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This field study aimed to investigate naturally ventilated bedroom environment and its effects on subjective perception and sleep quality. Totally, 104 healthy subjects living in urban areas of Beijing participated in the study for one night during transition seasons. Bedroom environment parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration, were recorded before and during sleep. Objective sleep quality was measured by Fitbit Alta 2, a wrist‐type actigraphy sensor. Subjective assessments were collected by paper‐based questionnaires on sleep quality and environmental perceptions. The results showed that neutral temperature for waking state (before sleep) was estimated to be 23.8°C while for sleep state it was 26.5°C. Furthermore, pre‐sleep thermal sensation vote was found to be positively correlated with deep sleep percentage. Indoor air quality was correlated with sleep quality as indicated by statistically significant correlations between odor intensity assessment, air quality acceptability, average nightly CO2 concentration, and measures of sleep quality. For naturally ventilated bedrooms during transition seasons with a mild outdoor climate, present findings suggest that a bedroom with slightly warm pre‐sleep environment than neutral, and with high ventilation as indicated by low indoor CO2 concentration, could be beneficial for sleep quality of residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing environment has become a driving factor on hen health, egg quality and efficient production in intensive poultry industry. In large layer poultry housing system, an environmental index is typically used to control air conditions, including air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in different season. In hot seasons, thermal environment of laying hen housing is usually assessed using the temperature humidity index (THI) via the online monitored temperature and relative humidity. However, the simple assessment cannot meet the harsh requirement of indoor air quality in a large layer house, as the stocking density increases in recent years. In this paper, a comprehensive environmental index (CEI) was proposed based on the radar map to integrate the impacts of both thermal and air quality factors, in order to systematically assess the environment comfort of the birds. A LabVIEW software system was selected to illustrate the environmental comfort using the fuzzy mathematics. Five key environmental factors, including temperature, RH, air velocity, concentration of CO2 and ammonia (NH3), were used to evaluate the environmental comfort of laying hen housing, where the their weights were normalized in a radar map. In the visualized system, early warning can be delivered when either a single factor or the CEI was over the prescribed value, and thereby a quick action can be taken to adjust the environmental conditions in the layer housing to a comfort level. A field measurement was carried out at a commercial layer breeder farm in Hebei province from January to February, and from July to August, 2019. The experimental results indicated that a good performance of the CEI can be obtained to assess the comprehensive environment in the tested house via monitoring the five environmental indexes. The specific sensors were properly settled in the henhouse. The data of environmental conditions was collected to verify, and then the maximum of five indexes were selected for later use. During the summer daytime, the CEI agreed well with the THI, indicating the positive impacts of thermal environment on the comfort of the birds, while it performed better to integrate the thermal and air quality at night time. In winter, the increase in the weight of CO2 concentration can contribute to the CEI for the comfort in layer housing system. The in situ monitoring data in the actual use demonstrated that the CEI can efficiently represent the change of comprehensive environmental comfort in the chicken house, and respond to the interaction between environmental factors in each period, especially when the air quality has an increasing influence on the comprehensive environmental comfort at night in summer and in winter. The findings can provide a promising method to systematically evaluate the housing environment via the five key factors in laying hen housing, further to improve the birds comfort via precisely controlling the air conditions in intensive poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this research study was to investigate the maximum effectiveness values of the energy wheel by experimental tests conducted under extreme difference ambient air conditions parameters, different air volume flow rates, and energy wheel rotation speeds. Air temperature and humidity experimental tests were performed using a test facility that was developed and installed into the Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Laboratory of Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Our objective was to get the effectiveness values of sorption coated air-to-air energy recovery wheel for steady-state conditions under different ambient air (as supply air inlet) conditions. It was found that the sensible effectiveness increases by decreasing the volumetric flow rate through the wheel, and the optimum values of the effectiveness were given at the maximum wheel rotation speed based on the tests. As for the latent and total effectivenesses, their characteristics show an increasing trend by decreasing the air volume flow rate, ambient air temperature and relative humidity and increasing the wheel rotation speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heating and cooling of buildings with large-scale ceiling systems nowadays is widely used in traditional as well as in new, low-energy buildings. This type of system is being employed in a building of the Civil Engineering Faculty (FCE), Slovak Technical University, in Bratislava. The building's refurbishment in 2010 included the complete replacement of the building's envelope. The replacement is a lightweight facade with a high percentage of transparent construction. Due to the differences between the type of envelope and the heating system, the operation of the heating system frequently causes thermal discomfort, especially during warm spring or autumn days. The aim of the measurements was to evaluate the control of the operation of the heating output, the appropriateness of the location of sensors measuring the outdoor temperature and possible improvement of the current control system to improve the heating system's quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of sorption energy exchanger and the impact of the operational and thermal environmental conditions on their efficiency under steady-state conditions. To achieve this object, a test facility was installed into the Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Laboratory of BUTE University. A molecular 3Å sieve sorption wheel with high latent effectiveness is integrated into the experimental setup. In this study, the correlation between the sensible, latent, total effectiveness under different ambient air temperature and humidity values and different rotational speeds of the wheel is investigated in detailed by experimental tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal environment in bedrooms is still a largely neglected topic in thermal comfort research, although a thermal comfortable environment is important for sleep maintenance. Studies confirm that human body is sensitive to air temperature during sleep; even moderate heat or cold exposure decrease sleep quality significantly. In the present paper we reviewed air temperatures measured in bedroom and the effects of heat and cold exposure on sleep quality, and then proposed 5 aspects of approaches or technologies that could improve sleeping thermal environment at a low energy consumption. We concluded that there are two important research topics in sleeping thermal environment. One is to develop sleeping-mode control strategy for air conditioner used in bedroom to get slight increase or to avoid decrease in room air temperature when approaching morning. The other is to control bed micro-environment energy efficiently by using of local heating, cooling and/or ventilation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor climate and energy performance of Finnish low energy office building were studied to determine optimal control and operation solutions of demand controlled room conditioning and ventilation system with airflow rate controlled active chilled beams. Onsite measured temperature, CO 2 , occupancy rate were used to calibrate a dynamic simulations model. The results showed an average occupancy rate of 0.55 during office hours (OH) offering a good energy saving potential for demand control ventilation (DCV) system. DCV system used 7–8% less total primary energy compared to constant air volume (CAV) system depending on control and operation strategy used. DCV system saving was 33–41% if only heating, cooling, fans and pumps primary energy were considered. Supply air temperature controlled according to extract air temperature instead of outdoor air temperature minimized overheating problem which occurred with design solution during both seasons and systems. DCV system with active chilled beam complied at least 94% and 90% of OH with Category II indoor climate with water priority cooling and air priority cooling control respectively. Ceiling cooling panel showed an effect of decoupling cooling from ventilation resulted only in 0.9% additional primary energy saving compared to DCV system with active chilled beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate thermal environment and occupant local thermal sensation in offices with cooling ceiling. A field survey combining environment measurements and questionnaires was conducted in offices in Zhuhai, China. The obtained results indicated that compared with experimental conditions, occupants in real crowded offices experienced warmer environment because the mean radiant temperature (MRT) was higher than the air temperature due to the shelter effect of indoor furniture etc. MRT also showed higher correlations with both overall thermal sensation (OTS) and overall thermal comfort (OTC) than air temperature because a great part of heat transferred through radiation. Air temperature showed linear correlation with the ceiling temperature when cooling ceiling could fully handle the cooling load, but supplementary air cooling was also necessary for radiant cooling systems in real offices. Moreover, local thermal sensation (LTS) of different body parts showed great differences due to many factors such as clothes and adaptive behaviors, and it significantly influenced both OTS and OTC. Particularly, head, hand, leg and foot had considerable effects on OTS while head and leg showed influences on OTC. In addition, this paper also validated against some important results of previous studies and provided references for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dew point temperature (DPT) of moist air plays a key role in ascertaining the comfort condition as well as indoor air quality for built environments. This article outlines a simple method to transform the fundamental relation between saturation pressure and temperature into a concise mathematical form for dew point temperatures of moist air that is applicable for normal comfort air conditioning systems. The error between the results from the derived equation and the ASHRAE correlation is found to be well within the accuracy limits of commonly used climatic sensors. Based on this equation, a simple computational method for wet bulb temperature (WBT) is proposed. The results from this method show minuscule error in comparison with the standard psychrometric data. Also, the DPT equation is used as a basis for plotting wet sensible and latent loads of a cooling dehumidifying coil by applying both temperature and humidity discretization schemes. Application of the inherently simple and aptly accurate DPT equation results in the representation of subtle variations in coil loads at varying psychrometric parameters of moist air, to be conclusive and theoretically conformal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key element for a reduced energy usage in the building sector is to improve the systems for indoor climate control. But, it is important that such measures are fairly simple and easy to implement in order to facilitate a widespread utilization. In this work, four alternative strategies for supply air temperature control in offices were investigated through simulations. Their level of complexity stretches from linear SISO (single-input, single-output) structures with standard inputs to an optimal algorithm with information about the entire set of disturbances acting on the building. The study was conducted with a conventional outdoor-air-temperature based method as benchmark, and two different heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as two types of building structures were taken into account. Compared to the benchmark, all alternative strategies resulted in lower energy usages while thermal comfort and indoor air quality were satisfied, and simple strategies could perform almost equally well as more complex. But, it was also shown that the benefits were highly dependent on the considered HVAC system and somewhat dependent on the considered building structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both earth-tube systems and building thermal mass have the potential to provide desired performance levels for both indoor thermal comfort and energy saving; however, their coupling effects need to be further investigated. A model for evaluation of the combined effects of earth-tube ventilation systems and building thermal mass is proposed. Both the time-averaged indoor air temperatures and periodic temperature fluctuations are given as explicit formulas. Unlike the time lag induced by the separate use of building thermal mass, which is no longer than 6 h, the combination with an earth-tube system could extend the time lag of indoor air temperature in an annual fluctuation period by tens of days and that of a daily period by a couple of hours. It is noticeable that the building thermal mass has significant impact on the effectiveness of earth-tube systems; therefore, a small heat transfer coefficient of external envelopes helps increase the annual time lag of indoor air temperature. Using a proper combination of building thermal mass and earth tubes, indoor thermal comfort can be achieved for a building located in a region with both hot summers and cold winters without any additional cooling or heating load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nowadays people are excessively depending on air conditioning to create a comfortable indoor environment, but it could cause some health problems in a long run. In this paper, wind velocity field, temperature field and air age field in a bedroom with wall-hanging air conditioning running in summer are analyzed by CFD numerical simulation technology. The results show that wall-hanging air conditioning system can undertake indoor heat load and conduct good indoor thermal comfort. In terms of wind velocity, air speed in activity area where people sit and stand is moderate, most of which cannot feel wind flow and meet the summer indoor wind comfort requirement. However, for air quality, there are local areas without ventilation and toxic gases not discharged in time. Therefore it is necessary to take effective measures to improve air quality. Compared with the traditional measurement method, CFD software has many advantages in simulating indoor environment, so it is hopeful for humans to create a more comfortable, healthy living environment by CFD in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Temperature is one of the main parameters describing thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In this paper we propose an approach, based on a modification of the continuous time random walk, to model the indoor air temperature. We perform a statistical analysis of the recorded time series, that allows us to point out the main statistical properties of the recorded variable. The obtained conclusions about the nature of the process lead to a continuous time random walk, that in contrast to the classical approach, models time dependence of the jumps distribution. Moreover, we show that the waiting times can be modeled by a tempered stable distribution, which yields a subdiffusive behavior in short times and diffusive behavior in longer times. Finally, by conducting a simulation study we illustrate possible applications of the presented approach in the thermal comfort monitoring and forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Indoor air quality and overheating levels during heating and non-heating seasons. • Recently built classrooms in low-carbon school buildings. • Most classrooms experienced overheating for more than 40% of school hours. • CO 2 concentration levels above maximum threshold for more than 60% of school hours. • PM 2.5 levels suggest annual individual exposure above recommendation of health guidelines. It is estimated that school buildings in the UK are responsible for up to 15% of the total energy consumption of public and commercial buildings. Indoor thermal comfort and air quality in school classrooms are of global concern due to their significant effects on pupil health, academic performance and productivity. Providing good indoor air quality and thermal comfort in school buildings can be difficult, with global warming's consequences exacerbating the situation. Recent studies have demonstrated that many new school buildings are failing to meet minimum comfort standards, leading to low productivity and need for energy-hungry air conditioning devices. In this work, the authors conducted field studies to assess the indoor air quality and overheating levels in eight recently built classrooms in two new low-carbon primary schools during heating and non-heating seasons. Monitored variables included globe temperatures, air temperatures, surface temperatures, carbon dioxide (CO 2), and particles matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM 2.5), airstream velocity and relative humidity. The analyses indicated that most of these classrooms had experienced overheating for more than 40% of school hours, as well as revealing that CO 2 concentration levels were above the maximum threshold of 1000 ppm for more than 60% of school hours in heating and non-heating seasons, and that PM 2.5 reached levels higher than 20 μg/m3 during the heating season and 10 μg/m3 during the non-heating season, suggesting annual individual exposure higher than recommended health guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the energy consumption of HVAC systems in buildings, the use of energy-saving solutions is necessary. One of these solutions is ventilation, which is usually used for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality and thermal comfort. As the change in outdoor environment is unpredictable and the occupant control is spontaneous, it is critical to control the windows and HVAC systems to achieve a maximum use of outdoor air for indoor ventilation. A new rule-based control strategy that could change the opening factor of windows is proposed in this study and its effectiveness was tested in five representative climates, ranging from a subtropical region to a severely cold region. A building model was set up and the indoor air temperature and energy consumption were predicted using EnergyPlus. The results show that the proposed control strategy can utilize ventilation to maintain a comfortable indoor environment with an annual uncomfortable percentage in an occupied period lower than 5%, thus leading to an energy-saving rate of 13.5–55.6%. The simulation results indicate that there are periods of ventilation available during the summer in climate zones with hot summers and warm winters, whereas the control strategy has a better energy-saving performance in temperate areas. This study conducted a preliminary exploration for practical applications of the combined operation of controllable natural ventilation and HVAC systems in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is dedicated to research of impinging jet (IJV) air distribution method. This system provides the desired indoor climate in office buildings. This paper describes the experimental requirements and boundary conditions for the CFD simulation and experiment in the climate chamber. The necessary modelling scenarios were developed to review the operation of the ventilation system according to different climatic conditions (winter, summer), human positions in the room and the shape of the supply duct. It is concluded that the shape of the air opening has little effect on the contaminant and heat removal effectiveness, 114%–122% and 1.12–1.16 respectively. At the same time, there is a large impact on the air exchange effectiveness (0.74–0.91). It was experimentally noted that in terms of contaminant removal and air exchange effectiveness, the circular opening provides better results. The human position depends on the supply temperature and flow velocity. By analyzing different scenarios, it was determined that the minimum acceptable distance to maintain thermal comfort within the standard requirements from the supply outlet is 1.7 m. As the distance from the air opening increases, the vertical air temperature difference at the height of 0.1–1.1 m decreases more than 2 times – from 1.9 K/m to 0.7 K/m. It is concluded that impinging jet ventilation has a great potential for use in office spaces both in winter and summer scenarios. This system significantly improves thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Applying impinging jet ventilation (IJV), limitations and peculiarities of the system such as supply air velocity, temperature and shape of the air duct must be carefully evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Listed dwellings of southern Spain were monitored in winter to evaluate IEQ and EP. • Lengthy high rates of IRH were observed. • High levels of CO 2 concentration were recorded in bedrooms at night. • Thermal comfort is only achieved through a constant use of the heating systems. • Heat losses are entirely building-driven. Although European heritage buildings are excluded from energy efficiency targets, it would be beneficial to include the largest group, that of listed housing, in energy retrofit plans, in order to encourage its occupation and contributing to the sustainable maintenance of historic cities. This requires reliable experimental studies, which have been rare so far, in order to establish energy rehabilitation plans that do not jeopardize the conservation of their values. This paper aims to contribute to addressing this gap. It evaluates the energy performance and indoor environmental quality of dwellings within listed buildings of the conservation area of Seville, Spain, in the Mediterranean climate zone, under actual winter use and occupation conditions. An experimental campaign was conducted, generating energy models and measuring rates of indoor air temperature to validate them. The findings highlight important health and environmental issues: despite the mild winters of southern Spain, intensive use of the heating system is needed to maintain thermal comfort indoors, increasing polluting emissions; CO 2 concentration in bedrooms is usually excessive overnight and, regularly, indoor relative humidity remains too high; heat losses depend entirely on the physical condition of the constructive elements (walls, roofs, air leakage and glazing) which occupants cannot easily improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As most residents spend more than 90% of their time in buildings, acceptable and reasonable control of both indoor thermal comfort and air quality is imperative to ensure occupants' health status and work productivity. However, current control strategies generally take either thermal comfort or indoor air quality as a single loop, rather than the concurrent control of two. To analyze their mutual influence, this study investigated the performance of three multi-control approaches, i.e., proportional integral derivative (PID) control of thermal comfort and a fixed outdoor air ratio, PID control of thermal comfort and design outdoor air rate, and PID control of thermal comfort and occupancy-based demand-controlled ventilation. As a pilot study, three typical control methods were implemented to a multi-zone building via OpenModelica modeling. The results indicate that indoor air temperature can be well-maintained under three control methods, however, the CO2 concentration under the fixed outdoor air ratio was over 1000 ppm, leading to poor indoor air quality. The control strategy with the design outdoor air rate could not properly ensure the CO2 concentration, due to the over-ventilated or under-ventilated phenomena, subsequently resulting in unnecessary energy waste. The occupancy-based demand controlled ventilation could maintain the CO2 concentration under the set-point with an intermediate power energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]