RP-1269 -- Occupant Responses and Energy Use in Buildings with Moderately Drifting Temperatures

Objectives of the research: Earlier studies conducted in climate chambers have examined a large range of temperature ramps from 0.5 K/h to 5 K/h (0.9F/h to 9F/h), but their focus was mostly on establishing temperature limits for acceptable thermal comfort with non-steady-state temperatures. Thus, when this ASHRAE funded research was initiated in 2005 knowledge was lacking on how the intensity of building related symptoms, the perception of air quality and the performance of office work were affected by exposure to non-steady-state temperatures. ASHRAE Standard 55 (2004) provides recommendations for maximum rates of temperature change to avoid discomfort, but these recommendations are based mostly on engineering judgment and to some extent on results of earlier thermal comfort research. New approaches to reducing the consumption of energy for climate conditioning in buildings are often associated with indoor temperatures that drift somewhat during the day, and there was a need to extend the scope of the recommendations to cover not only thermal comfort, but also health and productivity.

The aim of the proposed research was to carry out human subject experiments and field observations to validate the scientific basis of the recommendations on non-steady-state temperatures as stated in Standard 55 and to evaluate how Sick Building Syndrome symptoms, perceived air quality and performance are affected by such changing temperatures. In addition, the feasibility of non-steady-state temperatures as a means of energy savings and reduction of installed HVAC system capacity was evaluated by dynamic simulation of building energy consumption and indoor environment, taking into account potential effects on occupants of such non-steady thermal environments. Several building HVAC configurations and locations with different outdoor climate conditions were simulated.

This report is based on three manuscripts submitted to the ASHRAE HVACR Research journal through the ASHRAE Manager of Research together with this final report, and one paper summarizing the literature and defining the research needs that have been met by 1269-RP. In addition, the report contains three additional chapters; one that outlines the conclusions and implications for the practice of the research, and two chapters describing so far unpublished studies.

Units: Dual

Product Code(s): D-RP-1269