfortability and criteria (Nordin et al, 2017). As a shelter, a place to carry out activities such as work, leisure, and rest, a building must meet the criteria needed by the users including comfortable, conducive and safe while living in it (Davies & Jokiniemi, 2008;Tharim et al, 2018). A good design concept should emphasize selection of appropriate site (Chan et al, 2013), best orientation and space (Xue et al, 2016), appropriate materials and finishes (Yusoff & Mohamed, 2017), adequate ventilation and lighting as well as appropriate facilities (Xue et al, 2016).…”