Correlation of experimental data and simulation models in adaptive thermal comfort analysis for university classrooms
HVAC vent configuration is a critical element of building design in shaping indoor air distribution and thermal comfort. Since thermal comfort is subjective and varies by region, this study aims to develop an adaptive thermal comfort model using SolidWorks CFD for an air-conditioned classroom at S...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Elsevier B.V.
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/49837/3/Correlation%20of%20experimental.pdf http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/49837/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378778825012915 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.116561 |
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| Summary: | HVAC vent configuration is a critical element of building design in shaping indoor air distribution and thermal
comfort. Since thermal comfort is subjective and varies by region, this study aims to develop an adaptive thermal
comfort model using SolidWorks CFD for an air-conditioned classroom at Swinburne University of Technology,
Sarawak, Malaysia. Previous studies often relied on the PMV model and steady-state assumptions, which are less
accurate in tropical climates and fail to account for transient temperature changes. Therefore, experimental
measurements were used to define boundary conditions and validate simulation results to optimize the existing
model. Results emphasize the importance of optimizing supply air temperature boundary conditions to account
for transient effects. This study also incorporates Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) data to provide region-specific
insights and uses experimental data to determine suitable boundary conditions. The optimized model lowered
temperature prediction errors from 16 % to 6 % in unoccupied conditions and from 8 % to 4 % in occupied
conditions during transient analysis, while satisfying ASHRAE Standard 55 air velocity requirements. The PMVTSV discrepancy of − 0.62 underscores the need to calibrate PMV predictions for more accurate thermal comfort
perceptions in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Improved vent configurations reduced airflow short-circuiting and
decreased temperature variations from 23.9–25.0 ◦C to 23.9–24.1 ◦C, resulting in a more balanced indoor
environment. |
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