UNIVERSITY OF BLIDA 1

INSTITUT OF ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
LEVEL L3

Building Systems &

Equipment
BUILDING SYSTEMS
& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 Course 1
THERMAL COMFORT IN
BUILDING SYSTEMS
BUILDINGS
& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 1. Introduction

In this course we will explore the fascinating world of thermal comfort and its vital role in the design
and operation of buildings.

Why is thermal comfort important?

Imagine living or working in a space where you're constantly too hot, too
cold, or feeling stuffy. Such conditions not only impact our productivity and
well-being but also affect our overall quality of life. This is where the concept
of thermal comfort comes into play. Thermal comfort is about creating
BUILDING SYSTEMS
indoor environments where occupants feel just right – not too hot, not too
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cold, but perfectly comfortable.
As an Architecture learner, understanding thermal comfort is essential,
because it's not just aboutA Sproviding
S I S T . physical
P R O F .comfort;
D R . it's about enhancing
B O U T H A I N A
human experiences and building sustainability. S A Y A D Figure 1: Thermal Sensations.
2. Fundamentals of Thermal Comfort
2.1. Definition of Thermal Comfort :

Thermal comfort is the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with

the thermal environment. It's essential to recognize that thermal comfort is
a multifaceted concept, going beyond just feeling "warm" or "cold."
The comfort zone represents the range of environmental conditions
within which most people feel comfortable. Achieving thermal comfort
involves maintaining conditions within this zone.
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Achieving thermal comfort is not solely about meeting numerical
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values; it's about creating environments where occupants feel at ease.

ASSIST. PROF. DR.

BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 2.2. Factors Influencing Thermal Comfort
Several factors influence thermal comfort. Let's explore them in detail:

2.2.1 Air Temperature: 2.2.2 Humidity:

Relative humidity plays a significant role. Low
Air temperature is a crucial factor in thermal
humidity can make a space feel dry and
comfort. The typical comfort range for most people
uncomfortable, while high humidity can make it feel
is between 20-24°C for indoor environments. Going
stuffy and sweaty. The ideal range is typically 30-
beyond or below this range can lead to discomfort.
60%.

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2.2.3 Air Movement: 2.2.4 Clothing:
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Air movement can either enhance or detract from
A S S I S T .
comfort. Gentle air movement can help distribute P R OF. DR.
Clothing acts as insulation, wearing too much or too

B OStagnant
heat and moisture, improving comfort. U T H Aair INA SAYAD
little clothing can impact comfort. Understanding
clothing insulation values is important in design.
can feel stuffy and uncomfortable.
 2.2. Factors Influencing Thermal Comfort

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2.2.5 Metabolic Rate:

People with higher metabolic rates& EQUIPMENT

generate more
heat. Physical activity and metabolic rate affect an
individual's thermal comfort needs. A S S I S T . P R O F . D RFigure
. 2: Thermal Comfort Parameters.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 2.3. ISO 7730 and ASHRAE Standard 55

ISO 7730 and ASHRAEStandard 55 are two important guidelines used in the field of
building design and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to assess
and achieve thermal comfort for building occupants.

2.3.1 ISO 7730:

ISO 7730 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for

BUILDING SYSTEMS
Standardization (ISO). It provides a comprehensive methodology for assessing thermal
comfort in indoor environments. The key components of ISO 7730 include the
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calculation of the PMV and PPD Indices and Local Thermal Comfort Criteria:
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
PMV (Predicted Mean Vote):
PMV is a numerical index used to
predict the mean vote of a group
of people regarding their thermal
comfort. It takes into account
factors such as air temperature,
radiant temperature, air velocity,
humidity, and clothing insulation.
PMV values can be positive (too
warm), zero (comfortable), or
negative (too cool).
PPD (Predicted Percentage of
Dissatisfied):
Local Thermal Comfort Criteria:
PPD is a related index that
estimates the percentage of
ISO 7730 also provides guidance
occupants who are likely to be
on determining local thermal
dissatisfied with the thermal
comfort criteria. This involves
conditions in a given space. It
considering specific areas within
helps assess the likelihood of
a building or zones with varying
discomfort among occupants
thermal conditions.
based on PMV values.

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ISO 7730 is widely used by engineers,
architects, and HVAC professionals to
& EQUIPMENTdesign and evaluate heating and cooling
A S S I S T . P R O F . D Rsystems
. in buildings, ensuring that they
B O U T H A I N A S A Y A maintain
D thermal conditions within the
Figure 3: Calculation of PPD and PMV thermal indices. comfort zone defined by PMV and PPD.
 2.3.2 ASHRAE Standard 55: Thermal Environmental
Conditions for Human Occupancy

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 55 is a

widely recognized guideline in North America for the assessment of thermal comfort in indoor
environments. It provides practical recommendations and guidelines for achieving thermal comfort in
buildings. Key components of ASHRAE Standard 55 include:

Comfort Zones: Occupant Control:

Similar to ISO 7730, ASHRAE
Standard 55 defines comfort
zones for different types of
activities and clothing insulation
levels. It provides specific
temperature and humidity ranges
within which most people are
expected to be comfortable.
Adaptive Comfort Model: The standard encourages giving Analytical and Graphical
BUILDING SYSTEMS
ASHRAE Standard 55 also
includes an adaptive comfort
occupants some degree of control
over their thermal environment
Methods:
ASHRAE Standard 55 offers both
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model, recognizing that people
can adapt to a wider range of
through mechanisms like
operable windows and individual
analytical and graphical methods
for assessing thermal comfort,
thermal conditions in naturally
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
thermostats. making it practical for use in
ventilated or mixed-mode building design and HVAC
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
buildings compared to fully air- system sizing.
conditioned spaces.
Both ISO 7730 and ASHRAE Standard 55 are valuable tools for designers,
engineers, and building operators to ensure that indoor environments are
conducive to occupant comfort, productivity, and well-being. The choice
between the two often depends on regional preferences and industry
standards, with ISO 7730 being more widely adopted internationally and
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ASHRAE Standard 55 being prevalent in North America.
& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 3. Human Physiology and Comfort

Thermal comfort is not solely determined by objective factors like

temperature, humidity, or air movement. Our perception of comfort is
profoundly influenced by the way our bodies function and how we
interpret the sensory information they provide. Understanding the human
physiological responses to thermal conditions is essential for architects,
engineers, HVAC specialists, and anyone involved in creating indoor
BUILDING SYSTEMS
spaces that prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of occupants.

& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 3.1. How the Human Body Perceives Thermal Comfort?
Understanding the mechanisms of how the human body perceives thermal comfort not only
deepens our appreciation for the complexity of our bodies but also equips us with the knowledge
needed to create indoor environments where occupants can thrive in comfort.

The Role of Skin and Sensory Receptors: The human skin, our largest organ,
serves as the front line in sensing the environment. Embedded within it are
sensory receptors that detect not only temperature but also various sensory
01 stimuli. These receptors play a critical role in conveying information about
temperature variations to our brains.

Thermoregulation: Our bodies are masterful at maintaining a consistent

core temperature of around 37°C. This process, known as thermoregulation,
involves a series of sophisticated mechanisms. Among them are sweating,
which cools us down as sweat evaporates, and shivering, which generates 02
heat through muscle contractions. Additionally, the body controls blood
vessel dilation and constriction to regulate heat loss or retention.

Central Nervous System and Thermoregulation: At the helm of these

BUILDING SYSTEMS processes is our central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus. This
vital brain region processes the sensory signals it receives from the skin.
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03 Subsequently, it orchestrates responses aimed at maintaining thermal
ASSIST. PROF. DR. comfort. Whether it's activating sweat glands to cool us down or constricting
BOUTHAINA SAYAD blood vessels to conserve heat, the hypothalamus is our internal thermostat.
 3.2. The Comfort Zone and Individual Variations
3.2.1 The Comfort Zone
The comfort zone is a fundamental concept in thermal comfort. It represents the range of
environmental conditions within which the majority of individuals feel comfortable. It's essential
to recognize that the comfort zone is not static; rather, it can vary based on several factors.

BUILDING SYSTEMS
& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
B O U T H A I N A S A Y A D
Figure 4: Psychometric chart showing the Comfort Zone.
 3.2.2 Utilizing Psychometric Charts to Define the Thermal Comfort Zone

Psychometric charts, also known as psychrometric diagrams, are graphical representations of

the thermodynamic properties of air at a constant pressure. They are commonly used in HVAC
(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) engineering and thermal comfort analysis.
Psychometric charts display various air properties, including dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb
temperature, relative humidity, enthalpy, and more. The SZOKOLAY diagram is one of the most
familiar charts includes graphical representations of various environmental parameters. It's a
useful tool for architects, designers, and engineers for understanding and visualizing and
assessing thermal comfort. To determine the comfort zone using a psychometric chart:

Start by plotting the indoor conditions on the chart. This typically involves marking the dry-bulb temperature
01 and relative humidity of the indoor air.

02
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Using the comfort criteria specified by the standard or guideline you are following, draw lines or curves on
the chart to represent the upper and lower boundaries of the comfort zone. These lines may be curved and
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can account for factors like clothing insulation and metabolic rate.

03 ASSIST. PROF. DR.

The area enclosed by these lines on the psychometric chart represents the comfort zone for the specified
criteria. Any indoor conditions falling within this area are considered within the comfort zone.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
Psychometric charts are valuable for understanding how changes in
temperature, humidity, and other factors impact thermal comfort. They
are a powerful tool for HVAC designers and engineers to optimize indoor
environmental conditions to ensure occupant comfort and well-being.

BUILDING SYSTEMS
& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 3.2.3 Understanding Individual Variations

Each person's perception of thermal comfort can vary significantly. Several factors contribute to
these individual variations:
Age: Older individuals tend to have a narrower comfort range than younger ones. Elderly
individuals may prefer warmer conditions due to a decrease in metabolic rate and a reduced
ability to generate body heat.
Gender: Studies suggest potential gender differences in thermal comfort. Women often prefer
slightly warmer conditions than men. This variation may be related to differences in body
composition and hormonal factors.
Health: Health conditions and medications can influence comfort. Individuals with certain
health issues, such as circulation problems or thyroid disorders, may be more sensitive to
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temperature extremes. Medications can also affect the body's thermoregulation.
Personal Preferences: Personal preferences play a significant role in thermal comfort.
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Upbringing, cultural background, and individual experiences shape what individuals consider
A S S Ifinds
comfortable. What one person S T . comfortable,
P R O F . Danother
R. may not, highlighting the subjectivity
of comfort perception. B O U T H A I N A S A Y A D
 4. Measuring Thermal Comfort
4.1. The Need for Measurement

Measuring thermal comfort is fundamental for energy-efficient building

design and HVAC system operation. Accurate measurements enable the
optimization of indoor environmental conditions, which can lead to energy
savings and enhanced occupant satisfaction. Quantifying Comfort includes:
Quantification of thermal comfort involves translating subjective
perceptions into measurable parameters.
Thermal comfort indices provide standardized tools for quantitatively
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assessing thermal conditions, allowing for objective evaluations

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ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 4.2. Methods and Instruments
4.2.1 Objective vs. Subjective Methods

Objective methods involve direct measurement of physical parameters like air temperature, humidity,
and air velocity. While, subjective methods rely on occupant feedback, obtained through surveys,
questionnaires, or thermal sensation votes.
Operative temperature is especially useful when assessing thermal comfort in spaces where there are
temperature variations, radiant heat sources or sinks (such as windows or walls), and air movement. It
provides a more comprehensive understanding of how occupants perceive the thermal environment.
Here's how operative temperature is typically calculated:

Air Temperature (Tdb): This is the dry-bulb air temperature, usually measured with a thermometer.
01

02 BUILDING SYSTEMS
Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT): MRT represents the average temperature of all the surfaces surrounding an
individual. It takes into account the radiative heat exchange between a person and their environment.

03 & EQUIPMENT
Air Velocity (V): This is the speed of air movement in the space, often measured in meters per second (m/s).

A Scalculated
Operative temperature (T_op) can be SIST. P R O the
using F . following
D R . formula:
B O U T H A I N A
T_op= (Tdb+TMRT)/2 S A Y A D
Operative temperature provides a better indicator of thermal comfort than
air temperature alone because it considers the combined effect of air
temperature, radiant temperature, and air movement on an individual's
perception of thermal conditions. It's a valuable tool for designing and
evaluating HVAC systems and building designs to ensure occupants'
comfort.
BUILDING SYSTEMS
& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 4.2.2 Common Objective Measurement Parameters

Several objective parameters are crucial for thermal comfort assessment, including air temperature,
relative humidity, and air velocity, mean radiant temperature, clothing insulation, and metabolic rate.
These parameters collectively influence occupants' thermal comfort perception.

4.2.3 Subjective Assessment Methods

Subjective methods provide valuable insights into how occupants perceive thermal conditions and their
comfort. Surveys and questionnaires are commonly used to gather occupant feedback and preferences.

4.2.4 Instrumentation

Reliable instruments and equipment are required for objective data

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collection, including thermometers, anemometers, heat flux sensors, and
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data loggers. Instrument calibration, precision, and accuracy are
paramount for obtaining trustworthy measurements.
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD Figure 5: Degital Anemometer to
measure the wind speed.
 4.3. Thermal Comfort Indices

Thermal comfort indices are composite tools that combine objective parameters to provide a
comprehensive assessment of comfort. They simplify complex data, making it easier to
interpret and apply in design and operation. Key thermal comfort indices include:
Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD): Quantitative
indices predicting occupants' thermal sensation and dissatisfaction.
Standard Effective Temperature (SET): Represents the equivalent temperature at which an
occupant would experience the same heat exchange as in the actual environment.
Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI): Considers various meteorological and
physiological factors to evaluate thermal stress and comfort.
To be noted that the choice of index depends on specific requirements and the context in
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which it is applied.

& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
 5. Conclusion

In conclusion, this course on thermal comfort in buildings has provided

us with insights into creating indoor spaces that prioritize occupant well-
being and energy efficiency. We've covered the complexity of comfort
perception, measurement methods, and common indices. Now, we're ready
to embark on the next course, "Heat Transfer in Buildings," where we'll
explore heat transfer principles and their practical applications in building
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design and sustainability. This knowledge will empower us to create energy-
efficient and comfortable indoor environments while advancing in the field
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of building sciences.
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD
BUILDING SYSTEMS
& EQUIPMENT
ASSIST. PROF. DR.
BOUTHAINA SAYAD