Thermal Comfort Aspects of Solar Gains during the Heating Season

Abstract

Glazing plays a key role in the energy balance of buildings. The aim of this paper is to enlighten the thermal discomfort caused by large glazed areas in the heating season and to point out a possible solution that can provide proper thermal comfort with low energy use. It is unusual to discuss the negative effects of solar gains on thermal comfort during the heating season. However, there are cases when glazing may lead to unforeseen indoor thermal discomfort conditions. Laboratory and on site measurements were performed in order to assess thermal discomfort caused by direct and diffuse radiation. It was shown that the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index may exceed even 30 °C in the winter season in a room having large glazed area oriented to east. Laboratory tests performed in climate chamber have shown that the high PMV values cannot be reduced below 1.0, increasing the air change rate in the room. Using opaque drapes, the WBGT index was reduced by 2 °C, but the daylighting decreased substantially. It was demonstrated that by using advanced personalized ventilation systems, the appropriate thermal comfort can be provided avoiding the reduction of daylighting.

Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Glazing Systems towards Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings: Energy Performance, Thermal Comfort, Cost-Effectiveness, and Environmental Impact Perspectives

“…It has been proven that indoor thermal comfort has particular importance since it interacts with occupants' health and productivity and buildings' energy performance [89]. In the initial design phase of new energy-efficient buildings or during the implementation of energy retrofitting projects, it is crucial to incorporate considerations for thermal comfort [53,90]. The proper orientation of the facades and the appropriate layout of rooms can help avoid thermal discomfort [90].…”

“…In the initial design phase of new energy-efficient buildings or during the implementation of energy retrofitting projects, it is crucial to incorporate considerations for thermal comfort [53,90]. The proper orientation of the facades and the appropriate layout of rooms can help avoid thermal discomfort [90]. The significance of glazing systems for indoor thermal comfort cannot be disregarded, particularly when selecting a suitable glazing solution.…”

Towards Rural Revitalization Strategy for Housing in Gully Regions of the Loess Plateau: Environmental Considerations

“…Soutullo et al [9] compared the impact of three different climates on the energy performance of a Madrid house to arrive at potential design strategies. Kalm et al [10] have demonstrated experimentally that the use of advanced personalized ventilation systems can provide adequate thermal comfort without reducing daylight performance. Oh et al [11] proposed five new pre-screening analysis methods, using interval data recorded by smart meters to analyze the energy saved by installing home automation devices.…”

Energy and Economic Efficiency of the Thermomodernization of an Educational Building and Reduction of Pollutant Emissions—A Case Study

“…Other studies [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41] have highlighted the differences in the theoretical and real effects of thermomodernization. In the group of educational buildings located in the city of Bialystok, a 33% reduction in energy consumption was achieved, while the planned reduction in energy consumption was approximately 59-71% [34].…”

“…This aspect was also dealt with by Brom et al [37] and they found that about 50% of the differences in heat consumption between the same buildings can be explained by the characteristics of the building itself and other physical parameters and the remaining 50% of differences may result from the behavior of occupants. Many studies [38][39][40][41] also emphasize the influence of solar radiation on the building's energy demand for heating, and thus on the effects of thermomodernization.…”