Pilot Study on Underground Air Temperature for Interior Thermal Comfort of Building in Malaysia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the methods for achieving thermal comfort by utilising underground or subsurface air temperature. The goal of the research is to identify the efficiency of basement design as interior thermal comfort strategy in Malaysia. Two methodologies were employed, including computer modelling simulation and field data collection. The modelling simulation uses Energy Plus software to mimic and test the building’ thermal comfort, while the field data collection method employs a 1m × 1m × 1m physical model in an open space and the temperature was recorded using a globe thermometer. The temperature of underground at various depths was measured to establish the optimal temperature at which the earth may be used as a heat sink. The results from the physical model were then analysed to validate the results of the computer simulation. The result from the physical model and computer simulation shows that the underground temperature manages to decrease the indoor temperature. As a result, the presence of a basement that utilizes the temperature of the earth has significantly reduced the temperature of a specific room.