Evaluation of Space Thermal Comfort and Load on HVAC Equipment during Extreme Weather Days

Abstract

This paper aims to clarify the effects of extreme weather conditions on the space thermal comfort and energy consumption, which depend on the thermal characteristics of buildings and HVAC systems. Various types of extreme weather days that occur in Tokyo were picked from Expanded AMeDAS weather data for the period 1981 to 1995. Computer simulations were performed for office spaces, using 15-year Tokyo weather data to obtain the hourly changes in the PMV and the load on each of the components in a HVACsystem. The type of extreme weather day that created severe conditions from the standpoint of thermal comfort and equipment load was clarified.

Heating Performance and Occupants′ Comfort Sensation of Low temperature Radiant Floor Heating System in Apartment Buildings of Korea

“…Koreans sat or laid down on the floor in the past, so the temperature of both the floor surface and room air were important factors during the design of radiant floor heating systems in residential buildings. Generally Koreans have been accustomed to sitting on the floor, and some Korean research on the comfort shows that the buttocks skin temperature is a reliable index in evaluating the thermal comfort of a person in a sedentary posture 10,11) . Recent research on the Korean human response to floor surface temperature and resident's posture change shows that the comfortable temperature range of a plantar surface was 35.1-38.9°C and the buttock surface 37.8-39.3°C 12) .…”

Evaluation of the Impact of Minimum Airflow on the Energy Consumption of Single Duct VAV Terminal Boxes

“…The near-optimal discharge air temperature can prevent short air circulation under different heating load conditions and airflow, and stably maintain the room air temperature and keep the comfort value of vertical difference of room air temperature and indoor air quality 6) . Researchers have worked to derive a representative dynamic model based on a commercially manufactured terminal unit and to analyze the Life Cycle Cost and evaluate the thermal comfort and load for the VAV system 7),8), 9) . The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of energy consumption and estimate the building energy savings on the discharge air temperature and minimum airflow of single duct VAV terminal boxes by conducting a dynamic building simulation and field experiment.…”