Verena Marie Barthelmes

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Quality criteria for multi-domain studies in the indoor environment: Critical review towards research guidelines and recommendations

Verena Marie Barthelmes, Giorgia Chinazzo, Dolaana Khovalyg, Mandana Sarey Khanie

The perception, physiology, behavior, and performance of building occupants are influenced by multi-domain exposures: the simultaneous presence of multiple environmental stimuli, i.e., visual, thermal, acoustic, and air quality. Despite being extensive, the literature on multi-domain exposures presents heterogeneous methodo-logical approaches and inconsistent study reporting, which hinder direct comparison between studies and meta -analyses. Therefore, in addition to carrying out more multi-domain studies, such investigations need to be designed, conducted, and documented in a systematic and transparent way. With the goal to facilitate and support future multi-domain studies and their meta-analyses, this work provides (1) a range of criteria for multi -domain study design and reporting (i.e., defined as quality criteria), and (2) a critical review of the multi-domain literature based on the described criteria, which can serve as guidelines and recommendations for future studies on the topic. The identified quality criteria encompass study set-up, study deployment and analysis, and study outcome, stressing the importance of adopting a consistent terminology and result reporting style. The developed critical review highlights several shortcomings in the design, deployment, and documentation of multi-domain studies, emphasizing the need for quality improvements of future multi-domain research. The ultimate goal of this work is to consolidate our knowledge on multi-domain exposures for its integration into regulatory resources and guidelines, which are currently dominated by single-domain knowledge.

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD2022

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A specific range of acceptable indoor thermal conditions is stipulated by building performance standards to assure minimum dissatisfaction of occupants. Thus, the operation of buildings in practice tends to follow a cautious approach by setting the indoor temperatures, for instance, in winters, at the upper limit of the acceptability range, aiming to maximize the occupants’ satisfaction rather than at the lower limit that could lead to minimized energy use. In this work, alternative heating setpoints in offices at the borderline of standardized comfort requirements are explored and compared with the real-life setpoint in the case study building in Lausanne, Switzerland. In addition, future weather scenarios by the IPCC are considered in the energy and comfort analysis. It is particularly relevant because of climate change and the necessity for the existing building stock to adapt to the changing demand. A nearly 50% decrease in the heating demand can be achieved by lowering the temperature setpoints with further reduction up to 20% in the warmer 2050 horizon. Although exposure to a cooler environment could increase at lower temperatures, clothing and activity adaptation of occupants can correct their thermal sensation; thus, people’s engagement in the creation of a resilient future should be considered.

Routledge 2022

Variation in Indoor Thermal Environmental Parameters in an Open Space Office

Verena Marie Barthelmes, Arnab Chatterjee, Dolaana Khovalyg

Building energy modelling is an indispensable component of today’s design method. However, as per research findings, real-life buildings could utilize almost twice the amount of their ideal energy performance. Thus, it is important to understand the variation in the thermal environmental and thermal sensation parameters in the office buildings during real-life operation. Currently, the design of the indoor environment in buildings is performed based on the appropriate national and international standards. Based on thermal comfort requirements for mechanically conditioned buildings, the temperatures are held within narrow limits, and it is expected that the new and existing buildings adhere to them very strictly. Naturally, the question arises, instead of keeping indoor thermal conditions constant, could it be healthier to make it dynamic. A more dynamic thermal environment that goes beyond the boundaries of comfort zones may be able to provide occupants with thermal comfort, along with instances of thermal delight and positive stimulation. To this objective, physical measurements were carried out in open office space in Lausanne, Switzerland. Data showing the overall variation of the thermal comfort parameters in space and in time have been presented. The ranges of thermal environment parameters, i.e., operative temperature, relative humidity, air speed, and local discomfort factors consisting of horizontal and vertical radiant temperature asymmetries, vertical temperature differences are discussed. Also, thermal sensation indicators, i.e., PMV and PPD are calculated from the measured values. These values are then compared with the limits specified in the standard ISO 17772. The thermal environmental parameters, particularly operative temperature, mostly lay in the Category II and III. Local discomfort factors did not exceed the limits of Category I. Thermal sensation calculation showed that the conditions were more on the cooler side since PMV was in the range of -0.2 to -1 and, the PPD was between 10-20%. CLIMA 2022 conference, 2022: CLIMA 2022 The 14th REHVA HVAC World Congress

TU Delft2022