1. Precision and thermal comfort
Fergus Nicol
London Metropolitan University and Oxford Brookes University

2. Thermal comfort standards
From Olesen and Parsons, Energy and Buildings 34(6)

3. Summer in Saidu Sharif, Pakistan (photo M Humpheys)

4. Winter in Saidu Sharif, Pakistan (photo M Humpheys)

5. Changing ourselves
As the temperature changes so the level of clothing, the air movement (which can cool the body by convection and/or evaporation of sweat) and the moisture of the skin will change.
It is also probable that people are less active in the heat, but because metabolic rate is measured by ‘activity’ this is not clear

6. Data from Pakistan

7. The result of these actions is shown in this graph of the level of discomfort at different indoor temperatures among office workers in Pakistan
Little discomfort
Nicol, Raja, Allauddin & Jamy (1999) Energy and Buildings 30(3)

8. Fans are available in almost all Pakistani offices this graph shows the proportion in use a different temperatures

9. Probability control is in use is given by: p = e(a+bTo)/(1+e(a+bTo)) a and b are determined by regression analysis
A curve of p on To can then be drawn to show the probability that a control is being used

10. Use of fans
Details: Nicol, J.F. (2001) 7th international IBPSA conference, Rio

11. Use of windows

12. Use of blinds/curtains

13. The use of curtains is better related to the external illuminance:
From data of Yannick Sutter, ENTPE, Lyons

14. Use of heating

16. Comfort is achieved by the occupants adapting to the building
Or by the occupants adapting the building to suit them
This has to be done within the climatic, social, economic and cultural context of the whole system

17. Cautionary note:
Whilst essentially a negative feed-back system aimed at avoiding discomfort, the behaviour resulting from discomfort can lead to a positive feed-back in energy use:
Air-conditioning
Global warming
Energy use

18. New approaches
Comfort is achieved by the occupants adapting to the building
Occupant simulation
Empirical results
Building simulation
Or by the occupants adapting the building to suit them
This has to be done within the climatic, social, economic and cultural context of the whole system

19. E.N. – Electricidade do Norte offices, Porto, Portugal

21. The temperatures were measured during office hours during a thermal comfort survey.
It will be noticed that there is a tendency for the indoor temperature to be above the outdoor temperature in cold weather and often below it in warmer weather.
There is also structure in the distribution of indoor temperatures at any given outdoor temperature

37. Comfort and preference
How do you feel? How would you prefer to feel?
Cold
Cool Much warmer
Slightly cool A bit warmer
Neutral No change
Slightly warm A bit cooler
Warm Much cooler
Hot

38. Most occupants want no change in indoor temperature

39. Mean outdoor temp.
The effect of separating the outdoor temperatures

40. Conclusions Comfort is a psychological, not a physiological one
Buildings must enable occupants to be comfortable
AC is one way to do this but it is expensive in equipment and energy
Buildings behave stochastically and not precisely, particularly when occupied
Sustainable solutions need risk assessment not comfort prescriptions