Abstract
Research towards understanding the relationship between maintaining thermal comfort and energy efficiency in the public utility buildings was undertaken among 323 1st year students during class hours. Questionnaires surveys and measurements of indoor conditions were performed. The article identified students’ sensations and perceptions concerning indoor conditions. Temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and CO2 concentration measured to assess room conditions showed that the auditorium had almost comfortable conditions according to the literature guidelines. The indices used to assess students’ perceptions were: Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV), Thermal Preference Vote (TPV), Air Freshness Sensation Vote (AfSV), Air Movement Preference Vote (AmPV), and Relative Humidity Preference Vote (RHPV). The interpretation of these indicators showed that while the students’ requests for temperature changes and increased air movement are adequate for the air conditions in the room, the evaluation of stuffiness and requests for changes in humidity levels are surprising. Striving uncritically to meet the desired room parameters, according to the users votes, can lead to deterioration of the air and not only the increase in energy consumption but even waste it. Better understanding of users’ preferences and behaviour and further application of this knowledge indirectly aim at increasing energy efficiency in buildings.
Highlights
Today, when analysing buildings, especially in the context of climate change and the approaching energy crisis, solutions are desired that lead to lower energy consumption
The survey, undertaken at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Poland, during three chosen days: at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the winter semester, indicated that the indoor conditions were in range providing thermal comfort in accordance with the subject matter
Based on 323 collected questionnaires filled by first-year students, it was found that indoor conditions were assessed partially in a way that was predictable for the researchers, but partially the responses surprised the authors and forced them to search for answers to the doubts that arose
Summary
Today, when analysing buildings, especially in the context of climate change and the approaching energy crisis, solutions are desired that lead to lower energy consumption. In Poland, existing buildings, both residential and public utilities, are mostly naturally ventilated, equipped only with radiators, without any cooling system In such constructions and implemented solutions, the main actions to maintain adequate internal conditions internal conditions (desired by users) internal conditions are opening or closing the windows and controlling temperature by using thermostatic heads or room thermostats. The purpose of the article is to show that the preferences of indoor conditions of users can differ significantly from each other and are not always in line with the scientific interpretations and definitions of thermal comfort scales It must be considered if the layperson can control the indoor environment and maintain energy consumption at a low level at the same time. The authors’ purpose is to determine the students’ willingness to work and subjective factors affecting it, as well as their well-being during the lectures
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