Linking occupants’ thermal perception and building thermal performance in naturally ventilated school buildings

Building envelope design has an almost unrivalled impact on indoor thermal conditions in naturally ventilated spaces. This study investigated the effects of building envelope energy regulations on thermal comfort level in naturally ventilated classrooms in primary and secondary schools in Taiwan. In the study, a long-term survey was conducted to investigate the thermal perception of children and teenagers together with a year-round monitoring of indoor climatic conditions in classrooms of different thermal characteristics. Based on the results of field comfort surveys an adaptive comfort model for children and teenagers was developed and compared to ASHRAE’s model for characterizing the requirements of thermal comfort among the students using naturally ventilated classrooms. An analysis on frequency and level of thermal discomfort in the cool and warm periods was conducted using the adaptive comfort model established for the students to develop criteria applicable in thermal discomfort assessment. The building energy regulation was found to have a significant impact on the level of thermal comfort in naturally ventilated classrooms.

► An adaptive comfort model for children and teenagers was developed. ► With this model, risk assessment of discomfort on envelope regulation was performed. ► Envelope regulation played an important role on improving comfort in NV classrooms. ► Hot discomfort corresponded to building envelope design. ► Cold discomfort slightly increased with envelope regulation.