CLIMATOLOGY
A S S I G N M E N T 2
Climatology Rochelle Fernando CSA part 1 year 2 2022
THERMAL COMFORT
Thermal comfort is the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. The standard
acknowledges that the sensation of thermal comfort experienced is specific to the individual and that it is difficult to
satisfy all occupants. Therefore, the standard spec- ifies the combination of environmental conditions, in relation to a
given mix of metabolic rates and clothing ensembles, that will satisfy a majority of occupants within the space.
There are six primary factors that affect the conditions for thermal comfort of occupants. The environmental factors are
dry-bulb air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed, and relative humidity. The personal factors are metabolic
rate and thermal insulation of clothing.
Climatology Rochelle Fernando CSA part 1 year 2 2022
PASSIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Passive design maximises the use of 'natural' sources of heating, cooling and ventilation to create comfortable conditions inside buildings. It harnesses
environmental conditions such as solar radiation, cool night air and air pressure differences to drive the internal environment. Passive measures do
not involve mechanical or electrical systems.
Climatology Rochelle Fernando CSA part 1 year 2 2022
Building plan with site
Increasing the amount of green
space by planting vegetation
improves the microclimatic
conditions of the site because
trees reduce the surrounding
temperature by offering both
shade and evaporative cooling
through the process of
evapotranspiration.
A turf block paved
parking space and
driveway not only
minimises the
thermal heat gained
by paved surfaces it
also prevents surface
runoff.
Plan view
Incorporating water
features significantly
reduces the
temperature of a
building through
evaporative cooling.
Internal courtyards bring in
diffused light and ventilation
into the space reducing the
humidity levels as well as
cooling the building.
Additionally, there is an
increase in airspeed which
contributes to occupant
thermal comfort.
cutouts and openings
have been placed
strategically throughout
the design to enable
cross-ventilation as well
as the entry of diffused
sunlight which results in
a cooler and less humid
environment in the
interior of the building.
Aerial view
Green roofs reduce thermal
stress and help regulate the
indoor temperature by acting as
a form of insulation as well as by
providing cooling through
evapotranspiration which in turn
reduces the urban heat island
effect. Additionally, it also acts as Skylights contribute to effective
a rainwater buffer minimising daylighting without excessive
stormwater runoff. heat gain as the light entering
is diffused sunlight. By
efficiently using natural light
there is a reduction in the
thermal load by mechanical
systems. It also encouraged
stack ventilation.
Planting within the
building helps cool the
interior through the
process of
evapotranspiration.
ACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
In environments where thermal conditions are regulated primarily by the occupants or automated systems that require energy, thermal
comfort is found in practice to be achieved over a wider band of environmental conditions. This is the result of an individual’s expectations
and prior experience of thermal environments, availability of control, as well as other effects where such adaptive opportunities are available
to individuals. This suggests that occupants take a more active role in achieving thermal comfort, rather than simply being passive recipients
of their thermal environment, which is termed active thermal comfort.
Climatology Rochelle Fernando CSA part 1 year 2 2022
REFERENCES
ASHRAE, 2018, ASHRAE greenguide : design, construction, and
operation of sustainable buildings., 5th edn, United States of
America
Ching, D 2013, building construction illustrated., 5th edn,
Wiley and sons, New Jersey
A well-designed active window Variable refrigerant Flow Air conditioning Units allow
glazing system has been installed to Multiple evaporators to be connected to one compressor
reduce or rather control indoor & condenser. Since the Refrigerant flow varies with the
solar heat gain. “Smart” windows actual thermal load this system has higher efficiency (0.9
include those that use electronic kW/ton). Thus the following A/C system was chosen for
devices, suspended particle devices, the building project.
micro blinds, and liquid crystal
devices to adjust the amount of Fans and dehumidifiers
incoming light according to the have also been used. To
designer or occupant’s intent. This increase thermal
dimmable window technology adds comfort by reducing the
to the comfort of the user and the humidity and increasing
protection of interiors. the speed of airflow.
