Thermal Comfort Study I
This exercise has two components, thermal evaluation of two spaces and recording key “thermal experiences” on the psychrometric chart. To carry out the exercise, you will need access to a dry bulb temperature/relative humidity sensor.
Task A Space Evaluations
The objective of this task is for you to develop a feeling for personal (clothing and activity) as well as indoor environmental variables (temperature, air speed and relative humidity) that have an impact on thermal comfort. To that end, measure or estimate those variables in two situations, one in which you are satisfied with the thermal environment and a second in which you are dissatisfied (but not to an extreme). Using the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool, compare your personal sensation to comfort predictions based on ASHRAE 55 for Predicted Mean Vote and Adaptive Comfort methods. You may either pick the same space at two different times or two different spaces. Please note that – before completing the online space evaluation – you have to be in the space for at least 20 minutes if you just walk there and for 40 minutes if you bike or run there. (You need to be in “steady state” condition.) The space should be indoors and your body should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Complete the Google Space Evaluation form (see link below) twice, once for a comfortable and once for an uncomfortable situation. (For those enrolled in 4.401/4,464, the form asks you for your name or student ID as a record that you completed Task A.)
Task B Psychrometric Chart
Over the coming week, carry a temperature/relative humidity sensor around with you and record at least three key “thermal moments” on a printout of the psychrometric chart (a digital version can be downloaded here). Key thermal moments may include walking outside, cooking and/or laundry, a visit to an indoor pool etc.
Be inventive, go places and have fun!
Related Handbook Chapter
Climate Driven Design Chapter 4