Analysis of Thermal Comfort and Energy Consumption in Long Time Large Educational Halls (Studios), Assiut University, Egypt

Abstract

Reducing energy use in buildings is a critical component of meeting carbon reduction commitments. Architects and engineers are the major players, making technical improvements to existing buildings and designing new ones with higher standards. The aim of the present research is to analyse indoor thermal comfort and energy consumption inside the large educational halls of the Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, for determining the acceptable operative temperature for student comfort. Two approaches are presented; physical measurements and comfort surveys for 6 naturally ventilated halls. Several parameters were measured: indoor and outdoor air temperatures, wind speed, globe temperature, CO2 concentration and relative humidity. A questionnaire adapted from ASHRAE 2004 was answered by 269 respondents selected from a total of 331 respondents.The results showed that the indoor temperature exceeds 28°C and is far from 90% acceptable comfort range with high PMV range and PPD >10, particularly for female students with Islamic head veils (hijab) and 83% of the students prefer a cooler indoor climate. The lighting power ranges from 50% to 75%, and laptops ranges from 25% to 44% of total nominal electrical power. Also, the students’ thermal sensation ranges between warm and slightly warm in the six halls. The results of this research provide information for future indoor cooling design strategies and energy efficiency in large educational halls.