Experimental Study and Analysis of Thermal Comfort in a University Campus Building in Tropical Climate

Abstract

This study presents the evaluation of the performance and acceptability of thermal comfort by students in the classrooms of a university building with minisplit-type air-conditioning systems, in a tropical climate. To carry out the study, temperature and humidity measurements were recorded, both outside and inside the selected classrooms, while the students were asked to complete thermal surveys on site. The survey model is based on the template proposed by Fanger and it was applied to a total number of 584 students. In each classroom, the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and the Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD) were estimated according to Fanger’s methodology, as well as the Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) and the Actual Percentage Dissatisfied (APD), which were obtained from the measurements and the surveys. The results of this study showed that the PMV values, although they may vary with the insulation of the clothing, do not affect the TSV. Furthermore, comparing PMV vs. TSV scores, a 2 °C to 3 °C difference in operating temperature was found, whereby the thermal sensitivity for TSV was colder, so it could be assumed that the PMV model overestimates the thermal sensitivity of students in low-temperature conditions. In addition, an acceptability by 90% with thermal preferences between 23 °C and 24 °C were also found. These results indicate that it is possible to increase the temperature set point in minisplit-type air-conditioning system from 4 °C to 7 °C with respect to the currently set temperatures, without affecting the acceptability of the thermal environment to the students in the building.

Assessment of the Indoor Environment in the Intelligent Building

“…It turned out from the obtained responses that the temperature range that best favored the well-being of the students was 13-18, while the fact of feeling comfortable in this area was determined by as many as 90 % of people. An experimental study conducted by Balbis-Morejon et al [9] at a university in a tropical climate concerned the perception of thermal comfort by selected 584 students. It was shown on the basis of the analyzed data that for 90 % of people the acceptable temperature ranged from 23 C. An analysis of the three cities of Quito, Guayaquil and Tena in Ecuador was carried out by Guevara et al [11].…”

Energy Evaluation and Energy Savings Analysis with the 2 Selection of AC Systems in an Educational Building

“…Through the analysis of physical functions and thermal dynamics, the annual energy consumption was calculated, step by step, from the external and internal climatic conditions, the construction characteristics, operation, building use rate, schedule, AC system, lighting, and electrical equipment. The performance of the indoor climate is established in Figure 3 according to an evaluation of the thermal comfort sensation by users of the building [39,40]. It was established that 84% of the students had the best thermal sensation of comfort in the range of 21.1-24 °C depending on the class schedule and time of year.…”

“…These preferences are considered standard thermal conditions for the interior environment that must be guaranteed with the AC system to satisfy the occupants. The performance of the indoor climate is established in Figure 3 according to an evaluation of the thermal comfort sensation by users of the building [39,40]. It was established that 84% of the students had the best thermal sensation of comfort in the range of 21.1-24 • C depending on the class schedule and time of year.…”

Effect of Architectural Building Design Parameters on Thermal Comfort and Energy Consumption in Higher Education Buildings

“…Previous studies refer to thermal discomfort hours to represent the evaluation of thermal comfort [79][80][81]. The thermal discomfort hours output was based on whether the humidity ratio and the operative temperature were within the region of the ASHRAE 55 Standard [82].…”