Embodied thermal environments: an examination of older-people's sensory experiences in a variety of residential types

Thermal sensations of space, namely temperature, humidity and the movement of air, can be difficult to separate from other sensory information such as the sound of fans or ventilation equipment, or the smell of damp or cool fresh air. Despite this factor, efforts to reduce the consumption of energy through the installation of low-carbon technologies including sealed whole-building systems frequently isolate the thermal environment and fail to recognise and respond to the influence of other sensory information on personal preferences and behaviours. Older people represent an increasing proportion of the UK's population, can be faced with a range of physiological challenges associated with ageing, and sometimes have long-established personal preferences. Drawing from data collected across the Conditioning Demand Project, this paper explores the embodied nature of older people's experiences of low-carbon and more traditional thermal technologies in private residences, extra-care housing and residential care-homes, focussing specifically upon auditory and olfactory stimulus. Exploring the management of the sensory experience across these settings, we analyse each case to inform the development of new design and policy approaches to tackling housing for older people. In doing so, we further build connections between energy research and debates around sensory urbanism.     

The influence of microclimate on architectural projects: a bioclimatic analysis of the single-family detached house in Spain’s Mediterranean climate

As a departure from the standard bioclimatic models for architectural design which are based on regional climatic conditions, this study argues for the need to adapt architecture to the local microclimate in order to achieve maximum energy efficiency with regard to indoor thermal conditioning for the benefit of the occupants. Taking a commonly accepted, conventional bioclimatic housing model as a starting point, this study analyses the effect of passive systems of energy usage (based on orientation, shape and materials) in the transfer of heat across all facades between the microclimatic conditions outside the house and the interior of the house, thereby affecting internal comfort conditions. An optimised bioclimatic model which achieves a greater reduction in energy consumption has been established through the manipulation of these elements. The study, which uses the typology of the single-family house, was carried out in the municipality of Estepona, taken as a model city with respect to the process of urban consolidation within the Mediterranean enclave in the south of Spain. The analysis demonstrates that the optimised housing model significantly improves the daily thermal performance of the house as well as heating and cooling loads. Therefore, the adaptation of architecture to microclimatic conditions may be used as a basic strategy in the design and construction of more efficient housing.     

Neural computing thermal comfort index for HVAC systems

The primary purpose of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system within a building is to make occupants comfortable. Without real time determination of human thermal comfort, it is not feasible for the HVAC system to yield controlled conditions of the air for human comfort all the time. This paper presents a practical approach to determine human thermal comfort quantitatively via neural computing. The neural network model allows real time determination of the thermal comfort index, where it is not practical to compute the conventional predicted mean vote (PMV) index itself in real time. The feed forward neural network model is proposed as an explicit function of the relation of the PMV index to accessible variables, i.e. the air temperature, wet bulb temperature, globe temperature, air velocity, clothing insulation and human activity. An experiment in an air conditioned office room was done to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The results show good agreement between the thermal comfort index calculated from the neural network model in real time and those calculated from the conventional PMV model.     

The bioclimatic design approach to low-energy buildings in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

Formulating passive energy design strategies require an understanding of the climatic influence on buildings and the thermal comfort of their occupants. This paper presents the bioclimatic approach in building design as well as the techniques which are applied to formulate various strategies in order to achieve indoor comfort conditions. The paper deals with the Bioclimatic Chart, the Building Psychrometric Chart, Mahoney Tables and the Control Potential Zones which utilise the thermal neutrality concept. Regional climatic data from the Klang Valley area in Malaysia were utilised in formulating the design strategies. The most appropriate design strategies for hot, humid regions were then deduced. The most preferred strategies found were the use of ventilation, dehumidification and shading. Consequently, a full recommendation for the integral use of these three passive methods are suggested to be used in all buildings in Malaysia.     

The reality of living in passive solar homes: A user-experience study

This paper presents a study of a user-experience survey about living in passive solar homes. It was carried out at the Energy Park located in the western part of Milton Keynes. The survey focuses on the reality of living in passive solar homes as perceived or experienced by the occupant. It is hoped that the findings would come to bear on strategic passive solar design decisions that would address the improvement of the well-being of the occupant.. The survey is aimed at assessing user satisfaction with the overall performance of their homes as well as a study of some of the problems that are believed to be common in passive solar housing.Results from the survey seem to indicate that the majority of those who buy passive solar homes are motivated to do so by a desire for thermal comfort at low cost. The building aesthetics is the second most important factor, showing that passive solar home lovers are also conscious of the quality of the architectural design. The overall performance of passive solar homes in this study, with regard to thermal and visual comfort, seems to be generally satisfactory. Statistical analysis showed some significant association between some important environmental design parameters.     

Bringing simulation to implementation: presentation of a global approach in the design of passive solar buildings under humid tropical climates

In early 1995, a DSM pilot initiative was launched in the French islands of Guadeloupe and La Reunion through a partnership between several public and private partners (the French Public Utility EDF, the University of Reunion Island, low cost housing companies, architects, energy consultants, etc…) to set up standards to improve thermal design of new residential buildings in tropical climates. This partnership led to defining optimized bio-climatic urban planning and architectural designs featuring the use of passive cooling architectural principles (solar shading, natural ventilation) and components, as well as energy efficient systems and technologies. The design and size of each architectural component with regard to internal thermal comfort in buildings has been assessed with validated thermal and airflow building simulation software (CODYRUN). These technical specifications have been edited in a reference document which has been used to build over 800 new pilot dwellings through the years 1996–2000 in Reunion Island and in Guadeloupe. Monitoring experiments were held in these first ECODOM dwellings in 1998 and 1999. This resulted in experimental validation of the impact of the passive cooling strategies on the thermal comfort of occupants leading to the modification of specifications when necessary. The paper presents all the methodology used for the application of ECODOM, from the simulations to the experimental results. This follow up is important, as the setting up of the ECODOM standard will be the first step towards the introduction of thermal regulations in the French overseas territories, by the year 2002.     

Comparative studies of the occupants’ behaviour in a university building during winter and summer time

The paper focuses on the assessment of indoor comfort and energy consumption of a university building in Cyprus, during winter and summer of 2012 and 2013. The aim was to make a comparative study of the occupants’ behaviour and its effects on the building's energy consumption, along with the indoor thermal and visual comfort between the two seasons. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air conditioning Standards are used through a questionnaire campaign and the thermal comfort of occupants is analysed with the indicators of predicted mean vote and predicted percentage dissatisfied. The answers are analysed using SPSS software. The air temperature, the relative humidity and the lighting levels of the building are monitored using temperature, humidity and lux meter tools. The monthly energy consumption cost is also calculated. The results are analysed and comparative studies of the occupants’ behaviour conclude to various patterns of effects on the thermal and visual comfort of the building, as well as on its energy consumption.     

The challenge to UK energy policy: An ageing population perspective on energy saving measures and consumption

With a focus on the residential sector, this paper explores the likelihood of the UK government meeting its energy targets. The paper contends that energy policy needs to take into account the interplay of four major factors: an ageing population of increasing diversity; a cultural inclination for older housing much of which is thermally inefficient; levels of fuel poverty; and the inexorable rise of consumer spending on leisure related services and goods. Decisions made by older households (both the poorer and the better off) may be critical to the success of energy policy. Among the better off the changing expectations of the baby boomers, with their predilection for consumption and travel, may have particular impact. The paper concludes that much of the reduction in carbon footprint made by older people’s choices in heating and insulation may be offset, not only by increasing domestic thermal comfort, but also potentially by increasing consumables in the home and other consumer lifestyle choices. What could be achieved at best, may be a shift in energy mix.     

Sensing hydrogen transitions in homes through social practices: Cooking,heating, and the decomposition of demand

Hydrogen is increasingly being positioned as an essential part of low-carbon transitions. While the role of hydrogen in decarbonising industrial processes and transportation has received growing attention in recent years, very little research has focused on hydrogen as a fuel for homes. This paper uses theories of social practice to illustrate how the physical and chemical properties of hydrogen may disrupt domestic practices of cooking and heating. It focuses on one specific characteristic of hydrogen, that it burns with a near-invisible flame, and reports on a research project that investigated how one hundred people in the North East of England believed this would change their sensorially mediated social practices of heating and cooking. Participants imagined their practices of cooking would be severely disrupted while their practices of heating would be largely unaffected. The paper concludes by summarising the implications of the research for policy, industry, and researchers interested in hydrogen transitions; that these two key home domestic practices have potentially different transition pathways.     

Wind power systems for zero net energy housing in the United States

This work investigates the feasibility of renewable energy housing development in the U.S. using wind power and solar thermal systems to attain zero net energy consumption. The over all objective was to determine how the wind power and solar thermal system designs and economics differ with various climates, wind and solar resources, energy prices, and state incentives, such as net-metering. Five U.S. cities, one in each of the five climate zones, were selected for this study based on their potential for wind power. A zero net energy housing design tool was developed in order to analyze and compare various system designs. The energy performance and economics of the designs were compared for various sizes of housing development, for seven turbine models, and selected heating systems. The results suggest that while there are some economical options for wind powered zero net energy housing developments, they are generally more expensive (except in the warmest climate zone) than housing with natural gas heating. In all of the cases, the economies of scale for large-scale wind turbines gave more of an economic advantage than net-metering programs gave small- and medium-scale wind turbines.     

Thermal comfort in hospitals – A literature review

In general, there is a wide range of literature covering the area of thermal comfort, but not a focused literature review of thermal comfort in hospitals has published yet. However, there has been no study on the direct effect of thermal comfort on health. The authors have found a reasonable amount of literature in thermal comfort in hospitals. This paper presents a literature review on thermal comfort in hospitals. From the review, the paper concludes that it is important to undertake original studies in the relationship between thermal comfort conditions and productivity for hospital staff. The study finally concluded that it is important to find some solutions to reconcile the different thermal comfort conditions required by different occupants in hospitals. These solutions could be used whenever patients and the attending caregivers have to stay in one room for a long time compulsorily.     

What is the relationship between built form and energy use in dwellings?

Energy is used in dwellings to provide four services: space heating, hot water, lighting and to power appliances. This paper describes how the usage of energy in a UK home results from a complex interaction between built form, location, energy-using equipment, occupants and the affordability of fuel. Current models with standard occupancy predict that energy use will be strongly related to size and built form, but surveys of real homes show only weak correlations, across all types of dwelling. Recent research has given us insights into occupancy factors including preferred comfort, ‘take-back’ from thermal efficiency improvements, and patterns of electricity use. Space heating is on a downward trend and is low in new dwellings. Energy use for lights and appliances, which is only weakly related to built form, is increasing. Strong legislation, combined with low-carbon technologies, will be needed to counteract this trend. Future challenges discussed include increases in real energy prices and climate change mitigation efforts, which are likely to improve the existing stock. Challenging targets are now in place for new housing to move towards low or zero energy and carbon standards. In the longer term, dwellings will demand less energy. Alternatives to gas for space heating will be increasingly common, including ground source heat and local combined heat and power (CHP) from biomass, while electricity could come from a more decarbonised electricity system. However, these improvements must be set alongside a demand for many new homes, demographic trends towards smaller households, and a more holistic approach to overall carbon use including personal transport.     

低温地板辐射采暖系统中辐射板布置方式的优化

低温地板辐射采暖系统作为一种既节能又舒适的新型采暖方式，国内外对其节能性和节能能力进行了相当多的研究，但对如何进行低温地板辐射采暖系统优化设计的研究很少，本文基于热网模型．利用数值模拟，在等舒适度情况下对不同的辐射板的布置方式(周边布置和中心布置)和辐射板铺设位置的情况下的能耗进行分析，并进一步对如何优化辐射板铺设位置进行了探讨，从而可为低温热水地板辐射采暖系统的优化设计提供参考。     

Design and transient-based analysis of a power to hydrogen (P2H2) system for an off-grid zero energy building with hydrogen energy storage

In this study, zero energy building (ZEB) with four occupants in the capital and most populated city of Iran as one of the biggest greenhouse gas producers is simulated and designed to reduce Iran's greenhouse emissions. Due to the benefits of hydrogen energy and its usages, it is used as the primary energy storage of this building. Also, the thermal comfort of occupants is evaluated using the Fanger model, and domestic hot water consumption is supplied. Using hydrogen energy as energy storage of an off-grid zero energy building in Iran by considering occupant thermal comfort using the fanger model has been presented for the first time in this study. The contribution of electrolyzer and fuel cell in supplying domestic hot water is shown. For this simulation, Trnsys software is used. Using Trnsys software, the transient performance of mentioned ZEB is evaluated in a year. PV panels are used for supplying electricity consumption of the building. Excess produced electricity is converted to hydrogen and stored in the hydrogen tank when a lack of sunrays exists and electricity is required. An evacuated tube solar collector is used to produce hot water. The produced hot water will be stored in the hot water tank. For supplying the cooling load, hot water fired water-cooled absorption chiller is used. Also, a fan coil with hot water circulation and humidifier are used for heating and humidifying the building. Domestic hot water consumption of the occupants is supplied using stored hot water and rejected heat of fuel cell and the electrolyzer. The thermal comfort of occupants is evaluated using the Fanger model with MATLAB software. Results show that using 64 m² PV panel power consumption of the building is supplied without a power outage, and final hydrogen pressure tank will be higher than its initial and building will be zero energy. Required hot water of the building is provided with 75 m² evacuated tube solar collector. The HVAC system of the building provided thermal comfort during a year. The monthly average of occupant predicted mean vote (PMV) is between ?0.4 and 0.4. Their predicted percentage of dissatisfaction (PPD) is lower than 13%. Also, supplied domestic hot water (DHW) always has a temperature of 50 °C, which is a setpoint temperature of DHW. Finally, it can be concluded that using the building's rooftop area can be transformed to ZEB and reduce a significant amount of greenhouse emissions of Iran. Also, it can be concluded that fuel cell rejected heat, unlike electrolyzer, can significantly contribute to supplying domestic hot water requirements. Rejected heat of electrolyzer for heating domestic water can be ignored.     

FUTURE RESEARCH ACTIONS IN PASSIVE COOLING

The PASCOOL program was the most important European project on passive cooling of buildings. The project addressed topics included solar control, the combined effect of ventilation and thermal mass, thermal comfort during summer and the potential of natural cooling techniques. PASCOOL put in evidence also the axes towards which future research on passive cooling should be oriented. This research, giving the continuously increasing trend of energy consumption for cooling purposes, is absolutely necessary in order to take advantage of the complete potential that passive cooling can offer to buildings while maintaining the living standards, health and comfort of the occupants. This paper presents these future issues that comprise (a) research on the microclimatic scale in order to address the impact of outdoor environment on the cooling load of buildings, (b) investigation of comfort requirements under transient conditions during summer, (c) research on natural ventilation in urban environments and the impact of outdoor pollution on indoor air quality, (d) development of alternative cooling systems and techniques, (e) development of integrating design concepts optimising the use of solar heating, passive cooling and natural light in buildings.     

An ANN-exhaustive-listing method for optimization of multiple building shapes and envelope properties with maximum thermal performance

With increasing awareness of sustainability, demands on optimized design of building shapes with a view to maximize its thermal performance have become stronger. Current research focuses more on building envelopes than shapes, and thermal comfort of building occupants has not been considered in maximizing thermal performance in building shape optimization. This paper attempts to develop an innovative ANN (artificial neural network)-exhaustive-listing method to optimize the building shapes and envelope physical properties in achieving maximum thermal performance as measured by both thermal load and comfort hour. After verified, the developed method is applied to four different building shapes in five different climate zones in China. It is found that the building shape needs to be treated separately to achieve sufficient accuracy of prediction of thermal performance and that the ANN is an accurate technique to develop models of discomfort hour with errors of less than 1.5%. It is also found that the optimal solutions favor the smallest window-to-external surface area with triple-layer low-E windows and insulation thickness of greater than 90 mm. The merit of the developed method is that it can rapidly reach the optimal solutions for most types of building shapes with more than two objective functions and large number of design variables.     

The relationship between thermal comfort and user satisfaction in hot dry climates

Reviews on thermal comfort approaches and studies including field studies, laboratory studies and multi-dimensional scaling, have been carried out. It appears that the tendency of current research is towards more sophistication in measuring and relating objective to subjective domains of thermal comfort. The desire for increased accuracy has resulted in a situation where thermal fields have been studied in isolation from behavioural ones and independently of the environmental control system.This paper has encapsulated thermal comfort, the environmental control system and overall user satisfaction in two propositions, which were subjected to an empirical test in a sample from two different house typologies. Statistical analysis of user responses and climatic data revealed significant correlations between thermal comfort and the ability to effect environmental control, and thermal comfort and overall user satisfaction with the house form. Other variables, such as privacy were not significantly correlated with overall user satisfaction.     

Comparative analysis of active and passive solar heating systems with transparent insulation

The objective of this research is to achieve a high solar fraction in social housing, for which investment costs are strictly limited. Six houses have been built in the east of France: two with active (solar collectors) and four with passive (Trombe walls) solar heating systems. Two types of transparent covers are compared: a capillary structure and a simpler polycarbonate plate. The project was monitored during 1 year. Experimental measurements as well as simulation results are presented in this article. The use of simulation allowed a comparison of the various systems on a common basis, i.e., minimizing the effect of different occupants behaviour. Compared to the less expensive cover, transparent insulation increased the productivity of the air collectors 25% and doubled the gain of the Trombe wall. Thanks to passive or active controls, the thermal comfort was not reduced by the solar systems in summer nor in mid-season.     

浅析火炕与低温地面辐射供暖住宅的生态节能性

调查表明火炕仍然是我国北方小城镇和农村住宅中最重要、最有效的供暖设施;新建的城市住宅中低温地面辐射供暖逐渐普及,其原因在于辐射供暖具有供热均匀、热舒适性好、散热体蓄热性强、节能明显等优点。文中对比普通的暖气供暖,分析了住宅中火炕与低温地面辐射供暖的独特优势,各自的适用场合。最后提出了推广应用火炕与低温地面辐射供暖的建议,以及对火炕的改进建议。     

A passive-heated building for a cool,humid climate in India

This paper describes the design and thermal performance of a passive-heated building for the cool, humid climatic conditions of Srinagar, India. The annual climatic variations of Srinagar are from a cold and very humid winter to a temperate, humid late summer. Thus, the major trend is creating comfort conditions by appropriate heating. The design discussed here therefore uses passive heating concepts. Special care is taken to prevent wasteful heat losses during the winter and unwanted heat gains in the summer. In order to ascertain the performance of the design, a thermal analysis has been carried out. The performance was found to be satisfactory.