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12 pages, 3784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Kinetic Architecture and Collective Behavior: A Dynamic Analysis for Emergency Evacuation

by Angella Johnson, Size Zheng, Aiichiro Nakano, Goetz Schierle and Joon-Ho Choi

Buildings 2019, 9(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings9020044 - 13 Feb 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 11803

Adaptive kinetic architecture has emerged from a need for innovative designs that adapt to the environment and changing needs of the occupants. Architectural design and modes of egress are critical in an emergency. Flocking describes a certain collective behavior where agents are brought [...] Read more.

Adaptive kinetic architecture has emerged from a need for innovative designs that adapt to the environment and changing needs of the occupants. Architectural design and modes of egress are critical in an emergency. Flocking describes a certain collective behavior where agents are brought together in groups and move as a cohesive unit from place to place. Collective behavior may be observed in microscopic as well as macroscopic environments. Crowd modeling incorporates the study of human behavior, mathematical modeling, and molecular or fluid dynamics. The simulation of agents and their movement in the built environment is beneficial for design professionals, scientists, and engineers. Human behavior in panic situations is notably similar to fluids and molecules. The objective of this research was to evaluate the movement of agents in buildings using discrete dynamic simulation. We used a novel discrete molecular dynamics technique to simulate the evacuation of agents in panic situations. Various adaptive geometric configurations were analyzed for improved crowd flow. Kinetic walls were modeled in order to evaluate design optimization as it relates to rates of egression. This research proposes the use of kinetic walls to improve safety and efficiency during an emergency evacuation. Adaptive geometric configurations show improvements over the conventional design framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)

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14 pages, 5091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Investigation of the Behavioral Characteristics of Higher- and Lower-Temperature Group Families in a Condominium Equipped with a HEMS System

by Rajan KC, Hom Bahadur Rijal, Masanori Shukuya and Kazui Yoshida

Buildings 2019, 9(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings9010004 - 25 Dec 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3877

Abstract

A home energy management system (HEMS) shows the energy used indoors so that the energy waste can be easily identified and reduced. Thermal comfort is related to the trend of energy use in buildings. We conducted a survey in a condominium equipped with [...] Read more.

A home energy management system (HEMS) shows the energy used indoors so that the energy waste can be easily identified and reduced. Thermal comfort is related to the trend of energy use in buildings. We conducted a survey in a condominium equipped with a HEMS to determine the indoor thermal environment and various behaviors of the occupants taken for thermal comfort adjustment. The results showed that there is a large variation of indoor air temperatures according to season, floor and flat. We categorized families into two groups, one with higher and the other with lower average indoor temperatures. The indoor air temperature of the higher temperature group in summer was found to be higher than the recommended indoor temperature during the summer season in Japan. The higher temperature group tended to adopt behaviors, such as window opening and using a fan more often, than the lower temperature group. Due to the moderately high insulating levels in the building surveyed, the indoor air temperature of both groups was not low in winter. Heating was used less and irregular. The overall results indicate that the groups of families behaved differently to adjust the indoor thermal environment even though they were equipped with the same HEMS system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)

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24 pages, 7227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Occupancy Evaluation and IEQ Measurements from 64 Office Buildings: Critical Factors and Thresholds for User Satisfaction on Thermal Quality

by Jihyun Park, Vivian Loftness and Azizan Aziz

Buildings 2018, 8(11), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8110156 - 12 Nov 2018

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 11954

Abstract

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of buildings can have a strong influence on occupants’ comfort, productivity, and health. Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is necessary in assessing the IEQ of the built environment, and it typically relies on the subjective surveys of thermal quality, air [...] Read more.

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of buildings can have a strong influence on occupants’ comfort, productivity, and health. Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is necessary in assessing the IEQ of the built environment, and it typically relies on the subjective surveys of thermal quality, air quality, visual quality, and acoustic quality. In this research, we expanded POE to include both objective IEQ measurements and the technical attributes of building systems (TABS) that may affect indoor environment and user satisfaction. The suite of three tools, including user satisfaction survey, workstation IEQ measurements, and TABS in the National Environmental Assessment Toolkit (NEAT) has been deployed in 1601 workstations in 64 office buildings, generating a rich database for statistical evaluation of possible correlations between the physical attributes of workstations, environmental conditions, and user satisfaction. Multivariate regression and multiple correlation coefficient statistical analysis revealed the relationship between measured and perceived IEQ indices, interdependencies between IEQ indices, and other satisfaction variables of significance. The results showed that overall, 55% of occupants responded as “satisfied” or “neutral”, and 45% reported being “dissatisfied” in their thermal quality. Given the dataset, air temperature in work area, size of thermal zone, window quality, level of temperature control, and radiant temperature asymmetry with façade are the critical factors for thermal quality satisfaction in the field. As a result, the outcome of this research contributes to identifying correlations between occupant satisfaction, measured data, and technical attributes of building systems. The presented integrated IEQ assessment method can further afford robust predictions of building performance against metrics and guidelines for IEQ standards to capture revised IEQ thresholds that impact building occupants’ satisfaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)

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19 pages, 12226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indoor Environmental Quality of Urban Residential Buildings in Cuenca—Ecuador: Comfort Standard

by Felipe Quesada Molina and David Bustillos Yaguana

Buildings 2018, 8(7), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8070090 - 6 Jul 2018

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7876

Abstract

A key factor for achieving healthy environments in residential buildings is the provision of high indoor environmental quality (IEQ) with respect to the acceptance by its occupants, based on levels of the physical parameters which contribute to IEQ. This research focuses on defining [...] Read more.

A key factor for achieving healthy environments in residential buildings is the provision of high indoor environmental quality (IEQ) with respect to the acceptance by its occupants, based on levels of the physical parameters which contribute to IEQ. This research focuses on defining the comfort standards of indoor environments of urban dwellings in the city of Cuenca—Ecuador. It takes into account factors such as temperature, air quality, and natural lightning through a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative measurements. Results determined the following values: a comfort temperature (T_n) of 20.12 °C (with ranges from 16.62 °C to 23.62 °C for an acceptance of 80% and from 17.62 °C to 22.62 °C for an acceptance of 90%), a relative humidity between 40–65%, a maximum CO₂ concentration of 614.25 ppm, a day light factor of ≥5 for the social area and ≥4 for the bedroom, and a minimum illumination level of 300 lux. With these results, it was observed that the comfort levels of temperature, CO₂ concentration, and lighting accepted by local users differ from the standards established in local and international regulations. The determined data constitutes a methodological basis for carrying out similar processes in other localities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)

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14 pages, 1517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Low Air Temperatures on Thermoregulation and Sleep of Young Men While Sleeping Using Bedding

by Kazuyo Tsuzuki, Kazue Okamoto-Mizuno and Koh Mizuno

Buildings 2018, 8(6), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8060076 - 29 May 2018

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5669

Abstract

Most people do not use heating systems during nocturnal sleep in their bedrooms during the cold season in Japan; instead, they like to use extra blankets and quilts for sleeping. To investigate the effect of low air temperature (Ta) on sleep and thermoregulation [...] Read more.

Most people do not use heating systems during nocturnal sleep in their bedrooms during the cold season in Japan; instead, they like to use extra blankets and quilts for sleeping. To investigate the effect of low air temperature (Ta) on sleep and thermoregulation when sleeping with bedding, 12 healthy young men participated in sleep experiments over three non-consecutive nights. The experimental conditions were at a Ta of 3 °C, 10 °C and 17 °C, with a relative humidity (Rh) of 50% and an air velocity of <0.2 m/s in the climatic chambers. The 4.3-clo bedding consisted of cotton sheets, an acrylic blanket, a down-filled quilt and a futon mattress. The average sleep efficiency index (SEI) remained >94% for each of the three Tas, and no disturbances were found by Ta in the sleep parameters, although the duration of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep showed variations at 3 °C. The skin temperature (Ts) of the forehead decreased in proportion to Ta and remained stable. The decreasing rate in rectal temperature (Tre), Ts of forehead and thigh during sleep were significantly greater at 3 °C than at 10 °C and 17 °C. The innermost microclimate temperature (Tmicro) made by the bedding did not correlate with the Tre. The young men were significantly more dissatisfied with 3 °C in the sleep quality evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)

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17 pages, 18001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preventing Dampness Related Health Risks at the Design Stage of Buildings in Mediterranean Climates: A Cyprus Case Study

by Ugochukwu Kenechi Elinwa, Cemil Atakara, Ifeoluwa Oyeleke Ojelabi and Abiola Ayopo Abiodun

Buildings 2018, 8(5), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8050066 - 1 May 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7650

Abstract

Dampness is a major building challenge that poses a health risk by aiding the growth of mold and other related microorganisms in very humid areas. Thus, the correction of these post-effects results in high maintenance costs via energy consumption, due to the prolonged [...] Read more.

Dampness is a major building challenge that poses a health risk by aiding the growth of mold and other related microorganisms in very humid areas. Thus, the correction of these post-effects results in high maintenance costs via energy consumption, due to the prolonged heating of damp rooms and post-treatment, especially during the winter. A survey of 2000 valid respondents living in apartment-style buildings was conducted and analyzed using SPSS software. In this study, the AutoDesk Computational Fluid Dynamics (ACFD) software was used to perform a simulation for building materials analysis, to evaluate them for suitability in high humidity areas and to select the best building orientation for adequate and natural ventilation. The analysis aimed to observe the indoor air conditions due to environmental air flow conditions. The relationships of the airflow conditions to the material properties were measured. The methodology involves a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis to determine the level and nature of the dampness sources. The Design-Expert Statistical-Software 10 confirmed the simulation results. The simulation revealed a lower percentage of relative humidity and temperature in Adobe walls than in brick walls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)

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12 pages, 4773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Influence of Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation on Overheating Risk in Offices

by Arianna Brambilla, Jerome Bonvin, Flourentzos Flourentzou and Thomas Jusselme

Buildings 2018, 8(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040047 - 22 Mar 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8061

Abstract

Free cooling strategies are gaining importance in design practice due to the increased risk of overheating in well-insulated buildings with high internal loads such as offices. The state of the art highlights that the most efficient passive solution for indoor temperature stabilization and [...] Read more.

Free cooling strategies are gaining importance in design practice due to the increased risk of overheating in well-insulated buildings with high internal loads such as offices. The state of the art highlights that the most efficient passive solution for indoor temperature stabilization and control is the integration of thermal mass with an optimized ventilative cooling profile to enhance the thermal cycle of heat storage. Due to its cyclical behavior, thermal mass effects are difficult to predict and quantify with the traditional steady-state approach to building thermal performance. Dynamic thermal simulations help to assess a building’s behavior under transient situations, including the thermal mass influence. However, building codes usually include thermal simulations based on standard assumptions: typical meteorological year (TMY), standard occupancy, standard daily-based lighting and appliances profiles, and standard weekly-based occupancy. Thus, when assumptions change, the actual behavior of the building may vary consistently from the predicted conditions. In this paper, we focused on the ability of thermal mass to contrast the influence of variations from the standard assumptions, especially in relation to climate and ventilation profiles. The results show the necessity of encompassing different risk scenarios when evaluating a free cooling solution performance. Among the different scenarios simulated, natural ventilation misuse shows greater influence on the thermal indoor environment, especially if coupled with low thermal mass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)

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22 pages, 12530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting the Air Quality, Thermal Comfort and Draught Risk for a Virtual Classroom with Desk-Type Personalized Ventilation Systems

by Eusébio Z. E. Conceição, Cristina I. M. Santiago, Mª. Manuela J. R. Lúcio and Hazim B. Awbi

Buildings 2018, 8(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8020035 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6661

Abstract

This paper concerns the prediction of indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort (TC) and draught risk (DR) for a virtual classroom with desk-type personalized ventilation system (PVS). This numerical study considers a coupling of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD), human thermal comfort (HTC) [...] Read more.

This paper concerns the prediction of indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort (TC) and draught risk (DR) for a virtual classroom with desk-type personalized ventilation system (PVS). This numerical study considers a coupling of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD), human thermal comfort (HTC) and building thermal behavior (BTB) numerical models. The following indexes are used: the predicted percentage of dissatisfied people (PPD) index is used for the evaluation of the TC level; the carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration in the breathing zone is used for the calculation of IAQ; and the DR level around the occupants is used for the evaluation of the discomfort due to draught. The air distribution index (ADI), based in the TC level, the IAQ level, the effectiveness for heat removal and the effectiveness for contaminant removal, is used for evaluating the performance of the personalized air distribution system. The numerical simulation is made for a virtual classroom with six desks. Each desk is equipped with one PVS with two air terminal devices located overhead and two air terminal devices located below the desktop. In one numerical simulation six occupants are used, while in another simulation twelve occupants are considered. For each numerical simulation an air supply temperature of 20 °C and 24 °C is applied. The results obtained show that the ADI value is higher for twelve persons than for six persons in the classroom and it is higher for an inlet air temperature of 20 °C than for an inlet air temperature of 24 °C. In future works, more combinations of upper and lower air terminal devices located around the body area and more combinations of occupants located in the desks will be analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)

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