SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia

(MASSA) Research Unit

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

BUILDING SCIENCE 1 [ARC 2412]

Project 1: Human Perception of Comfort Level

Name Student ID

Wong Soon Fook 0302953

Ling Teck Ong 0303127

Poh Wei Keat 0303646

Lee Pui Yee 0312847

Chuah Chu Ying 0303269

Table of Content

No. Topic Page

1.0

Summary 1

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.3

Introduction

General Purpose

Location of Site

Orthographic Drawings

2

3

4

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.3

Methodology

Temperature and Relative Humidity

Wind Analysis

Sun Analysis

6

6

6

4.0

4.1

4.2

4.3

Result and Analysis

(Temperature VS Relative Humidity)

Outdoor Factor

Indoor Factor

Bioclimatic Chart

7

8

12

5.0

5.1

5.1.1

5.1.2

5.2

5.2.1

5.2.2

5.2.3

5.2.4

5.3

5.3.1

5.3.2

5.3.3

5.4

5.5

Analysis and Discussion

Site Analysis

Macro Climate

Micro Climate and Site Environment

Sun Analysis

Sun Path

Ecotect Analysis

Solar Radiation

Shading

Wind Analysis

Wind Rose Diagram

Site Vegetation

Ventilation

Human Activities

Materials

14

15

16

16

17

19

20

21

22

24

25

27

28

6.0

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

Improvise

Building Design Standard

Shading

Ventilation

Materials

30

30

31

32

7.0 Conclusion

33

8.0 References 34

9.0

Appendix 35-36

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1.0 Summary

Initially, we fulfil the aim of this particular research in a group of 5. Site location is

required in implementing the study according to the human perception of comfort

level. Nevertheless, we have chosen 174P, Jalan SS15/8, My Place Apartment,

Subang Jaya, 47500 Wilayah Persekutuan as our site.

We used data logger to collect a series of readings for the temperature and

humidity of indoor and outdoor spaces as first step for our research. After getting all

the data required ready, we used these data collected to plot charts and fulfil the

requirements of this project which included identify and define the principles of heat

transfer in relation to building and people, understand what is thermal comfort and

discuss factors relating to thermal comfort, analyse the effect of thermal comfort

factors in a person and in a spaceand criticize design of the space in terms of

thermal comfort by referring to MS1525 and UBBL.

The tropical climate in Malaysia is consistently hot and humid throughout the year

where thermal comfort zone is between 27.6 to 32.1°C and the relative humidity of

thermal comfort is varied from lowest 60% to the highest 75%.

In a nut shell, there are more pros than cons via the objective of the study as we

could understand the procedures of building design’s effects in relation to not only

human comfort level but also quality of space. On the other hand, we also studied

the issues which are vital and greatly affect the quality of space which

encompassing influences of site context, sun path direction, ventilation, types of

insulator and building materials. All these factors are taken into account as they

considered as prior in designing future buildings which suits human comfort and also

blended with our beautiful Mother Nature.

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2.0 Introduction

2.1 General Purpose of the Study

The main objective of this project is to make us understand more about the term of

human perception of comfort level. Firstly, we have to determine and interpret the

laws of heat transfer in regarding to the building and human beings. Heat transfer,

also known as heat flow or heat exchange, typically classifying into various

mechanisms, such as thermal conduction, thermal convection, thermal radiation,

and transfer of energy by phase changes.

In addition, we are required to define and understand the meaning of thermal

comfort and discuss the 6 main factors related to thermal comfort, these included

air temperature, radiant temperature, air velocity, air evaporation, clothing and

metabolic heat, affecting thermal comfort which are both environmental and

personal to each other, but these factors may be independent or have connection

within one another in order to contribute to an individual’s thermal comfort.

Besides, we need to analyse how can thermal comfort factors affect a person or a

space. We are able to understand the causes and effects of six basic thermal

comfort factors and think of the possible solutions to further improve thermal comfort

problems in future designs.

Last but not least, we are able to learn on how to criticize the design of a space in

terms of thermal comfort by referring to MS1525 and UBBL. We get to know the

effects of insulation, thermal mass and air movement on the thermal performance of

buildings.

In the end of the research, we are able to identify environmental conditions relate to

the site conditions and climate and deduce how different type of building materials

(u-value, r-value) have different effects on heat gaining or thermal environment in a

given space.

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2.2 Location of the Site

Diagram 2.1 Site Plan

174P, Jalan SS15/8, My Place Apartment, Subang Jaya, 47500 Wilayah Persekutuan

The particular site is situated at Subang Jaya SS15.It is located opposite the Taylor’s

College Subang Jaya and Inti College. Eastern region of the site consists of shop lots

and restaurant. Moreover, the western of the site also have many rows of shop lots.

SS15 is a hustle and bustle place with high population of people living there. The

peak hour of the area is around 12pm to 2pm in the afternoon and 5pm to 7pm in

the evening. The site is planted with lots of plants to promote air ventilation and a

swimming pool for the resident use.

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2.3 Orthographic Drawings

Living room

Kitchen

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Toilet

Co

rrid

or

Diagram 2.2 Floor Plan Scale 1:100

Diagram 2.3 South Elevation Scale 1:100

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Diagram 2.5 Cross Section Scale 1:100

Diagram 2.4 East Elevation Scale 1:100

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3.0 Methodology

The particular area we chosen to collect our data was the living room as shown in

the floor plan (Diagram 2.2). We use different equipment and resources to obtain

the data we wanted. There are 4 main environmental factors that influence the

thermal comfort:

Factors of thermal comfort Equipment and resources

used to analyse

- Indoor temperature and Relative Humidity

To determine the indoor temperature and relative

humidity we need to use the data logger, LUTRON LUT

0176 HT-3007 SD (Figure 3.1) which was provided to

collect data of temperature and humidity of our site

for 3 consecutive days which were 7,8,9 September

2013.

Variables

Controlled variable Living room in MyPlace

apartment

72 hours’ time

Manipulated variable Weather change

Thermal effect

Responding variable Data collected

After data collection, it eases the identification of air

temperature and relative humidity that corresponds to

outcome of thermal comfort changes and weather

condition changes.

Figure 3 Data Logger

Outdoor temperature and Relative Humidity

Source from:

http://www.timeanddate.

com/weather/malaysia/ku

ala-lumpur

Wind Analysis

Wind Rose Diagram

Sun Analysis Sun Path Diagram

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4.0 Result and Analysis

The results of indoor data is collected using a Temperature and Relative Humidity

Data recorded for duration of 3 days from 7th -9th April. Data is logged on an hourly

interval for 72 hours.

4.1 Outdoor Factor

Part A:

The exterior relative humidity reached its maximum state and the exterior

temperature is low at 9 September 2013 from 4pm to 6pm because of the light rain

and the weather mostly cloudy and less-windy. Because of the less-windy weather,

more air and water are saturated in the exterior, hence increasing in the humidity.

The light rain also decreased the exterior temperature. Exterior temperature is simply

the temparature of the air without the content of moisture, hence it remains

unaffective by the humidity. On that particular period, the interior relative humidity is

high and the interior temperature is low. The opened window brings in the cold

breeze from exterior into the room and the placement of window is faced to the

wind flow. Hence, in this result, the external factors has influence on the interior

factors. Furthermore, there are also no activity done which involved the electrical

appliances that release heat.

Diagram 4.1 Meteorological Line

Graph

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Part B:

The sudden drop of exterior relative humidity and sudden increase of exterior

temperature is caused by the change of weather to broken clouds and sunny with

wind flow of 11km/h. Hot air caused the rise in exterior temperature whereas wind

flow caused evaporation, resulting in low relative humidity. The interior temperature

is higher and relative humidity is lower as seen from the graph. The exterior factors do

affect the interior outcomes. The opened window will cause hot air to the interior

which cause evaporation to take place and eventually lead to low relative humidity.

The broken clouds will let higher amount of sunlight to enter the room, causing heat

radiation, hence the high internal temperature. At around 3pm, the user is using

computer and this also cause the interior temperature become higher.

4.2 Indoor Factor

The result of the indoor factors which affects the maximum / minimum dry bulb

temperature and maximum / minimum relative humidity.

1st (Maximum Temperature & Minimum Relative Humidity)

Date Time Light Window People Fan

Interior

Temperature

(° C)

Interior

Relative

Humidity

(%)

Electrical

Appliances

7/9/13 15:00 On Off Yes Off 30.6 61.1 On

Fluorescent light that is turned on in the room will cause heat radiation.

The fan that is turned off and thus there will be no air flowing around the room.

The existence of one occupant will not contribute as much heat radiation but the

large amount of time spent will somehow increase the humidity and decrease the

temperature due to continuous exhalation.

The usage of electrical appliances (computer) will contribute to internal heat

radiation as the electrical appliance emits heat.

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1st day (Minimum Temperature & Maximum Relative Humidity)

Date Time Light Window People Fan

Interior

Temperature

(° C)

Interior

Relative

Humidity

(%)

Electrical

Appliances

7/9/13 21:00 Off Open No On 28.1 72.6 Off

Fluorescent light that is turned off in the room will not cause heat radiation, hence

reduces the temperature of the room.

The fan that is turned on will increase wind movement and evaporation, responsible

for the high relative humidity.

There are no occupant therefore will not contribute any heat radiation.

The non-usage of electrical appliances (computer) will not contribute to any internal

heat radiation, decreasing the room temperature.

2nd day (Maximum Temperature & Minimum Relative Humidity)

Date Time Light Window People Fan

Interior

Temperature

(° C)

Interior

Relative

Humidity

(%)

Electrical

Appliances

8/9/13 14:00 On Open Yes On 30.8 57.1 On

Fluorescent light that is turned on in the room will cause heat radiation.

Opened window and fan will increase cross ventilation and evaporation, responsible

for the low relative humidity.

The existence of one occupant will not contribute as much heat radiation but the

large amount of time spent will somehow increase the humidity and decrease the

temperature due to continuous exhalation.

The usage of electrical appliances (computer) will contribute to any internal heat

radiation, increasing the dry bulb temperature.

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2nd day (Minimum Temperature & Minimum Relative Humidity)

Date Time Light Window People Fan

Interior

Temperature

(° C)

Interior

Relative

Humidity

(%)

Electrical

Appliances

8/9/13 8:00 Off Open Yes On 28.4 67.7 On

Fluorescent light that is turned off in the room will cause heat radiation.

The opened window and the fan that is turned on will create wind movement,

providing certain level of comfort for the occupant.

The existence of one occupant will not contribute as much heat radiation but the

large amount of time spent will somehow increase the humidity and decrease the

temperature due to continuous exhalation. This effect is also more obvious in a

smaller room.

The non-usage of electrical appliances (computer) will not contribute to any internal

heat radiation.

3rd day (Maximum Temperature & Minimum Relative Humidity)

Date Time Light Window People Fan

Interior

Temperature

(° C)

Interior

Relative

Humidity

(%)

Electrical

Appliances

9/9/13 15:00 On Open Yes On 30.0 64.7 On

Fluorescent light that is turned on in the room will cause heat radiation.

Opened window and fan will increase cross ventilation and evaporation, responsible

for the low relative humidity.

The existence of one occupant will not contribute as much heat radiation but the

large amount of time spent will somehow increase the humidity and decrease the

temperature due to continuous exhalation. This effect is also more obvious in a

smaller room.

The usage of electrical appliances (computer) will contribute to any internal heat

radiation, increasing the dry bulb temperature.

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3rd day (Minimum Temperature & Maximum Relative Humidity)

Date Time Light Window People Fan

Interior

Tempera

ture (° C)

Interior

Relative

Humidity

(%)

Electrical

Appliances

9/9/13 8:00 Off Open Yes On 26.8 77.2 Off

Fluorescent light that is turned off in the room will reduce heat radiation.

The opened window and the fan that is turned on will create wind movement,

providing certain level of comfort for the occupant.

The existence of one occupant will not contribute as much heat radiation but the

large amount of time spent will somehow increase the humidity and decrease the

temperature due to continuous exhalation. This effect is also more obvious in a

smaller room.

The non-usage of electrical appliances (computer) will not contribute to any internal

heat radiation.

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4.3 Bioclimatic Chart

Diagram 4.2 Bioclimatic Chart

A bioclimatic chart is a preliminary analysis tool used during the early planning

stages of a building project, to get a sense for the heating and cooling requirements

for your building site. The two points in the graph are plotted by pairing the average

maximum temperature with average minimum relative humidity and the average

minimum temperature with the average maximum relative humidity. The position of

the two points will determine the comfort level of the place. Different places have

their different comfort zone according to the climate and Malaysia comfort zone is

around 20 to 30 temperature and 50 to 80% of air humidity. If a point falls in the

comfort zone, it is a nice habitable space; if a point falls below the comfort zone, the

place is under-heating; if a point falls above the comfort zone, the place is over-

heating.

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The result of the analysis of our site where the two points are plotted as shown in the

figure:-

i) Average maximum dry bulb temperature: 30.5° C, Average minimum humidity: 61%

ii) Average minimum dry bulb temperature: 27.8° C, Average maximum humidity:

72.5%

Both the points plotted are out of the comfort zone. They are above the comfort

zone which means this room has higher dry bulb temperature and relative humidity.

The room needs more ventilation to cool it down to achieve the comfort zone.

This is probably due to the location of the window that is opposite to the wind

direction, causing less wind to enter the room and lowering the chance of cross

ventilation. Being surrounded by trees, it will also lower the cross ventilation because

the wind flow are partially blocked by the trees. Less wind entering the room means

less thermal mass cooling is happening in the room. Cross ventilation is very

important in order to dissipate the heat in the interior and to reduce the humidity of

interior spaces.

The type of window used is casement window which has 90° large opening. If it is

located at the same direction as the wind flow, it will probably cause a different

outcome in the bioclimatic chart. The points plotted will be nearer or inside the

comfort zone, making it a more habitable space.

The door is closed most of the time which will decrease the cross ventilation. Warm

air stay in the room because it could not cross ventilate to the other areas through

the door.

The size of the room is small in general. Any heat radiation caused by electrical

appliances, fluorescent light and human activities will have greater impact in the

room.

The sunlight enters the room through the window that is comparatively large to the

size of the room. The area of the space hit by sunlight is therefore larger area.

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5.0 Analysis and Discussion

5.1 Site Analysis

5.1.1 Macro Climate

Figure 5.1 World Map of Climate Classification

As shown as diagram above, Malaysia situated in the tropical area, it is extremely

rare to have a full day with completely clear sky even during periods of severe

drought. The characteristic features of the climate of Malaysia are uniform

temperature, high humidity and copious rainfall. Winds are generally light. On the

other hand, it is also rare to have a stretch of a few days with completely no

sunshine except during the northeast monsoon seasons. The main variable of

Malaysia climate is not temperature or air pressure, but rainfall. In general, the

climate of Malaysia can be described as typical tropical climate.

Malaysia has extreme variations in rainfall that are linked with the monsoons.

Generally speaking, there is a dry season (June to September), and a rainy season

(December to March). Western and northern parts of Malaysia experience the most

precipitation, since the north- and westward-moving monsoon clouds are heavy

with moisture by the time they reach these more distant regions.

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5.1.2 Micro Climate and Site Environment

Diagram 5.1 Site Plan shows Site Environment

Our decided research’s site is addressed as Jalan SS 15/4 Subang Jaya, 46150

Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The particular site is located in a private residential area

which near to Taylors’ College Subang Jaya. Eastern region of the site consists of

shop lots, college and university. Moreover, the traffic jam is always occurs among

the road in front of university and college. The peak traffic is approximately 8a.m.-

10a.m., 12p.m.-2p.m. and 6p.m.-8p.m. The high frequency of vehicles’ to and from

along the road drastically influences the thermal condition among the site as the

pass by vehicles’ releasing the heat sources as well as increasing the heat average

around the region. The trees around the Asia Café not far away from the site might

inadvertently acts as cooling system among the site.

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The unforeseen wind direction and wind speed play an important role on affecting

the thermal condition of site too. Furthermore, in the early morning, in spite of old

folks’ jogging around the area, to and fro of Taylorians and Inti-ans along the path

near to the site also contributed the heat sources which act as thermal factor

towards the site.

Moreover, the newly build 5-star apartment is still under construction will also affect

the site. The uses of construction machinery around the site release an amount of

carbon monoxide that increases the temperature directly.

5.2 Sun analysis

The sun’s position during the day is important to site planning, daylight design,

passive solar design and controlling unwanted heat gain. It is also important when

considering the relationship between the environment and technology in the design

of building.

5.2.1 Sun path

Diagram 5.2 Site plan with Sun Path

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The room is located in the north-east side where the heat or solar observation would

be the more during the early morning hours of the day. In the afternoon, when the

sun starts moving towards the west the room will less heat however there are so

vegetation around might provide some air refreshment.

5.2.2 Ecotect Analysis

On 7th, 8th and 9th of April 2013, at 9 am, 1 pm and 5pm the sun path been examined

in Ecotect analysis.

Diagram 5.3 Sun path at 9am

At 9am in the morning as the sun is rising at the east side, the western side of

buildings on the site is shaded. Since our particular room is located facing the

north east, it receives more direct sunlight than others room. However, there is

direct sunlight into the building, but our selected room was not so hot in the

morning compare to the room at first floor just above our selected room, it is

because the room we had chosen was at the top floor and there is covered

by ceramic roof.

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Diagram 5.4 Sun path at 1pm

At 1pm in the afternoon, the sun is almost vertically straight on the sky and the

angle of solar ray falls with minimum degree there will be very less shadow

around buildings of the site. Therefore the heat gain, because there is no

shading and the material of the transparent roof will gain more heat in to the

room.

Diagram 5.5 Sun path at 5pm

At 5pm in the evening, the sun has changed its location moving towards the

west. Therefore the north west side of buildings in the site will observe more

heat. As our particular room is located on the north east side, therefore our

room will not have much direct sunlight in to the room and it might be cooler

and morning because the sun set.

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5.2.3 Solar Radiation

Solar radiation is the heat and light energies given off by the sun in all directions in

the form of electromagnetic waves with different wavelengths. Solar radiation can

affect the thermal performance of a building by transmitting heat directly to a

surface of a certain element or material or through an opening and therefore

affecting the indoor temperature. The case study is affected by glare and heat from

the sun, it is because of the glass sliding door which is connected with the balcony

that would penetrate glare and very much of direct sunlight into its space in order to

brighten up the living room and at the same time increase the temperature of the

room. Adding curtain helps to block out much of the solar radiation. The balcony

which is covered by the zinc roof also helps to restrict very much solar radiation

during midday and also used as a shading devices. The east facing sliding door is

the only opening in the living room and thus this surface would receive the much

solar radiation during midday and more heat is transmitted into the space.

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Diagram 5.6 Solar Radiations

Due to the orientation of the windows facing east and it is the only wall facing

outside, therefore direct sunlight into the space is at its maximal, causing the area to

have sufficient amount of light entering the entire living room thus artificial lighting is

not required at most of the time.

5.2.4 Shading

Shading devices are an efficient tool to create thermal comfort of a useable area. It

also can prevent from direct sunlight, solar radiation, visual glare and temperature of

the space. The additional zinc and transparent roof that above the window create

most of the shading, helps to prevent mostly overhang direct sunlight and solar

radiation, rain resistant to protect the interior spaces when the windows was opened.

Curtain also helps to create the internal shading to block the solar radiation and

reduce the heat in room.

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Rain

Diagram 5.7 Shading Devices

5.3 Wind analysis

5.3.1 Wind rose diagram

Month of year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average wind speed 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 4 5 4 4

Dominant

Wind

direction

SW SW SW NNE N NNW NNW NNW NNW NNE SE SW

Ceramic tiles Hip and Valley Roof

-Provide shading

-Provide cover for raining

Curtain walls

-Create an internal shading to reduce some

solar radiation and internal temperature

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Diagram 5.8 Wind Rose Diagram

The given chart shown above demonstrates the velocity of air movement

across the pedestrian and helps to cool the pedestrian provided it is higher

than the environment. Air velocity is one of the main factors for thermal

comfort because of the human’s sensitive stimulations to the surrounding

temperature. People will feel uncomfortable as if the stagnant air in indoor

environment is not well- ventilated. It may also lead to a build-up indoor.

More heat is lost through a mechanism known as convection without any

changes in air temperature when air is moving in a warm and humid

environment. In a cooler environment, the velocity of air movement is low,

and thus, the space is dry. Convective heat loss increase when the air

temperature is less than skin temperature. Air movement will be affected by

the human physical activities. Human physical activities will increase the air

movement and therefore the air velocity and human physical activities are

both dependent variables to one another.

The opening will affect the ventilation of a room. The higher the air velocity,

the more the ventilation in the room. The openness leads a room to get the

air from the outside and thus increase the air velocity in the room. The

temperature of the room will be lower while the humidity higher when there is

good ventilation in a room. Thus, the more the opening in a room, the higher

the air velocity in a room.

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Diagram 5.9 Site Plan with September Wind Frequency Diagram

Wind rose diagram used for analysing the wind speed and direction of wind in a

particular place. The above wind rose diagram is based on 3 days span (7

September 2013 to 10 September 2013). By analysing the diagram, the strongest

winds come from east direction, with the speed of 19km/hr but it has the least

frequency. From the diagram above, it shows that S had the most frequency of wind,

while the supporting wind came from SSW, SSE. The wind flows in the site from south

to north direction.

Figure 5.10 Wind flow to the site

Wind Flow

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Figure 5.11 Site Section Wind Flow

As shown in the site section, the wind flows from west to east direction. The wind

cannot reach the room selected because it is located in the opposite side of wind

direction. There are a lot of tall trees located behind the building. The trees reduce

the speed of the wind which also partially blocked the wind from flowing into the

building.

5.3.2 Site Vegetation

Figure 5.12 Site Vegetation

Direction of Wind Flow

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Figure 5.13 Cross ventilation

5.3.3 Ventilation

Ventilation which is the fresh air circulation happens in a room or building. Human

comfort can be affected by ventilation as good ventilation of a room helps to

reduce heat through evaporation. The natural ventilation and simulated ventilation

are considers as the types of ventilation.

Figure 5.14 Single sided ventilation

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Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation can be defined when the air in a space is changed with outdoor

air without the use of fan and air-conditioning system. Most of the ventilation is

assured through operable windows or doors. The windows are opened most of the

time to allow the natural ventilation occurs efficiently in a room. The room is located

in the front part of the house which is in opposite side of the wind direction, therefore,

it will be only little amount of wind flow for the ventilation to occur. The door is closed

all the time which does not allow cross ventilation to occur.

Cross ventilation happens when the windows and the door are opened and in the

same time and creating a current of air across the room. Single sided ventilation

happens when there is only windows are opened in the room but it is not well-

organized ventilation enough because of the low rate of the wind speed.

Mechanical ventilation

Figure 5.12 Ventilation by fan

Mechanical ventilation occurs when a direct provision of air into the space by using

appliances such as fan and air-conditioning. Mechanical ventilation circulates the

air in the space to create a flow of wind. The air flow rate in the room can be

increased by the mechanical appliances such as fan and air-conditioning. There

was only the fan was using throughout the case study. The ventilation is supplied by

only using the fan and it helps to decreases the humidity and lowers the

temperature of the air it cycles to provide a more comfortable condition.

100%

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Figure 5.13 Heat loss and heat gain

5.4 Human activities

The temperature and humidity of an indoor space can be affected by the Human

activities. Human metabolism generates heat together with thermoregulation

increase the humidity and temperature by evaporation, perspiration, convection,

conduction and radiation. The use of appliances in indoor spaces will affect the

thermal condition in the room. Because those appliances will generate the heat to

the surrounding thus this will increase the temperature in the room. Body shape is

also one of the factors that will affect thermal condition of the room because the

heat dissipation depends on body surface area. A short and fat person can’t

tolerate higher temperature and dissipate heat slowly. The amount of changes in

the temperature will be affected by the sizes of the space which human activities

occur.

Based on the case study, the user stays at the living room to rest, study and watch

television. These activities will affect the room temperature directly. The light bulb

produces light which also produce heat to the surrounding. However, the ceiling will

provide ventilation inside the room although it itself will generate a low amount of

heat.

Heat emits by electrical appliances

Heat generates through human metabolism

Heat transfer to surrounding through radiation

Perspiration transfer heat and humidity to surrounding

Convection of body heat by wind

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5.5 Materials

Figure 5.15 Materials in the room

Ceramic Tiles

The whole room is covered with ceramic white shinny ceramic

tiles with smooth polish. Ceramic tiles have a medium thermal

conductivity for indoor flooring which are different from outdoor

ceramic tiles. Most of the heat absorb by the ceramic tiles are

not from direct sunlight but form the wall and the earth of the

ground. Heat is also absorbed from the electronic application

and human activities generated in the room.

Wall

The wall is made up of clay brick with cement plaster and mortar. The north wall is

highlighted with red blocks emits more heat compare to the other direction of the

wall. This is due to the direct heat transfer from the outdoor and some direct sunlight.

The north wall experience most heat transfer especially from the noon until late

evening. Thus the wall is heated up and it provides warm in the room during the

night. This result can be seen in the graph where the temperature of the room

remains high as the wall is slowly releasing the heat during the night. We can

conclude that the wall provides an even heat distribution throughout the day and

night where there is no spike in temperature or drastic decreases in temperature.

Figure 5.16

Ceramic Tile

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Windows

The glass panel of the window is made up from low-e

glass with black tint. The glass windows protect the

furniture and health of the people inside the house

form ultra violet rays. Low-e glass doesn’t eliminate

the thermal heat 100 percent from the outdoor but it

can help to reduce the heat. It is quite an effective

way to keep the room cool during the day with the

help of louvers outside the room. It also helps to keep

the glare of the sunlight low even without curtain.

Curtains (internal shading)

Lined curtain is installed for internal shading to

block direct sunlight and glare into the room.

Curtain is a good control of letting natural lights

and blocking it. But it doesn’t control the heat

thermal from the outdoor to the indoor of the

room during the day. By changing the type of

curtain to sun block curtains can provides

better thermal insulation inside the room

whether in day or night.

Roof

A roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a

building. A roof protects the building and its contents

from the effects of weather and the invasion of

animals. Structures that require roofs range from a

letter box to a cathedral or stadium, dwellings being

the most numerous. Roof is also an effective heat

insulator that reflects away the sunlight and reduces

the temperature of the interior.

Figure 5.18 Curtains

Figure 5.17 Windows

Figure 5.19 Roof

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6.0 Improvise

6.1 Building Design Standards

The analysis of case study design standards will be according to the Malaysia

Uniform Building By-Law 1984 and the Malaysia Standard 1525:2007 which is a code

of practice on energy efficiency and use of renewable energy for non-residential

buildings. Besides that, it also defines green buildings by establishing a common

language and standard of measurement to make buildings and the built

environment contribute significantly to reduce its negative impact on the

environment.

In 1990, the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 was modified to a set of guidelines given

by local authorities to ensure a design of a building that integrates to safety, energy

efficiency and comfort of the occupants and the surrounding activities. The building

design standards vary from different climatic regions because different designs

standards are set to respond to a specific climate and surrounding.

6.2 Shading

Since the excessive shading of the building, causes inadequate natural light. As a

result, artificial lights are open usually, increase the use of electricity and increase

indoor temperature.

According to MS 1525, our case study have carry out some of the requirement,

which are, orientate the largest wall areas in the north-south direction and shade

east-west facing walls with large roof overhangs. Besides large roof, trees also

provide shading to the building. Some trees are not enough higher to shade the

higher level of the apartment but provides ventilation.

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6.3 Ventilation

Wind generates complex pressure distributions on buildings, particularly in urban

environments. This assists ventilation, provided that openings are well distributed and

flow paths within the building are available.

Wind-induced ventilation uses pressures generated on the building by the wind, to

drive air through openings in the building. It is most commonly realised as cross-

ventilation, where air enters on one side of the building, and leaves on the opposite

side, but can also drive single sided ventilation, and vertical ventilation flows. Cross

ventilation works by taking advantage of high and low pressure zones created by

wind to draw fresh air through a building. Breezes enter through a window or vent,

bringing fresh air, while the pressure difference on both sides of the building pulls

stale air out an opening in the other side.

Wind speed and direction is very variable. Openings must be controllable to cover

the wide range of required ventilation rates and the wide range of wind speeds. The

more the opening area is distributed, the more likely it is that there will be a pressure

difference between openings to drive the flow. For cross-ventilation, bear in mind

that the leeward space will have air that has picked up heat or pollution from the

windward space. This may limit the depth of plan for cross-ventilation. If windows are

used, consideration must be given to their controllability and ergonomic design, and

the effect of air flows to the immediately adjacent occupants. So, more windows

should be added to increase the airflow into the building. It allows the whole room

area being ventilated and increases the thermal comfort of the user.

Figure 6.1 Large roof overhang Figure 6.2 Tree

provide shade

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6.4.1 Before applying 6.4.2 After applying glazed windows

6.4 Materials

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers

(ASHRAE) provide R-values of building materials in their 1997 Handbook of

Fundamentals. Each material has their different R-value. The R-values for specific

assemblies like doors and glazing are generalizations because they can vary

significantly based on special materials that the manufacturer uses. Double-glazing

windows are double glass window panes separated by an air or other gas filled

space to reduce heat transfer across a part of the building envelope. A 1.25 inch

thickness of double pane insulating glass has 2.04 R-value. Since the sunlight irradiate

directly to the corridor, it increase the temperature of the space. So, install double-

glazing windows can reduce heat loss and trap cool air inside the room. Air gap

between double-glazing reduces heat transfer because air is a poor conductor.

According to MS 1525, infiltration cold air losses at junctions of different materials

especially between roof joist and exterior walls. Thus, same or similar materials should

be applied on roof, walls or floors of the building.

6.4.1 U value of the glazing glass 6.4.2 Double-glazing window

system

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7.0 Conclusion

Chart 7.1 Bioclimatic chart with average Temperature and RH

The above bioclimatic chart shows the average of temperature and relative

humidity throughout the three days being plotted as point X. At. Point X, the air has a

temperature of 29.15°C and a relative humidity of 66.75% where is outside the

thermal comfort zone. This proved that the room is hot and humid because lack of

ventilation.

Based on the bioclimatic chart, the average dry bulb temperature and relative

humidity plotted shows that the case study does not provide a suitable thermal

comfort for the occupants. The result above shows that the temperature of the case

study is high and low humidity. Base on the analysis of the case study, a conclusion

has been made that the thermal performance of the case study is not sufficient to

provide a proper thermal comfort for the occupant.

The factor that affected the thermal performance of the case study is the users and

the electronic appliances. Therefore, heat is trapped inside the room and increase

the indoor temperature. Moreover, the position of our chosen site is the fifth floor of

an apartment that receives the most sunlight than other lower levels.

Lack of ventilation of the case study is caused by insufficient openings. The door is

closed all the time which does not allow cross ventilation to occur. Moreover, the

windows position is not match with the wind flow, so stack ventilation does not occur

because there are no air wells.

X

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8.0 References

1. Auliciems, A. & Szokolay, S.V. 1997. Thermal Comfort. Brisbane: The University of

Queensland Printery.

2. McMullan, R. 1998. Environmental Science in Buildings, 4th. ed. Basingstoke:

McMillan.

3. Szokolay S. (1982) Climatic Data and its use in Design RAIA Canberra

4. Excellent In Glazing. Retrieved 25 September 2013, from Macedon Range Glass

website:

http://www.macedonrangesglass.com.au/double-glazing/

5. Accent blinds. (n.d.), Choosing Curtains. 25 September 2013. From

http://www.accentblinds.com.au/curtains/curtain-types/

6. Boral Limited. (2002), Advantage of Bricks. 25 September 2013. From

http://www.boral.com.au/bricks/bricks-advantages.asp

7. BNP Media. (n.d.), Measuring Thermal Conductivity. 25 September 2013. From

http://www.ceramicindustry.com/articles/measuring-thermal-conductivity

8. Archtoolbox. (n.d.). R-values of Insulation. Retrieved 25 September 2013, from

website:

http://archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/thermal-moisture-protection/24-

rvalues.html

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9.0 Appendix

Date Time Temperature (°C) Humidity (%)

Indoor Outdoor Indoor Outdoor

7/9/2013 2.00 pm 28.2 31 45.4 62

3.00 pm 30.6 31 61.1 62

4.00 pm 30.5 31 64.1 66

5.00 pm 30.6 27 65.4 79

6.00 pm 28.6 25 69.2 94

7.00 pm 29.0 26 74.3 94

8.00 pm 28.4 25 73.8 89

9.00 pm 28.1 25 71.5 89

10.00 pm 28.1 25 72.6 94

11.00 pm 28.4 25 72.2 94

8/9/2013 12.00 am 28.3 25 71.4 94

1.00 am 28.2 25 71.1 94

2.00 am 28.0 25 70.7 94

3.00 am 27.8 25 65.5 94

4.00 am 27.7 25 65.6 94

5.00 am 27.6 25 67.0 94

6.00 am 27.5 25 67.1 94

7.00 am 27.5 25 67.8 94

8.00 am 27.4 25 67.7 94

9.00 am 27.5 26 68.8 89

10.00 am 27.9 27 67.2 89

11.00 am 28.2 29 66.8 74

12.00 pm 29.3 29 63.6 90

1.00 pm 30.2 29 57.5 91

2.00 pm 30.8 29 57.1 91

3.00 pm 30.5 29 61.7 91

4.00 pm 28.4 29 68.4 91

5.00 pm 28.5 26 69.4 91

6.00 pm 28.5 25 69.6 94

7.00 pm 28.2 25 73.4 94

8.00 pm 28.1 25 73.7 94

9.00 pm 27.8 25 74.7 94

10.00 pm 28.2 25 72.6 94

11.00 pm 28.1 25 71.5 94

9/9/2013 12.00 am 27.9 25 74.5 94

1.00 am 27.8 25 71.0 94

2.00 am 27.7 25 70.7 94

3.00 am 27.5 25 71.7 94

4.00 am 27.4 24 71.1 100

5.00 am 27.3 24 70.7 100

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6.00 am 27.2 24 69.3 100

7.00 am 27.1 24 70.1 94

8.00 am 26.8 24 77.2 100

9.00 am 26.8 26 80.1 89

10.00 am 27.4 27 76.0 79

11.00 am 27.7 27 74.3 84

12.00 pm 28.2 29 71.3 74

1.00 pm 28.9 29 67.3 74

2.00 pm 29.2 31 66.9 66

3.00 pm 30.0 30 64.7 75

4.00 pm 28.5 28 74.7 84

5.00 pm 28.7 28 73.4 79

6.00 pm 28.6 28 71.5 79

7.00 pm 28.0 24 73.5 94

8.00 pm 27.2 24 75.0 94

9.00 pm 27.1 24 74.3 94

10.00 pm 27.1 24 71.7 89

11.00 pm 27.3 24 66.6 94

10/9/2013 12.00 am 27.2 24 66.9 94

1.00 am 27.2 24 64.8 96

2.00 am 27.0 24 64.9 96

3.00 am 26.9 24 66.7 96

4.00 am 26.7 24 62.4 96

5.00 am 26.7 24 67.6 96

6.00 am 26.6 24 68.6 96

7.00 am 26.5 24 65.6 96

8.00 am 26.3 25 66.0 99

9.00 am 26.0 25 78.2 96

10.00 am 26.5 26 78.3 89

11.00 am 26.7 28 76.4 80

12.00 pm 26.8 28 76.1 77

1.00 pm 26.3 29 79.8 76

2.00 pm 26.5 29 75.3 75