Residential thermal environment in cold climates at high altitudes and building energy use implications

Field studies of the thermal comfort conditions in residential buildings were conducted in high-latitude regions with sub-atmospheric pressure in China. In the summer study, 33 individuals took part in 25 residential units and 43 individuals in 20 residential units in winter. Both subjective questionnaire survey in terms of thermal sensation votes (TSVs) and objective on-site measurements were carried out. In winter about 68% of the occupants felt slightly cool, cool or cold; only one-quarter of the people felt neutral. The summer situation was much better; 96% indicted comfortable. Results from the TSVs indicated that the neutral temperature for winter and summer was 18.9 °C and 23.3 °C, respectively. The winter neutral temperature was 7.6 °C higher than the mean indoor air temperature of 11.3 °C. Reasons for such large difference were suggested. An adaptive comfort model was developed using linear regression, and the indoor temperature limit was 16.4–29.7 °C based on 90% acceptability. These findings were compared with other field studies and the implications for energy use in buildings were discussed.

► We conduct a field study of the thermal conditions in houses in high altitude. ► Subjective survey regarding thermal sensation vote and on-site measurement were made. ► The neutral temperature for winter and summer was 18.8 °C and 23.1 °C, respectively. ► Adaptive comfort model: indoor temperature limit 16.4–29.7 °C with 90% acceptability. ► Implications for energy use in buildings (especially passive solar) discussed.