A field study on thermal acceptability and energy consumption of mixed-mode offices building located in the hot-dry climate of Burkina Faso

Abstract

To ensure thermal comfort in hot dry climates such as the climate of Burkina Faso, occupants of buildings often rely on air conditioning systems. Defining the appropriate conditions for thermal comfort is crucial to reduce energy consumption. This paper presents the findings of a field study that aimed to assess acceptable temperatures for thermal comfort and analyze the energy consumption related to the use of air conditioning systems in a mixed-mode office building. Surveys were also conducted to gather occupants’ feedback on thermal comfort. The results of the study revealed that the average air temperature was 27.1 °C with standard deviation of 1.7 °C. Fifty-four offices were investigated and all 93 occupants to the survey consider their thermal environment comfortable. The study also identified neutral air temperature and operative temperature which are between 26.2 °C and 26.5 °C, and 26.3 °C and 26.5 °C, respectively. The results show a non-significant gap between the neutral temperature of male and female subjects. It was observed that the energy consumption for comfort is linked to the neutral temperature. These findings can serve as a starting point for establishing thermal comfort parameters for mixed-mode office buildings in Sudano-Sahelian climates having a particular socio-cultural context.