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

Author

Listed:
  • Milen Balbis-Morejón

    (Department of Energy, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 No. 55-66, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia)

  • Javier M. Rey-Hernández

    (Department of Energy and Fluid Mechanics, European University Miguel de Cervantes, Padre Julio Chevalier, 47012 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Carlos Amaris-Castilla

    (Department of Energy, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 No. 55-66, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia)

  • Eloy Velasco-Gómez

    (Department of Energy and Fluid Mechanics, Engineering School (EII), University of Valladolid, Paseo del Cauce 59, 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Julio F. San José-Alonso

    (Department of Energy and Fluid Mechanics, Engineering School (EII), University of Valladolid, Paseo del Cauce 59, 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Francisco Javier Rey-Martínez

    (Department of Energy and Fluid Mechanics, Engineering School (EII), University of Valladolid, Paseo del Cauce 59, 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Milen Balbis-Morejón & Javier M. Rey-Hernández & Carlos Amaris-Castilla & Eloy Velasco-Gómez & Julio F. San José-Alonso & Francisco Javier Rey-Martínez, 2020. "Experimental Study and Analysis of Thermal Comfort in a University Campus Building in Tropical Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:8886-:d:435040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mirrahimi, Seyedehzahra & Mohamed, Mohd Farid & Haw, Lim Chin & Ibrahim, Nik Lukman Nik & Yusoff, Wardah Fatimah Mohammad & Aflaki, Ardalan, 2016. "The effect of building envelope on the thermal comfort and energy saving for high-rise buildings in hot–humid climate," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 1508-1519.
    2. Yang, Liu & Yan, Haiyan & Lam, Joseph C., 2014. "Thermal comfort and building energy consumption implications – A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 164-173.
    3. Zomorodian, Zahra Sadat & Tahsildoost, Mohammad & Hafezi, Mohammadreza, 2016. "Thermal comfort in educational buildings: A review article," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 895-906.
    4. Djongyang, Noël & Tchinda, René & Njomo, Donatien, 2010. "Thermal comfort: A review paper," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(9), pages 2626-2640, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Milen Balbis-Morejón & Juan J. Cabello-Eras & Javier M. Rey-Hernández & Francisco J. Rey-Martínez, 2021. "Energy Evaluation and Energy Savings Analysis with the 2 Selection of AC Systems in an Educational Building," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-10, July.
    2. Zhiqiang Shi & Qianni Liu & Zhongjun Zhang & Tianhao Yue, 2022. "Thermal Comfort in the Design Classroom for Architecture in the Cold Area of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Marek Borowski & Klaudia Zwolińska & Marcin Czerwiński, 2022. "An Experimental Study of Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality—A Case Study of a Hotel Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, March.
    4. Alejandra Aversa & Luis Ballestero & Miguel Chen Austin, 2022. "Highlighting the Probabilistic Behavior of Occupants’ Preferences in Energy Consumption by Integrating a Thermal Comfort Controller in a Tropical Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-16, August.

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