The Effect on a Residential Thermal Environment of an Openable Toplight under Conditions of High Solar Radiation

Abstract

Setting an openable light on the roof or the wall of a residence to control the entry of outside air and sunlight has been considered in relation to designing houses for comfort in Japan. The problem is that thermal gain through insola tion can produce an unfavourable rise in the indoor air temperature (Ta). This is due to the characteristics of the Japanese climate. Japan has both a conti nental and an oceanic climate because of its topography which produces a high temperature and high humidity in summer, but low temperatures and low humidity in winter. The present study examines the effect on the interior ther mal environment of an experimental residence through the thermal environ ment index, the predicted mean vote, the mean radiant temperature and the operative temperature when a toplight or side window is opened in the sum mer. This work aimed to study the conditions for lowering Ta and surface temperatures to simulate a comfortable interior thermal environment.