Methodology of quantitative analysis and diagnosis of higro-thermal and lighting monitoring for school buildings in a hot-humid mid-latitude climate

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a procedural contribution to the comparative analysis and comprehensive diagnosis of indoor and outdoor environmental variables measured simultaneously. It was developed for the interpretation of 63 audits executed in eight school buildings of Resistencia, a hot-humid mid-latitude city of Argentina where light and heat that enter through glazed areas become antagonistic factors. It starts from the definition of a new dimensional and thermo-physical indicator by orientation called glaze Factor (gF), as well as combined hygro-thermal and lighting indices according to the regional comfort zone. Different correlation tests were made, considering multiple design parameters. By cross-linking the quantitative results with the qualitative data obtained from the registration of the classrooms use regime and the occupants’ behaviour, we arrived to relevant conclusions about the buildings performance. Particular cases of overheating repeated all months of the year audited. Only some cases are linked to visual discomfort due to illuminance excess. The others registered highest rates of visual discomfort due to lack of use of natural light. The cases of best and worst behaviour were determined. There are no systematic studies that consider thermal and lighting issues simultaneously, from a wide universe of analysis in Resistencia.