Macquarie University's ASHRAE RP-884 Adaptive Model Project
General Assumptions.
The processes of data standardisation and assimilation into the RP-884 database are described in the graphic linked here. Specific procedures and assumptions applied to all dat files are described in this section. The section describes the details of each of the datafiles going into the RP-884 database- All raw data in the RP-884 database was processed through the ASHRAE Comfort (Wincomf) software developed by Fountain and Huizenga (1995). Of the indices provided in the output, predicted draft risk (PD) was calculated separately via formulae in ASHRAE 1993 HoF. If the velocity for PD calculations was < 0.05 m/s then PD = 0. Where turbulence was not available in the original data file, 40% was assumed for PD calculations. The WinComf software was also used to generate the outdoor ET* variables used in RP-884. An interactive calculator of these same comfort indices can be found on the WWW by clicking here (it was based on the WinComf code).
- Mean Radiant Temperature (TRAV) was recalculated wherever possible using the formulae described in the ASHRAE HoF (1993).
- Studies that did not use the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard to estimate clo had their clo values adjusted/converted to this Standard by models established within RP-884. Database variables of clo (clothing ensemble insulation) and insul (clothing plus chair insulation) were recorded separately within RP- 884. It was often necessary to create insul from original field experiment data by the addition of 0.15 clo to the value of clothing insulation provided. Or in cases where clothing plus insulation due to a chair was provided in the original data, then 0.15 clo was subtracted to give just the total clothing insulation.
- Variables in the original study datafiles which were incompatible with RP-884 standardised coding conventions were re-coded. This often include correcting the numerical classification for gender, the ASHRAE thermal sensation scale, reducing thermal preference 5-pt scales to the McIntyre 3-pt scale etc. Those variables the same as RP-884 standards were retained as supplied. Also, all "character" building codes were replaced with numeric codes.
- Outdoor Meteorological/Climatological data, where not supplied with the orignial data file, was obtained from various Meteorological or Climatological sources (indicated in each study's summary below). Efforts were made to extract air temperature and relative humidity data as close to 6:00 hours and 15:00 hours as possible (estimated times of daily minima and maxima).
- Missing values are indicated throughout the database with "." (period).
- Data lines missing core variables such as temperature, clothing insulation or sensation vote where deleted.
- Longitudinal studies were treated within the database as cross-sectional designs. This is based on the assumption that within-individual variance in thermal sensation is approximately the same as between-individual variance.
- All data files were split by season (summer and winter) and building type (HVAC, NV or Mixed).
- An index of perceived thermal control (PCC_AG) was established for all studies, except where individual building information was insufficient to identify specific adaptive opportunities such as operable windows, blinds, local fans, doors, thermostats, etc.
- A proxy for thermal statisfaction (acceptability) was developed as variable PRXY_TSA. It is derived from thermal sensation votes (ASH) and defined as acceptable (code"2") if |ASH| <= 1.5. If the absolute value of ASH exceeded 1.5 then PRXY_TSA was coded not acceptable (1).
1 Project Title: ASHRAE TC 2.1 sponsored RP-702.
Project filenames in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 36 (summer "dry" - HVAC) and 37 (summer "wet" - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Richard de Dear (Macquarie University, Sydney Australia) and Marc Fountain (University of California at Berkeley, USA).A CLASS-1 field experiment sponsored by ASHRAE TC 2.1.
Project Publications
de Dear, R.J. and M.E. Fountain (1994) "Field experiments on occupant comfort and office thermal environments in a hot- humid climate," ASHRAE Transactions, Vol.100(2), pp.457- 475.de Dear, R.J. and M.E. Fountain (1994) Cover feature -- "Thermal comfort in air-conditioned office buildings in the tropics," Journal of the Australian Institute of Refrigerating, Air-Conditioning and Heating, Vol.48(9), pp.14-30.
de Dear, R.J., M.E. Fountain, S. Popovic, S. Watkins, G. Brager, E.Arens and C Benton (1993) A Field Study of Occupant Comfort and Office Thermal Environments in a Hot- Humid Climate : Final Report on ASHRAE RP-702. (MRL: Sydney), 162 pp.
Project Location, Climate and Season
The project was located in Townsville on the north-eastern coast of Australia which falls within a Tropical Savanna climate zone (wet-dry tropics). One field experiment conducted in the "Dry" season (warm-dry "summer"), another experiment conducted in the "wet" season (hot-wet "summer").|
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3 storeys, mainly open plan. |
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4 levels, private and multi-occupant offices. |
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12 storeys, mainly open plan. |
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Twin tower design, mainly open plan. |
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5 storeys, mainly open plan. |
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8 storeys, mainly open plan. |
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3 storeys, mainly open plan. |
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5 storeys, mainly open plan. |
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3 storyes, mainly open plan. |
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3 storyes, mainly open plan. |
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6 storeys, mainly open plan. |
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13 storeys, mainly open plan. |
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Instruments
Class-1 instrumentation includes three heights above floor level. Anemometry was measured by DANTEC 54R10 omnidirectional heated elements with fast time-constant for turbulence intensity calculations. Air temperature was measured by YSI series 700 probes (thermistors) and globe temperatures measured by fixing a table tennis ball (40mm diam.) over the sensor with appropriate steps taken to achieve correct emissivity. Dewpoint temperature (humidity) measured by a General Eastern DEW-10 chilled-mirror transducer. Radiant asymmetry was measured by a Bruel and Kjaer plane radiant asymmetry sensor (MM 0036).Questionnaire
The questionnaire was divided into two parts, background and on-line surveys. The background questionnaire covered demographics, contextual and psychological factors. The on- line questionnaire covered the subjects assessment of their immediate thermal environment, such as their thermal sensation on a 7-point scale, acceptability as a yes/no response, thermal preference on a 3-point scale, current garment insulation assessed by tables and algorithms in ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 and metabolic activity assessed by ASHRAE Standard 55-92 and ISO 7730. Metabolic activity was recorded at four distinct time periods, from which an overall metabolic rate was established. The on-line questionnaire was conducted at the same time as physical measurements were being made of the subjects environment.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Concurrent three-hourly observations from Townsville Airport (purchased from Australian Bureau of Meteorology), from which air temperature and relative humidity at 600 hours and 1500 hours was extracted for RP-884 purposes.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The design of the database structure and coding conventions throughout the ASHRAE Adaptive Model Project (RP-884) was based on de Dear and Fountains' (1994) Townsville (RP-702) project.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
2 Project Title: Thermal Comfort Studies in Modern Industrial Buildings.
Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 1 (summer - HVAC) and 2 (winter - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Jill C. Brown (Ph.D thesis, University of Wales, Cardiff). This is a CLASS-2 field experiment.Project Publications
Brown, J. C. (1995). Thermal Comfort Studies in Modern Industrial Buildings, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Wales, Cardiff.Brown, J. C. and Jones, P. J. (1993). Thermal Comfort in Modern Industrial Buildings, Clima 2000 Conference, London, Organised by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers.
Project Location, Climate and Season
This project was conducted in South Wales, UK. More precisely, in Cwmbran, Gwent; Newport, Gwent; Ebbw Vale, Gwent; Maesteg, Mid Glamorgan; Cwmfelinfach, Gwent; Gwent; Llanelli, Dyfed and Llantrisant, Glamorgan. Summer and Winter seasons investigated. Climatically, this region can be classified as west coast marine.Instruments
Indoor climatic instrumentation included: pre-calibrated thermistors to measure air temperature, hot-wire anemometer for air speed, solid-state hygrometer to measure humidity, and a thermistor inside a 38mm diameter ping-pong ball to measure globe temperature. Air temperature was measured at ankle, waist and head heights (0.3m, 1.5m and 2m) while all other parameters were only measured at waist height.Questionnaire
The questionnaire addressed both conditions at the time of physical measurements and typical/overall conditions, of which only the former was used for RP-884's purposes. Sensation was rated on the ASHRAE 7-pt scale. The questionnaire assessed thermal preference but not thermal acceptability. Metabolic ratings were established at the time of the questionnaire and prior to questionnaire, using the ASHRAE 55-92 standard for guidance. However, the author expressed reservations that this checklist did not fully describe the types of activities being performed within the study. Clo was estimated using the ASHRAE 55-92 and ISO/DIS 9920-91 checklist and if clothing insulation data was absent then an estimation was made using the garment weight relationship suggested by McCullough et al., 1984).|
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576m squared |
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3000m squared |
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1000m squared |
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15000m squared |
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850m squared |
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2500m squared |
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2500m squared |
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6700m squared |
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Outdoor Meteorological Data
In the absence of accessible outdoor meteorological observations at the same time as the questionnaire data, RP- 884 researchers substituted climatological data at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs. This data was retrieved from two sources -- air temperature from the journal Weather (using the UK Met Office site of Roose), and humidity (by derivation of dew point using the UK Met Office site for Cardiff) based on data entries the International Station Meteorological and Climate Summary (ISMCS 1992) CDROM.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
Instrumentation in the original data set took measurements at heights 2m, 1.5m and 0.3m. We mapped 0.3m to 0.1m and 1.5m to 1.1m for the RP-884 database. Clo was estimated with the ASHRAE 55-92 checklist so no corrections were needed, but the activity variable in the original data set had to be used to determine whether or not the subject was seated and so whether 0.15 clo for the insulation due to a chair needed to be subtracted. This provided two variables within the RP-884 database, clothing insulation with and without the effects of a chair. The research design was cross-sectional which satisfied the assumptions for RP-884, that all subjects were independent.Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage
3 Project Title: Doctoral Dissertation. From Comfort To Kilowatts: An Integrated Assessment Of Electricity Conservation In Thailand's Commercial Sector.
Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 3 (summer - HVAC) and 4 (summer - NV) in the RP-884 database.Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
John F. Busch, Jr (Lawrence Berkeley Lab. Berkeley California, USA). This is a CLASS-2 field experiment.Project Publications
Busch, 1990 "Thermal responses to the Thai office environment." ASHRAE Trans., V. 96(1), pp. 859-872.Busch J. F. (1992) A tale of two populations: thermal comfort in air-conditioned and naturally ventilated offices in Thailand. Energy and Buildings Vol 18 pp 235-249.
Busch J. (1995) Thermal comfort in Thai air-conditioned and naturally ventilated offices in Thailand Standards for thermal comfort pp 114-121.
Busch J. F. (1990) From Comfort to Kilowatts - An Integrated Assessment of Electricity Conservation in Thailand's Commercial Sector. (UC Berkeley PhD. Thesis).
Project Location, Climate and Season
The project was located in Bangkok, Thailand (peninsular, Southeast Asia). Bangkok is the largest city in Thailand as well as being the capital. Being tropical, Bangkok does not display much seasonality and can been classified under a hot humid climate. The project was conducted in the hot season and the wet season.|
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Instruments
The instrumentation was packaged into a "toolbox" which was placed in the subject's occupied zone, typically at a height of 0.6m above floor, or on their desk. Air and globe temperatures were registered with calibrated thermistors. The globe thermometer was based on a 38mm ping pong ball. Air speeds were registered with a Kurz 403 "hot-film" anemometer in the vicinity of the subject. Humidity was recorded with a steady-state device. All sensors were connected to a Campbell Scientific CR21 datalogger which was dumped into a tape recorder at the end of every day in the field.Questionnaire
Subjects who had been seated at their workstations for more than 15 minutes were eligible for inclusion in the sample. The questionnaire covered basic sensation and preference items. Metabolic and clothing scales/check-lists were based on the McIntyre (1980) tables.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor meteorological data were collected by the original researcher from the Royal Thai Meteorological Department. Daily maxima and minima for temperature and humidity were extracted for the RP-884 database.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
For this study clo was estimated by the McIntrye (1980) method. Clo therefore required correction to the ASHRAE 55- 92 Standard for RP-884 purposes. To this 0.15 clo was added to create a separate variable accounting for the clothing ensemble and insulation effects of a chair. The research design of this project was cross-sectional which satisfied the assumptions for RP-884, that all subjects were independent.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
4 Project Title: This
field experiment is the CSAA, Antioch (1995) component of the Advanced
Customer Technology Test (ACT2) Project.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Charles C. Benton and Gail S. Brager (CEDR, Department of Architecture, University of California, Berkeley). This is a CLASS-1 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file number 5 in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Benton, C. et al. Advanced Customer Technology Test (ACT2) CSAA Progress Report. (CEDR UC Berkeley).Brager, G et al. (1994) "A comparison of methods for assessing thermal sensation and acceptability in the field," In Thermal Comfort: Past, Present and Future. (eds N. A. Oseland and M. A. Humphreys).
Project Location, Climate and Season
The ACT2 project was based on the ASHRAE RP-702 project (the hot-humid field experiment in Townsville Australia, de Dear et al., 1994). Data was collected for the ACT2 project between 1991 and 1995 at four sites. The Sunset Building (baseline and post-retrofit) in San Ramon, Verifone (baseline) in Auburn and CSAA (post construction) in Antioch. Antioch has a Mediterranean climate, less than 50 km inland from the San Francisco Bay but separated from the water by the Berkeley Hills (Nearest major city is Concord). The season of this study was winter.|
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Instruments
A cart was set up with all sensors attached in desired positions of 0.1m, 0.6m and 1.1m. The sensors chosen were selected to meet the response time and accuracy requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-81 and ISO Standard 7730 for thermal assessment. YSI series 700 probes with vinyl-coated tips were used to measure air temperature. Globe temperature was measured by attaching a 38 mm diameter table tennis ball on the temperature sensors. The balls were painted grey for correct emissivity. Air velocity was measured by Dantec 54R10 anemometers, which are omnidirectional fully temperature-compensated sensors. Dewpoint temperature was measured by a General Eastern DEW-10 chilled mirror dewpoint transducer. All parameters were measured at all three heights except dewpoint temperature which was only measured at 0.6m. Radiant asymmetry and illuminance were also measured, but are not essential to the purpose of RP-884.Questionnaire
The questionnaire consisted of an on-line questionnaire, which addressed conditions at the time physical measurements were being taken and a background questionnaire. The latter covered subject details such as, health and emotional characteristics, office description, work area and job satisfaction, environmental sensitivity, plus personal comfort, satisfaction and perceived control. In the on-line section thermal sensation was rated on the 7-pt ASHRAE scale. Thermal preference was assessed on a descriptive 3- pt scale. Thermal acceptability was not rated. Metabolic rate was estimated based on a checklist referring to the subjects activity in the 15 minutes before completing the on- line questionnaire, using tables in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals (HOF, 1985). Clo estimates were based on responses to the clothing item checklist provided in the on- line questionnaire from the ASHRAE Standard 55-81 method.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Meteorological air temperature data at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs were purchased by RP-884 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center. Relative humidity, also at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs was extracted from the International Station Meteorological and Climate Summary CD-ROM (ISMCS, 1992) for the nearest site.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The detailed methods and protocol used in ASHRAE RP-462 (and extended to the ASHRAE RP-702 project described above) were carried out in full for the ACT2 Project. Since RP-884 itself is based primarily on RP-702 and subsequently on RP- 462, little standardisation was necessary. However, clothing was based on the ASHRAE 55-81 method, and so required conversion into equivalent ASHRAE 55-92 values. 0.15 clo was then added for chair insulation. The research design of this field experiment was longitudinal, so for the purposes of RP-884, independence between subjects was assumed.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
5 Project Title: Higher PMV causes higher energy consumption in air- conditioned buildings: A case study in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Tri H. Karyono (University of Sheffield, UK). This is a CLASS-3 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 6 (summer - HVAC bdgs), 7 (summer - NV) and 8 (summer - mixed mode buildings) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Karyono, T. H. (1995) "Higher PMV causes higher energy consumption in air-conditioned buildings: A case study in Jakarta, Indonesia, " Standards for thermal comfort. ed by Fergus Nicol, Michael Humphreys, Oliver Sykes and Susan Roaf. Chapman and Hall pp 219-226.Karyono, T. (1996) "Thermal comfort in the tropical southeast Asia region." Architectural Science Review. V39(3), pp.135-139.
Karyono, T.H (1996) "Discrepancy between actual and predicted thermal votes of Indonesian workers in Jakarta, Indonesia." International Journal of Ambient Energy. V.17(2), pp.95-100.
Project Location, Climate and Season
The project was located in Jakarta, Indonesia. This is in a wet equatorial climate zone with a season classified as "summer" all year round.|
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Instruments
Bruel and Kjaer 1212 Thermal Comfort Meter. No anemometer used in this project. Relative humidity were measured with a solid state hygrometer.Questionnaire
In Bahasa Indonesian.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor climatological air temperature and relative humidity data at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs were obtained from the International Station Meteorological and Climate Summary (ISMCS, 1992) CD-ROM for Jakarta.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The B+K 1212 instrument was used to measure operative and equivalent temperatures. As a result no radiant temperatures could be calculated (from globe temperature). Clothing estimates were based on the Bruel and Kjaer manual which closely corresponds to the ISO 7730 (1984) methods and which was mapped to the ASHRAE 55-92 standard for RP-884. Chair insulation estimates of 0.15 clo were also added to form a total insulation variable in the RP-884 database. The research design was cross-sectional which satisfied the assumptions for RP-884, that all subjects were independent.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
6 Project Title: Montreal ASHRAE RP-821. "Field Study of Occupant Comfort and Office Thermal Environments in a Cold Climate."
This is the third of a series of ASHRAE projects (following RP-462 in San Francisco and RP-702 in a hot-humid climate).
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Giovanna Donnini, Jean Molina, Carlo Martello, Dorothy Ho Ching Lai, Lai Ho Kit, Ching Yu Chang, Michel Laflamme, Van Hiep, Fariborz Haghighat (Auger, Donnini and Nguyen Inc.). This is a CLASS 1 field experiment in line with the preceding two ASHRAE-sponsored field experiments.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 9 (summer - HVAC) and 10 (winter - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Donnini, G. et al (1996) Field Study of Occupant Comfort and Office Thermal Environments in a Cold Climate: Final Report. ADN Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Project Location, Climate and Season
The cities chosen for the study are Montreal, Longueuil, Gramby, Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Shawinigan, Trois-Rivieres, Hull and Maniwaki in Canada. They are all located along the border of the Northern and Southeastern limits. The climatic classification is towards the cold extreme of the humid mid latitudes. Data were collected in both summer and winter seasons.Instruments
Air temperatures were measured using Dantec 54R10 thermistors. Globe temperatures were measured using Bruel and Kjaer globe temperature sensors (MM 0030) each consisting of a Pt100 (platinum resistance) temperature sensing element situated in the centre of a 150mm diameter globe of appropriate emissivity. Air velocity and turbulence were measured by Dantec 54R10 anemometers, which are omnidirectional fully temperature-compensated sensors. The factory calibrated the sensors the week preceding the start of the site visits. Dew point temperature and vapour pressure was measured by a Bruel and Kjaer air humidity transducer (MM 0037). Air temperature, globe temperature, air velocity and turbulence were measured at three heights (ankle, waist and height) and dew point temperature was measured only at waist height.|
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winter (37) |
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Questionnaire
The questionnaire used here was essentially the same as the one used in Townsville (ASHRAE RP-702 Hot Humid Field Experiment). The subjective survey was divided into two parts, Background and Online. The Background questions covered areas such as demographics, contextual and psychological factors. The on-line questions were related to the subjects assessment of their immediate thermal environment at that point in time and was answered at the time the physical measurements were being taken. Sensation ratings were based on the ASHRAE 7-pt scale. Thermal acceptability was addressed as a yes/no response and thermal preference was assessed on a 3-pt scale. Metabolic rating was based on the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard and ISO 7730 Standard. Met was assessed over four distinct time periods from which an overall metabolic value was obtained. Clo was estimated using the ASHRAE Standard 55-92 checklist. Adaptive behaviour questions were also addressed regarding the subjects perceived control over their thermal environment.Outdoor Meteorological Data
The meteorological data recorded in the original field experiment data included; hourly temperatures, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, daily precipitation, start and stop times of precipitation and general conditions. These recordings were purchased by the researchers from the closest met observation site to each building tested. For the purpose of RP-884 air temperatures and relative humidities at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs were extracted for use.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
Due to the use of a 150 mm diameter globe with slow response time for measuring globe temperature, there was uncertainty as to whether or not the instrument achieved thermal equilibrium within the exposure time. Therefore, all rows where |TAAV-TRAV| >= 2 K were deleted from the data set before analysis continued. Clo was estimated by the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard so no correction was necessary, however to obtain the total insulation experienced by subjects, 0.15 clo was added to the total clothing ensemble forming a separate variable. The research design was cross-sectional.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
7 Project Title: Richard de Dear's PhD research project in Australia.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Dr Richard de Dear and Andris Auliciems (University of Queensland). This is a CLASS-2 investigation .Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 11 (Brisbane, summer - HVAC), 12 (Brisbane, summer - NV), 13 (Darwin, summer "dry" - HVAC), 14 (Darwin, summer "wet" - HVAC), 15 (Melbourne, summer - HVAC) and 16 (Melbourne, summer - NV) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
de Dear, R. J. and A. Auliciems (1985) "Validation of the Predicted Mean Vote model of thermal comfort in six Australian field studies." ASHRAE Trans., V. 91(2), pp. 452- 468.de Dear, R. J. and A. Auliciems (1985). Thermal neutrality and acceptability in six Australian field studies, Clima 2000, Indoor Climate (P.O. Fanger, editor), Vol. 4:103-108. VVS Kongress-VVS Messe, Copenhagen.
de Dear, R. J. (1985) Perceptual and adaptational bases for the management of indoor climate. (St Lucia Queensland: University of Queensland PhD thesis).
de Dear, R.J. and A. Auliciems (1986). Air conditioning in Australia II: User attitudes. Arch. Science Review, vol. 31, pp. 19-27.
Project Location, Climate and Season
This project was conducted in three major cities, located in three distinct climate zones across Australia. Samples from both HVAC and NV buildings were taken in Brisbane (humid subtropical climate) and Melbourne (west coast marine climate) during summer. Samples were also taken from HVAC buildings in Darwin (tropical savanna or wet/dry tropics) during the "dry" and "wet" seasons.Instruments
Wet and dry bulb temperatures were recorded with an Assmann aspirated psychrometer. Globe temperatures were recorded using a Zeal mercury-in-glass thermometer (manufactured according to British Standard 2842/66) inserted in the centre of a 40mm ping pong ball painted matt black. Air speeds were measured at three heights within the occupied zone but only an average was recorded. The anemometers were Kurz 441M with manufacturer's claimed accuracy being 0.03 m s-1.|
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Questionnaire
Thermal sensation was assessed on the ASHRAE 7-point linear scale. Thermal preference was registered on a symmetrical 7- point scale (-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3). Metabolic checklists were applied to the last 10 minutes, between 20 and 10 minutes ago, between 30 and 20 minutes ago and between 60 and 30 minutes ago. The average metabolic estimate across the last hour was recorded in the data file.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Actual meteorological data (temperature and humidity) corresponding to the date stamped on each questionnaire were purchased from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The 7-point preference scale was converted to the McIntyre scale so that votes of -3, -2 and -1 were "want cooler," a vote of 0 was counted as "no change," and votes of +1, +2 and +3 counted as "want warmer." Clothing insulation was converted from the McIntyre 1980 method to the equivalent ASHRAE (1992) value and 0.15 clo was added for chair insulation to all cases with sedentary metabolic rates. The research design was cross-sectional which satisfied the assumptions for RP-884, that all subjects were independent.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
8 Project Title: A Field Study of Thermal Comfort Using Questionnaire Software.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Guy R. Newsham, PhD. and Dale K. Tiller D.Phil. (National Research Council Canada). This is a CLASS-3 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file number 17 (winter - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Newsham, G. R. and D. K. Tiller. (1995) A field study of Thermal Comfort using questionnaire software. IRC Internal Report. No 708.Newsham, G. R., D. K. Tiller. (1996) Questionnaire Software to Enable Study of Short-term Changes in Subjective Reactions to the indoor Environment. IRC Internal Report.
Project Location, Climate and Season
Ottawa, Canada. The location is borderline between humid mid latitude and continental subarctic. The investigation was performed in winter.|
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Instruments
Indoor climatic instrumentation consisted of an ACR "SmartReader" thermistor for temperature and a solid-state hygrometer to measure humidity. Measurements were made at waist height only and the variables air speed and globe temperatures were not measured.Questionnaire
The questionnaire was software based addressing 5 questions: environmental conditions at the time of physical data collection, sensation/comfort rating on a 7-pt scale, thermal preference, questions regarding adaptive behaviour and clo estimations. Total clothing ensemble worn by the subjects was estimated using the ASHRAE 55-92 checklist. Thermal acceptability and activity or any form of metabolic rating was not provided.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor meteorological data including air temperature and humidity (RH%) was measured by the campus weather station. Three of the study sites were on the same campus as the station, the fourth was located 10km away. Meteorological data provided with the original dataset was that closest to the time when the questionnaire was being answered. From this information our dayta_15 and dayrh_15 variables were extracted. Also provided in the original data set was outdoor air temperature and humidity at 8:00am from which our dayta_06 and dayrh_06 variables were obtained.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The research design for this study was longitudinal, but it was assumed for the purpose of RP-884 that all subjects were independent (i.e. assumed cross-sectional). Clo was estimated using the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard so no corrections were necessary. However clo was measured at the beginning of the day and so to more closely approximate the total clothing ensemble at the time of the questionnaire, the clo change variable in the original data set was used for adjustments. This variable specified at the time of the questionnaire wether the subject had had a major or minor clothing change (+ - 0.34 clo and + - 0.05 clo) since the morning. These adjustments were made and then 0.15 clo added for the insulation provided by a chair to give a total insulation as a separate variable. Age was given as the end point of a bin, but was replaced with the midpoint value. While metabolic rates were not recorded, a default value of 1.2 mets was temporarily inserted into the file for the purposes of index calculation, but then removed from the database.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
9 Project Title: "Thermal Comfort in Pakistan."
This project was part of the 1993 Oxford Brookes University field project for The National Energy Agency Conservation Centre (ENERCON) agency of the Pakistan Government investigating the reduction of energy consumption in buildings and an adaptive model of thermal comfort.Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Nicol, J. F., G. N. Jami, O. Sykes, S. Roaf, M. Humpherys and M. Hancook (School of Architecture, Oxford Brooks University). This is a CLASS-3 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 18 (Karachi, summer - NV), 19 (Karachi, winter - NV), 20 (Multan, summer - NV), 21 (Peshawar, summer - NV), 22 (Peshawar, winter - NV), 23 (Quetta, summer - NV), 24 (Quetta, winter - NV), 25 (Saidu, summer - NV) and 26 (Saidu, winter - NV) in the RP- 884 database.Project Publications
Nicol, J. F., G. N. Jami, O. Sykes, M. Humpherys, S. Roaf and M. Hancock. (1994) Thermal Comfort in Pakistan. Oxford Brookes University.Project Location, Climate and Season
This study was conducted across five cities in Pakistan including Karachi (Lower Indus Plain), Quetta (Baluchistan Plateau), Multan (southern Upper Indus Plain), Peshawar (northern Upper Indus Plain) and Saidu Sharif (northern mountains).Karachi is the capital of the Sindh province and the largest city in Pakistan in terms of population and size. Karachi is also a major Arabian Sea Port. Being only 4m above sea level warm moist air blows in from the Indian Ocean, however this does not often result in precipitation. Karachi is quite humid compared to the rest of the country and this is borne out by the relatively small diurnal and annual temperature ranges (the montly mean temperature varies only 11oC in Karchi and generally by 21oC to 25oC in other parts). Karachi has an average temperature maxima and minima of 33oC and 27oC respectively in July and 25oC and 13oC respectively in January. Karachi falls under a desert climate classification despite its location in a coastal zone.
Multan is a major city on the southern Upper Indus Plain in the Punjab, surrounded by the desert region of Pakistan. However recent irrigation projects have resulted in microclimatic changes which have resulted in increases in rainfall with some associated changes in temperature and humidity. Historical records of temperature maxima and minima are 21oC and 6oC respectively in January and 42oC and 29oC respectively in June or 40oC and 29oC respectively in July. The climate zone for Multan is "desert."
Peshawar is the capital of the North/West Frontier Province and is at the northern end of the Upper indus plain at an elevation of 359m. The temperatures in Peshawar are fairly similar to those of Multan. The average maxima and minima are 17oC and 4oC respectively in January and in June 41oC and 25oC respectively or 40oC and 26oC respectively in July. The climate zone for Peshawar is semi desert.
Quetta is the capital city of the Baluchistan province and is situated on the north-western Afghanistan boarder of Pakistan. The city is located at an altitude of 1692m on a dry desert plateau surrounded by mountains rising over 2500m high. Due to its elevation it is cooler than Peshawar and Islamabad, but has considerable temperature fluctuations on a daily and seasonal scale. The rainfall in Quetta is very low as is its humidity because of the surrounding desert. Average temperature maxima and minima are 10oC and -2oC respectively in January and 35oC and 18oC respectively in July. Quetta is classified as being in a cool semi desert climate zone.
Saidu Sharif is a town in the northern hills at an elevation of about 1000m. Surveys were carried out in Mingora a "twin town" about a mile from Saidu Sharif. Specific climatological data for the two towns was not able to be obtained. The main factor however for both towns are their elevations giving mean temperature maxima and minima of 14.3oC and 2.2oC respectively in January and 36.4oC and 20.8oC respectively in June. The climate zone for Saidu can be described as semi desert. Season - The project was divided into two surveys, one in summer (July 1993) and the other in winter (December 1993 - January 1994) each extending over about a week.
Sample Buildings
This table indicates only one building per city in Pakistan. In actual fact there were many buildings, including residences and offices. In the vast majority of cases, there was only one subject per building. In many cases the subjects were monitored during occupancy of more than a single building, making the data incompatible with the RP- 884 structure. Therefore, for simplicity, all buildings within a particular city are treated as a single building.|
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3-winter |
513 |
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4-winter |
425 |
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5-winter |
548 |
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Instruments
Indoor climatic instrumentation was recorded by a portable datalogger. Relative humidity and air temperature were monitored by a Hanna Instruments probe. This consisted of a polished aluminium sheath 19mm in diameter, containing in its ventilated tip a humidity sensor (solid-state hygrometer) and a thermistor. The instrumentation measured air temperature, globe temperature and humidity. The globe thermometer had a 38mm diameter ping pong ball with appropriate emissivity attached over the sensor. All variables were measured at subjects' waist height.Questionnaire
The questionnaire addressed conditions at time of physical measurements. Time lapse between instrument measurements and questionnaire response was never more than 10 minutes. Comfort was rated using the 7-pt semantic differential based on Bedford. Thermal preference was rated on a want to be warmer/cooler descriptive scale and thermal acceptability questions were not considered. Other thermal environmental parameters included were air movement, draft and skin moisture. Metabolic activity was based on a descriptive scale and noted at the time the questionnaire was being carried out. Total clothing ensemble insulation experienced by the subject was estimated using the ISO 7730 checklist and work of McCullough (eg 1985) and others.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Daily outdoor maximum and minimum temperatures were obtained for a number of the centres from the Pakistan Meteorological office for July and December 1993 and January 1994. Where temperatures were not provided they were replaced with climatological data (monthly means) from the International Station Meteorological and Climate Summary Vol.2 CDROM (ISMCS, 1992). All outdoor humidities were also obtained from this source and had to be derived from mean dewpoint temperature and mean temperature minima and maxima.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The Bedford 7-point thermal comfort scale was mapped directly to the ASHRAE 7-point thermal sensation scale for RP-884 purposes. The data was presented as subjects in individual houses, with studies conducted in summer and winter, so the project was of longitudinal research design. For the purpose of this study all houses in the same city were considered to be identical buildings, thus it was assumed there was a number of subjects from one building for each city and the subjects were independent between both the summer and winter studies. Some indices in the original data set had to be re-defined to conform to RP-884 standards. Clo was estimated by ISO 7730 (1984) and corrected to the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard using the regression models developed within RP-884. The activity variable in the original data set was used such that if activity was <= 4 then 0.15 clo was added to the total clothing ensemble to form another variable (insul) that accounted for the additional insulation provided by a chair for subjects that were seated. Velocity measurements in the raw data file indicated a systematic bias that was time-dependent. The original data in all summer files was found to be less affected and so original data were used. In the winter files, values >1.5 m/s were replaced with an average. The Multan, Winter field experiment was omitted from the RP-884 database.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
10 Project Title: Comfort criteria for passively cooled buildings. A PASCOOL task.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
N. Baker and M. Standeven, The Martin Centre for Architecture and Urban Studies, University of Cambridge, UK. This is a CLASS-2 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file number 27 (summer - NV) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Baker, N and M. Standeven. (1995) "A Behavioural Approach to Thermal Comfort Assessment in Naturally Ventilated Buildings". Proceedings from CIBSE National Conference, Ch 76-84.Baker, N. and M. Standeven. (1994) Comfort criteria for passively cooled buildings. A PASCOOL task. Renewable Energy. V 5. n 5-8 Aug 1994. p 977-984.
Project Location, Climate and Season
This field experiment was carried out in Athens, Greece for the summer season. Athens has a Mediterranean climate.|
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Instruments
Indoor room climate instrumentation included: a thermistor to measure air temperature, an omnidirectional hot-wire sensor to measure air speed, a solid-state hygrometer to measure humidity and a globe thermometer with 38mm diameter ping pong ball to measure globe temperature.Local climate instrumentation consisted of: a calibrated sensor array comprising air temperature thermistor, omnidirectional thermistor anemometer and two hemispherical globe thermometer, mounted on a headset similar to that of a wlakman. Data was logged on a portable logger allowing complete thermal histories to be recorded for the day, including time when the subject was away from the room.
The local data (headsets) were attached to questionnaire responses in the RP-884 database file for this PASCOOL project. In cases where local data were unsuitable or unavailable, room data were substituted.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire addressed the conditions at the time physical measurements were being taken. Sensation was rated on the ASHRAE 7-pt scale. Questions of thermal acceptability and thermal preference where both considered and metabolic ratings were taken. Clothing insulation was estimated using the ISO 7730 checklist. Adaptive behaviour questions regarding changes in clothing and adjustment to controls such as opening or closing shades, blinds or windows and relocations within the room were recorded.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor Meteorological air temperature data was recorded simultaneously with indoor measurement made. For the purposes of RP-884 outdoor temperatures at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs were extracted. Humidities at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs were obtained from the International Station Meteorological and Climate Summary (ISMCS, 1992) CDROM.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
This project was of longitudinal research design, but for the purposes of RP-884 subjects were assumed to be independent (ie. cross-sectional). Clothing insulation was estimated using the ISO 7730 (1984) Standard, it was therefore necessary to adjust clo to conform to the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard. Also where the metabolic rate was <= 2 met it was assumed the subject was seated and so 0.15 clo was added to the total clothing ensemble in these cases to account for the insulation provided by a chair. The 5-pt variable PRF_VOTE in the original data was re-coded to our 3- pt McIntrye (MCI) scale. Where air velocity was missing 0.1 m/s was temporarily inserted for the software based index calculation and then removed from the database.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
11 Project Title: Developing Indoor Temperatures for Naturally Ventilated Buildings.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
I. A. Raja, J. F. Nicol and M. A. Humphreys (Oxford-Brookes University, UK). This is a CLASS-3 investigation.Project Publications
Nicol, J. F., M. A. Humphreys and I. A. Raja (1995). "Developing Indoor Temperatures for Naturally Ventilated Buildings". Proceeding for CIBSE National Conference.Also see the Full Report.
Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file number 28 (summer - NV) in the RP-884 database.Project Location, Climate and Season
The project is located in Oxford, South Britain about 63m above sea level and situated at 51o 46' North and 1o 16' West. The climate of Oxford is typical of the low lying part of the English midlands and is also influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic. Oxford experiences one of the warmer maxima in the surrounding area with mean temperatures of around 21.7oC in July. The mean minima of 1.3oC in January and February reflects weather similar to that of the midlands and south-east. This field experiment was completed in the summer months of August and September and comes under the climate classification of west coast marine.|
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Instruments
Air temperature was measured using a thermistor. An adapted thermistor probe with a 38mm diameter ping pong ball of suitable emissivity attached, was used to measure globe temperature. Air speed was registered using an omnidirectional sensor and a solid-state hygrometer was used to measure humidity. All measurements were taken at waist (generally desk) height.Questionnaire
A comfort rating on the 7pt Bedford scale was addressed in the questionnaire as well as thermal preference. Thermal acceptability was not recorded. Metabolic ratings were taken at the time the questionnaire was being answered, but covered the 15 minute period before the questionnaire was completed. Clothing insulation estimates were based on the ISO 7730 checklist with the insulation effects of chair included in the total clothing ensemble of the subject. Questions of adaptive behaviour and perceived control on a subjects thermal environment were addressed. Specifically, whether doors, window and curtains or blinds could be opened and closed as well as the influence of fans and heater that could be switched on or off.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor Meteorological data was obtained for every 0.5 hours from the Oxford University Radcliffe Observatory by the original researchers. From this, air temperatures and relative humidities at 600 hours and 1500 hours were extracted for the purposes of RP-884.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The research design of this project was longitudinal, but for RP-884 purposes all subjects were assumed to be independent (ie. cross-sectional). The Bedford 7-point thermal comfort scale was mapped directly to the ASHRAE 7- point thermal sensation scale for RP-884 purposes. Clothing insulation, estimated using the ISO 7730 (1984) Standard was corrected to the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard via regression models developed within RP-884. Allowance for the insulation provided by a chair was incorporated into the taotal clothing ensemble by the original researchers only when the subjects reported themselves as seated. this provided the RP-884 insul variable. to obtain clothing insulation, 0.15 clo was subtracted . All rows with missing air temperature were deleted, but where velocity was missing, 0.1 m/s was temporarily substituted and where indoor relative humidity and metabolic rate were missing, 50% and 1 met respectively were temporarily substituted for the purposes of index calculations and then removed from the database.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
12 Project Title: Mixed Mode Climate Control: Some Hands-On Experience.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
David Rowe. Department of Architectural and Design Science, Sydney University, Australia. This is a CLASS-2 investigationProject File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 29 (Summer - Mixed Mode), 30 (winter - Mixed Mode) and 31 (winter - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Nothing published yet.Project Location, Climate and Season
The field experiment was conducted in Sydney, the capital of the state of New South Wales in Australia. Sydney's climate is humid and sub-tropical. The project conducted in both summer and winter seasons.|
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170-winter |
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Instruments
RTD devices were used to measure air temperature. No globe temperatures were measured but mean radiant temperature was provided based on the average of six orthogonal plane radiant temperatures, areally weighted for the projection area factors of the human body. Air speed was assessed using an omnidirectional sensor and included turbulence intensity measurements (> 10Hz). A chilled-mirror dewpoint sensor was used to measure humidity. All measurements were taken at a single height.Questionnaire
The questionnaire for this project was based directly on that used for the ASHRAE RP-702 Hot Humid Field Experiment in Townsville Australia (see above for de Dear et al., 1994). Thermal sensation rated on the 7-pt ASHRAE scale was recorded at the time physical measurements were being taken, along with the other items on the questionnaire that follow. Thermal acceptability and thermal preference was addressed. Metabolic ratings at the time of and one hour before the questionnaire were recorded. The total clothing ensemble insulation was estimated using the ASHRAE 55-92 checklist. Other thermal environmental parameters considered include air movement.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor Meteorological Data consisting of air temperature and relative humidity at 600 hours and 1500 hours was obtained for this field experiment from Macquarie University's Meteorological site, Sydney, Australia.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The research design for this project was longitudinal and for the purpose of RP-884 all subjects were assumed to be independent (ie. cross-sectional). Clothing insulation was estimated from ASHRAE 55-92 checklists so no alterations were necessary apart from the addition of 0.15 clo to account for the insulation effects of a chair in creating our insul variable. Throughout the field experiment where mean radiant temperature was not provided air temperature was entered as a substitute.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
13 Project Title: ASHRAE sponsored RP-462. San Francisco Area.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Gail Schiller, Edward Arens, Fred Bauman, Charles Benton, Marc Fountain and Tammy Doherty (CEDR at University of California, Berkeley). This is a CLASS-1 field experimentProject File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 32 (summer - HVAC), 33 (summer - NV), 34 (winter - HVAC) and 35 (winter - NV) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Schiller, G. E., E. Arens, F. Bauman, C. Benton, M Fountain and T. Doherty. (1988) A Field Study of Thermal Environments and Comfort in Office Buildings: Final Report--ASHRAE 462. (CEDR:UC Berkeley).Schiller, G. E. (1990) A comparison of measured and predicted comfort in office buildings. ASHRAE Transactions, 96(1).
Project Location, Climate and Season
RP-462 was conducted over five locations within the San Francisco Bay area including Berkeley, San Ramon, Palo Alto, San Francisco and walnut Creek. All five cities are within a Mediterranean climate zone, but all have different local climates due to their location around the San Francisco Bay area. San Francisco is located right on the coast, but also very close to the Bay. Palo Alto is situated further from the coast close to southern end of the Bay and behind the Santa Cruz Mountains. Berkeley is located across the Bay from the Golden Gate and Walnut Creek is further inland almost directly east of Berkeley. San Ramon is a similar but shorter distance from the Bay as Walnut Creek, but instead it is almost directly east of San Francisco. The field experiments were conducted across both summer and winter seasons.|
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121-winter |
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123-winter |
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101-winter |
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134-winter |
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132-winter |
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136-winter |
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122-winter |
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147-winter |
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145-winter |
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146-winter |
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Instruments
Air temperature, air velocity, humidity, and globe temperatures were measured using a mobile cart at the heights indicated below, with the exception of the one stationary observation point. Air temperature was measured with a shielded platinum RTD at 0.6m and shielded type T thermocouples at 0.1m, 0.6m and 1.1m were used. Air velocity was measured by an elliptical omnidirectional constant temperature anemometer at 0.6m and spherical omnidirectional temperature compensated anemometer at 0.1m and 1.1m. Humidity was measured by a chilled-mirror dew point sensor at 0.6m. Globe temperatures were measured by a type T thermocouple inside a 38 mm diameter table tennis ball (painted grey) at heights of 0.1m, 0.6m and 1.1m on the mobile cart and at 1.1m in the stationary set up. Other variables measured not of relevance to RP-884 include radiant temperature asymmetry, surface temperature and illumination.Questionnaire
Questionnaire responses were collected at the time physical measurements were being taken. The ASHRAE 7-pt scale was used to determine thermal sensation. The McIntyre scale was used to assess thermal preference. Thermal acceptability was not addressed. Metabolic rating and clothing insulation estimates were based on checklists in ASHRAE Standard 55-81 (1981). The background section of the survey (not necessarily completed when physical measurements were being made) covered general descriptions of office work areas; degree of satisfaction with components of their work environment; personal and comparative comfort and personal subject related information.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor Meteorological air temperature minima and maxima were purchased from the US National Climate Data Center (NCDC) for sites considered of similar climatic situations to the study locations. Where a suitable site could not be requisitioned, climatological data was extracted from the International Station Meteorological and Climate Summary (ISMCS, 1992) CDROM. All climatological humidity data were also obtained from ISMCS (1992).RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
RP-884 is the fourth ASHRAE sponsored project in the series RP-462, RP-702 and RP-821. A lot of the assumptions and standards of RP-462 project have formed the basis for the later projects including RP-884, thus limited standardisation has been necessary here. Clothing insulation was converted from ASHRAE 55-81 to the 55-92 standard. 0.15 clo was added to the total clothing ensemble for the insulation effects of a chair to create our insul variable. The research design of this project was part longitudinal and part cross-sectional, but for RP-884 purposes all subjects were assumed to be independent.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
14 Project Title: A field investigation of thermal comfort environmental satisfaction and perceived control levels in UK office buildings, University of Liverpool.
Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 38 (summer - NV), 39 (winter - NV) and 40 (winter - Mixed Mode) in the RP- 884 database.Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Ruth N. Williams (The Building Services Research and Information Association, Berkshire, UK). This is a CLASS-2 investigationProject Publications
Williams, R. N. (1995). A field investigation of thermal comfort environmental satisfaction and perceived control levels in UK office buildings. Healthy Buildings. Vol. 3 pp. 1181-1186.Wiliams, R. (1996) "Predicting environmental dissatisfaction in UK offices, "CIBSE/ASHRAE Joint National Conference, Harrogate UK, V.II, pp.167-178.
Project Location, Climate and Season
This project was conducted across three towns/cities in the UK, including Liverpool, St Helens and Chester. All three come under the west coast marine climate classification. The study was carried out in summer and winter months.|
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31-winter |
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Instruments
Air temperature was measured using thermistors and an omnidirectional hot bead sensor to measure air speed. A Envirlog supplied sensor (type unknown) was used to measure humidity and by attaching 38mm diameter ping pong balls globe temperature was also measured. Air Speed and humidity were measured at waist height. Air temperature and globe temperature were measured at all three heights (ankle, waist and head), but provided to the RP-884 database as a single average.Questionnaire
The questionnaire addressed both conditions at the time of physical measurements and typical overall conditions. Thermal sensation was rated using a 7-pt ASHRAE scale. Thermal comfort was rated using the 7-pt Bedford scale. Thermal acceptability was addressed but not thermal preference. Metabolic rating was dealt with by asking if the subject was sitting or standing during most of their work time, from which an estimate was derived. Clothing insulation estimates were based on the ISO 7730 (1994) checklist with corrections for the insulation from a chair included. Adaptive behaviour questions of the subjects perceived control on temperature, humidity, freshness, smell, appearance, lighting, noise and layout within their working environment was noted.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor Climatological air temperature data at 600 hours and 1500 hours was obtained from Weather (the journal, for site - Ringway). Relative humidity at 600 hours and 1500 hours was obtained from the International Station Meteorological and Climate Summary (site - Liverpool) CDROM.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The research design of this study was cross-sectional which satisfies the assumption of independence between subjects for RP-884. Coding conventions for some variables was altered to conform to RP-884 definitions. Clothing insulation estimated using ISO 7730 (1984) checklists, was corrected to follow the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard. The sex (gender) of subjects was not indicated in the study so an average of the adjusted clo to the ASHRAE 55-92 Standard for males and female was used in all cases. 0.15 clo was then subtracted from this corrected clothing plus chair insulation to create our clo variable.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
15 Project Title: Thermal comfort in the humid tropics: Field experiments in air conditioned and naturally ventilated buildings in Singapore.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
R. J. de Dear, K. G. Leow and S. C. Foo (National University of Singapore). This is a CLASS-2 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 41 (summer - HVAC) and 42 (summer -NV) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
de Dear, R. J., Leow, K. G. and S. C. Foo (1991) "Thermal comfort in the humid tropics: Field experiments in air conditioned and naturally ventilated buildings in Singapore". International Journal of Biometeorology, Vol. 34, pp. 259-265.de Dear, R.J., Leow, K. G. and A. Ameen (1991) "Thermal comfort in the equatorial climatic zone -- Part II: Climate chamber experiments on thermal acceptability in Singapore". ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 97(1), pp. 880-886.
Project Location, Climate and Season
The field experiments were conducted in both summer and winter seasons in Singapore which is a wet equatorial climate.|
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Instruments
A hot-wire sensor was used to measure air speed. Relative humidity was measured using an aspirated psychrometer and mercury-in-glass thermometers were used to measure air and globe temperature. For globe temperature a 0.15m copper sphere was used.Questionnaire
Thermal sensation was rated on the ASHRAE 7-pt scale. Thermal acceptability and thermal preference was not addressed. Metabolic ratings were taken and clothing insulation was estimated using the ISO7730 1984 standard. Questions of adaptive behaviour were not considered.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor Climatological air temperature and relative humidity data at 600 hours and 1500 hours was obtained from the International Station Meteorological and Climate Summary CDROM (ISMCS, 1992) for Paya Lebar, the closest site.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The research design was cross-sectional which satisfied the assumptions for RP-884, that all subjects were independent. Clothing insulation estimated using the ISO7730 1984 standard was corrected to the ASHRAE55 1992 standard. 0.15 clo was added to the total clothing ensemble insulation for the insulation effects of a chair forming a separate variable in RP-884.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
16 Project Title: The Steelcase Building. Grand Rapids Michigan, US
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
F. Bauman et al. (CEDR at the University of California at Berkeley). This is a CLASS-1 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file number 43 (winter - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Project Location, Climate and Season
This project was conducted in winter in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grand Rapids has a continental location in the Great Lakes region of North America and has a humid mid- latitude climate.|
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Instruments
The Grand Rapids, Michigan field experiment was not part of the Advanced Customer Technology Test (ACT2) study but was carried out in an identical format. A cart was set up with all sensors attached in desired positions of 0.1m, 0.6m and 1.1m. The sensors chosen were selected to meet the response time and accuracy requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-81 and ISO Standard 7730 for thermal assessment. YSI series 700 probes with vinyl-coated tips were used to measure air temperature. Globe temperature was measured by attaching a 38 mm diameter table tennis ball on the temperature sensors. The balls were painted grey for correct emissivity. Air velocity was measured by Dantec 54R10 anemometers, which are omnidirectional fully temperature-compensated sensors. Dewpoint temperature was measured by a General Eastern DEW-10 chilled mirror dewpoint transducer. All parameters were measured at all three heights except dewpoint temperature which was only measured at 0.6m. Radiant asymmetry and illuminance where also recorded but were not essential to the purpose of RP-884.Questionnaire
The questionnaire consisted of an on-line questionnaire, which addressed conditions at the time physical measurements were being taken and a background questionnaire. The latter covered subject details such as, health and emotional characteristics, office description, work area and job satisfaction, environmental sensitivity, plus personal comfort, satisfaction and perceived control. In the on-line section thermal sensation was rated on the 7-pt ASHRAE scale. Thermal preference was assessed on a descriptive 3- pt scale. Thermal acceptability was not rated. Metabolic rate was estimated based on a checklist referring to the subjects activity in the 15 minutes before completing the on- line questionnaire, using tables in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals (HOF, 1985). Clo estimates were based on responses to the clothing item checklist provided in the on- line questionnaire from the ASHRAE Standard 55-81 method.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor Meteorological data files are for Grand Rapids, MI, USA for the period January to February 1992 were bought from the State Climatologist for Michigan by RP-884. The files supplied had 24 hourly Temperatures (F) and Relative Humidity (%) for the 60 day period required, from which air temperatures and relative humidities at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs were extracted.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The detailed methods and protocol used in ASHRAE RP-462 (and extended to the ASHRAE RP-702 project described above) were carried out in full for the ACT2 Project. Since RP-884 itself is based primarily on RP-702 and subsequently on RP- 462 little standardisation was necessary. However, clothing was based on the ASHRAE 55-81 method, and so required conversion into equivalent ASHRAE 55-92 values. 0.15 clo was then added for chair insulation. The research design of this field experiment was part longitudinal and part cross- sectional, but for the purposes of RP-884, independence between subjects was assumed.[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
17 Project Title: Sunset Building: A study of occupant thermal comfort in support of PG&E's Advanced Customer Technology Test (ACT2) for Maximum Energy Efficiency
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Charles C. Benton and Gail S. Brager (CEDR at University of California at Berkeley). This is a CLASS-1 investigation.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 44 (summer - HVAC) and 45 (winter - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Benton, C. C. and Brager, G. S. (1994) Sunset Building: Final Report; A study of occupant thermal comfort in support of PG&E's advanced customer technology test (ACT2) for Maximum Energy Efficiency, CEDR.Benton, C. C. and Brager, G. S. Advanced Customer Technology Test (ACT2) Verifone Progress Report. (CEDR UC Berkeley)
Project Location, Climate and Season
San Ramon is one of the 3 location, in which 2 of the 4 components of the ACT2 project were carried out. San Ramon falls within a Mediterranean climate zone, but experiences local climatic effects due its location. San Ramon is inland east of San Francisco Bay and almost directly east of the city of San Francisco. The field experiments were conducted across the summer and winter months.|
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A cart was set up with all sensors attached in desired positions of 0.1m, 0.6m and 1.1m. The sensors chosen were selected to meet the response time and accuracy requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-81 and ISO Standard 7730 for thermal assessment. YSI series 700 probes with vinyl-coated tips were used to measure air temperature. Globe temperature was measured by attaching a 38 mm diameter table tennis ball on the temperature sensors. The balls were painted grey for correct emissivity. Air velocity was measured by Dantec 54R10 anemometers, which are omnidirectional fully temperature-compensated sensors. Dewpoint temperature was measured by a General Eastern DEW-10 chilled mirror dewpoint transducer. All parameters were measured at all three heights except dewpoint temperature which was only measured at 0.6m. Radiant asymmetry and illuminance where also recorded but were not essential to the purpose of RP-884.Questionnaire
The questionnaire consisted of an on-line, laptop-computer based questionnaire, which addressed conditions at the time physical measurements were being taken and a background questionnaire. The latter covered subject details such as health and emotional characteristics, office description, work area and job satisfaction, environmental sensitivity, plus personal comfort, satisfaction and perceived control. In the on-line section thermal sensation was rated on the 7-pt ASHRAE scale. Thermal preference was assessed on a descriptive 3- pt scale. Thermal acceptability was not rated. Metabolic rate was estimated based on a checklist referring to the subjects activity in the 15 minutes before completing the on- line questionnaire, using tables in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals (HOF, 1985). Clo estimates were based on responses to the clothing item checklist provided in the on- line questionnaire from the ASHRAE Standard 55-81 method.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Outdoor Meteorological air temperature data was obtained by request to the National Climate Data Center (NCDC) for San Ramon and humidity was obtained from the International Station Meteorological Climate Summary CDROM for the closest available site (Stockton). From this data air temperatures and relative humidities at 600 hrs and 1500 hrs were extracted for RP-884 purposes.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
This project was conducted based on the format of RP-462 (RP- 702). Since RP-884 itself is based primarily on RP-702 and subsequently on RP-462 little standardisation was necessary. However, clothing was based on the ASHRAE 55-81 method, and so required conversion into equivalent ASHRAE 55-92 values. 0.15 clo was then added for chair insulation. The research design of this project was longitudinal, but for RP-884 purposes all subjects were assumed to be independent (ie. cross-sectional).[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
18 Project Title: The Verifone Building, a component of the Advanced Customer Technology Test (ACT2) Project.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Charles C. Benton and Gail S. Brager (CEDR at University of California at Berkeley). This is a CLASS-1 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file number 46 (winter - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
enton, C. C. and Brager, G. S. Advanced Customer Technology Test (ACT2) Verifone Progress Report. CEDR UC Berkeley.Project Location, Climate and Season
This field experiment was conducted in winter in Auburn, California and is one of the components of the ACT2 project. Auburn has a Mediterranean bordering on high altitude climate and is located inland and to the north east of San Francisco.|
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A cart was set up with all sensors attached in desired positions of 0.1m, 0.6m and 1.1m. The sensors chosen were selected to meet the response time and accuracy requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-81 and ISO Standard 7730 for thermal assessment. YSI series 700 probes with vinyl-coated tips were used to measure air temperature. Globe temperature was measured by attaching a 38 mm diameter table tennis ball on the temperature sensors. The balls were painted grey for correct emissivity. Air velocity was measured by Dantec 54R10 anemometers, which are omnidirectional fully temperature-compensated sensors. Dewpoint temperature was measured by a General Eastern DEW-10 chilled mirror dewpoint transducer. All parameters were measured at all three heights except dewpoint temperature which was only measured at 0.6m. Radiant asymmetry and illuminance were also recorded, but not essential to the purpose of RP-884.Questionnaire
The questionnaire consisted of an on-line questionnaire, which addressed conditions at the time physical measurements were being taken and a background questionnaire. The latter covered subject details such as, health and emotional characteristics, office description, work area and job satisfaction, environmental sensitivity, plus personal comfort, satisfaction and perceived control. In the on-line section thermal sensation was rated on the 7-pt ASHRAE scale. Thermal preference was assessed on a descriptive 3- pt scale. Thermal acceptability was not rated. Metabolic rate was estimated based on a checklist referring to the subjects activity in the 15 minutes before completing the on- line questionnaire, using tables in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals (HOF, 1985). Clo estimates were based on responses to the clothing item checklist provided in the on- line questionnaire from the ASHRAE Standard 55-81 method.Outdoor Meteorological Data
An error in dates requesting outdoor air temperature data for Auburn from the National Climate Data Center (NCDC) resulted in the use of climatological data for both air temperature and relative humidity at 600 hours and 1500 hours. The data was obtained from the International Station Meteorological Climate Summary CDROM (ISMCS, 1992) for the closest available site, Sacramento.RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The detailed methods and protocol used in ASHRAE RP-462 (and extended to the ASHRAE RP-702 project described above) were carried out in full for the ACT2 Project. Since RP-884 itself is based primarily on RP-702 and subsequently on RP- 462 little standardisation was necessary. However, clothing was based on the ASHRAE 55-81 method, and so required conversion into equivalent ASHRAE 55-92 values. 0.15 clo was then added for chair insulation. The research design of this project was longitudinal, so for RP-884 purposes all subjects were assumed to be independent (ie. cross- sectional).[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
19 Project Title: Field study of occupant comfort and office Thermal environments in a hot-arid climate.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Krzysztof Cena (Institute for Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia) and Richard de Dear (Macquarie Park Research Ltd, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia).This is a CLASS-1 field experiment.Project File names in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 47 (winter - HVAC) and 48 (summer - HVAC) in the RP-884 database.Project Publications
Cena and de Dear (1998) Field Study of Occupant Comfort and Office
Thermal Environments In a Hot-Arid Climate : Final Report on ASHRAE RP-921.
(IES: Perth)
The Final Report is now available for download as 3 separate pdf files: the main body of the report, appendix A and appendices B through E. If you don't have Adobe's Acrobat Reader you can download it (free) from here, or click on the image below.
Cena and de Dear (1999) "Field Study of Occupant Comfort and Office Thermal Environments In a Hot-Arid Climate" ASHRAE Transactions (forthcoming)
Project Location, Climate and Season
This field experiment was conducted in winter and summer in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Kalgoorlie has a very hot and dry climate and is located in southern inland Western Australia.Sample Buildings
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Instruments
A cart was set up with all sensors attached in desired positions of 0.1m, 0.6m and 1.1m. The sensors chosen were selected to meet the response time and accuracy requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-92 (1992) and ISO Standard 7726 (1985) for thermal assessment. Linearized composite thermistors (Omega 44032) with infrared radiant shielding were used to measure air temperature. Globe temperature was measured by attaching a 38 mm diameter table tennis ball on the temperature sensors. The balls were painted matt black for correct emissivity. Air velocity, turbulence intensity and draught risk (pd) at 1.1m and 0.1m was measured by Dantec 54R10 anemometers, which are omnidirectional fully temperature-compensated sensors. Air velocity at 0.6m was measured by a TSI 8470 heated sphere anemometer (0-2 m/s). Dewpoint temperature was measured by a General Eastern DEW-10 chilled mirror dewpoint transducer. All parameters were measured at all three heights except dewpoint temperature which was only measured at 0.6m. Relative humidity was measured at 0.6m with a HyCal IH-3605-B integrated circuit humidity sensor. Plane radiant asymmetry was measured with a Bruel & Kjaer MM-0036 dual infrared radiometer.Questionnaire
The questionnaire consisted of an on-line questionnaire, which addressed conditions at the time physical measurements were being taken and a background questionnaire. The latter covered subject details such as, health and emotional characteristics, office description, work area and job satisfaction, environmental sensitivity, plus personal comfort, satisfaction and perceived control. In the on-line section, thermal sensation was rated on the 7-pt ASHRAE scale. Thermal preference was assessed on a descriptive 3-pt scale. Thermal acceptability was rated on a 2-pt scale. Metabolic rate was estimated based on a checklist referring to the subjects activity in the 60 minutes before completing the on- line questionnaire, using detailed databases published in ASHRAE standard 55-92 and ISO 7730. Clo estimates were based on responses to the clothing item checklist provided in the on- line questionnaire from the ASHRAE Standard 55-92 method.Outdoor Meteorological Data
Listings of basic hourly meteorological parameters were requisitioned from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) for the same days/months as the thermal comfort surveys. The BoM's meteorological observation site conforms to the World Meteorological Organisation's specifications for a standard meteorological station.The observation site for these was Kalgoorlie airport situated about 5km from the city centre. Kalgoorlie's low population density is unlikely to give rise to pronounced urban heat-island effects, so the airport observations were deemed to be fully representative for this study's purposes.
RP-884 Standardisation Assumptions
The detailed methods and protocol used in ASHRAE RP-462 (and extended to the ASHRAE RP-702 and RP-884 projects described above) were carried out in full for the RP-921 Project. Since RP-921 itself is based primarily on RP-702 and subsequently on RP-462 little standardisation was necessary. Clothing was based on the ASHRAE 55-92 values. 0.15 and 0.2 clo was then added for standard office chair and armchair insulation respectively. Some of the subjects completed online questionaires in both summer and winter, however, for data analytic purposes, all subjects were assumed independent[Return to the ASHRAE RP-884 HomePage]
20 Project Title: Doctoral Dissertation. Thermal Comfort in Naturally-Ventilated and Air-conditioned Classrooms in the Tropics.
Project filenames in the RP-884 Database
This project is disseminated as file numbers 49 (summer - NV), 50 (summer - HVAC), 51 (winter NV) and 52 (winter HVAC) in the RP-884 database.
Project Researchers and Class of Investigation
Alison G. Kwok (University of California, Berkeley. Berkeley California,
USA). This is a CLASS-2 field experiment.
Project Publications
Kwok, A.G. "Thermal Comfort in Tropical Classrooms." ASHRAE Trans., V. 104 (1), 1998.
Kwok, Alison G. (1997) Thermal Comfort in Naturally-Ventilated and Air-conditioned Classrooms in the Tropics. (UC Berkeley Ph.D. Thesis).
Kwok, Alison G., "Air movement and thermal comfort in tropical schools,"
Proceedings of 22nd National Passive Solar Conference, Washington, DC,
April 25-30, 1997, p. 25-31.
Project Location, Climate and Season
The project was primarily located Honolulu, Hawaii. Hawaii lies within
the tropical zone, with the southern tip of the island of Hawaii at 18.0?N
latitude to the northern coast of Kauai at 22.15?N. Like many pacific island
groups, Hawaii's geography contributes to a diverse range of climate conditions.
There are two seasons: "summer," between May and October, when the weather
is warm and dry, with persistent tradewinds; and "winter," between November
and April. Hawaii can been classified under a hot humid climate. The project
was conducted in the hot, summer season and the cool, winter season.
Sample Buildings
| Building Code (blcode) | Sample Size (n) and Season | Climate Controls (bldgtype) | Occupancy Pattern |
| A | Hot-34
Cool-43 |
NV | School classrooms |
| B | Cool-20 | NV | School classrooms |
| C | Hot-20 | NV | School c |