Thermal environment and thermal comfort in a passive residential building in the severe cold area of China

Abstract

Purpose / Context - The outdoor climate in Harbin is more severely colder than German. Therefore, it is important to study indoor thermal environment and human thermal comfort in Harbin passive buildings by applying Germany technology. However, few studies were reported on this topic. Methodology / Approach - A field measurement on thermal environment was carried out in a passive residential building in Harbin, as well as a subjective survey on residents’ thermal response. 25 residents in 21 apartments volunteered as the participants in this study. Among them, a continuous monitoring was conducted in 7 apartments. Results - The results show that the mean indoor temperature was 26.2℃, which was over higher than the upper limit of ASHRAE 55-2013. The average relative humidity was 35.9%, close to the lower limit. There was a small temperature difference between the indoor air temperature and the inner surface temperature of the exterior wall, which indicates a good insulation performance and reduces discomfort induced by cold radiation. 50% residents confided that the indoor environment was over warm, and they usually adjusted clothes to the environment. The neutral temperature was 24.2℃, and 90% acceptability temperature was 23.2~25.2℃, a width of 2 ℃, which indicates a weak adaptation and tolerability for the residents. Key Findings / Implications - A lower indoor temperature was recommended in operation. Not only could residents’ thermal comfort be improved, but also the energy consumption was reduced further. Originality – Thermal environment and thermal comfort in a Harbin passive residential building was researched.