Study on Thermal Comfort and Green Building Index of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) serves as a vital healthcare facility catering to the needs of premature newborns and infants with critical medical conditions. Given its continuous operation, the NICU demands a substantial energy input. Despite its pivotal role, there exists a notable res...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Semarak Ilmu Publishing
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/49124/1/ARFMTSV133_N2_P207_223.pdf http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/49124/ https://semarakilmu.com.my/journals/index.php/fluid_mechanics_thermal_sciences/index https://doi.org/10.37934/arfmts.133.2.207223 |
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| Summary: | The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) serves as a vital healthcare facility catering to the
needs of premature newborns and infants with critical medical conditions. Given its
continuous operation, the NICU demands a substantial energy input. Despite its pivotal
role, there exists a notable research gap regarding the most optimal heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for these specialized medical environments. This
study employs a simulation-based methodology to compare the performance of
centralized and split AC systems within NICU settings, considering both fully closed and
90° opened door configurations. Evaluation parameters encompass energy efficiency,
thermal comfort attainment, and adherence to green building index (GBI) standards,
particularly concerning thermal comfort criteria. Utilizing Autodesk Revit software, an
intricate NICU model is constructed, incorporating various elements such as lighting, HVAC
infrastructure, occupancy factors, and incubator equipment. Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) simulations conducted through Autodesk software facilitate performance
assessment, with ensuing GBI ratings providing a metric for comparison. Validation efforts
involve scrutinizing airflow characteristics and air velocity against empirical data and prior
research findings. Findings reveal that centralized AC systems adeptly ensure uniform cool
air distribution, achieving average temperatures of 19.22°C (fully opened door) and
19.18°C (fully closed door). Conversely, split AC systems maintain average temperatures
of 23.00°C (fully opened door) and 22.98°C (fully closed door). Projections suggest that
centralized systems are poised to fulfill both thermal comfort and air change effectiveness
requisites, while split systems may encounter challenges in meeting thermal comfort
targets and GBI specifications pertaining to air change efficiency. |
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