Evaluation of hygrothermal comfort in educational centres by monitoring three case studies with different ventilation systems in Vitoria, Spain

Abstract

Indoor Environmental Quality has an impact on the health of its users, especially in educational centres due to the vulnerability of its occupants and high occupancy density. This study aims to analyse the hygrothermal comfort of three case studies with different ventilation systems located in the same city by monitoring. For this purpose, a three-phase methodology was proposed. First, a characterization of the case studies has been made. Second, the results obtained in the monitoring of temperature, relative humidity and CO2 concentration during the occupied period have been analysed. Third, the hygrothermal comfort according to UNE-EN 16798 for each classroom has been compared. As a result, overall better comfort is achieved during summer than in winter. The ventilation system used in each centre has not had a great impact comparing the classrooms, being all of them in comfort for more than 80% of the occupied period. All classrooms had comfortable temperatures more than 80% of the time in summer and 70% in winter but the gymnasiums presented very low temperatures, especially during winter. In conclusion, comfort has been achieved as well in naturally as in mechanically ventilated classrooms.