Benchmarking indoor headroom heights of residential buildings based on ASHRAE Standard 55

Abstract

ABSTRACT The continuous design of residential buildings without comprehensive attention to the vital form and envelope related decision-making steps has necessitated this study. The research aims to uncover the impact of headroom heights of different residential buildings on indoor operative temperature (Top), influenced by mean radiant temperature (MRT). Based on an adaptive approach, we conducted field measurements of indoor headroom heights, thermal comfort variables and interview surveys in 200 households around Kebbi, Nigeria. We used CFD simulations to estimate MRT and Top for a wide range of base-case headroom models. We finally used ASHRAE Standard 55 thermal comfort tool to evaluate comfort level in each model. Using the measured variables, results show that Top of occupants in models with headrooms between 2.2 m and 2.75 m fell outside the comfort zone and Top of occupants in models with headrooms between 3.25 m and 3.75 m are within acceptable limits.