Quantitative Assessment of Models and Indices for Interior Thermal Comfort Taking Into Account the Effects of Solar Radiation and Wind

Abstract

The performance of thermal comfort utilising machine learning and its acceptability by students and other users at the Professor Sir Edouard Lim Fat Engineering Tower at the University of Mauritius are evaluated in this study. Students and building occupants were asked to fill out surveys on-site as data was gathered from sensors throughout the structure. The Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) and other important data were collected through the surveys, including the effect of wind on thermal comfort. An adaptive model incorporating solar and wind effects was evaluated using multiple linear regression techniques and RStudio. Three models were used to evaluate thermal comfort, including the adaptive one. Numerous models were compared and evaluated in order to select the best one. It was found that the adaptive model (Model 1) was deemed to be the best model for its application. It was also found that Fanger's PMV/PPD (Model 2) was a very good approach to determining thermal comfort. Through thorough analysis, it was concluded that the range of air temperature and wind speed for thermal comfort was 25.830°C–28.0°C and 0.26 m/s to 0.42 m/s, respectively. In order for cities to remain secure, resilient and sustainable, it will be important to manage thermal comfort and reduce populations' exposure to heat stress (SDG 11). The achievement of income and productivity goals will be hampered if measures to protect populations from heat stress are not taken (SDG 8). Thermal regulation is also necessary for the provision of numerous health services (SDG 3).

Citation

Rajkumarsingh, B., Ah King, R.T.F. and Joomun, K.A. (2024), "Quantitative Assessment of Models and Indices for Interior Thermal Comfort Taking Into Account the Effects of Solar Radiation and Wind", Fowdur, T.P., Rosunee, S., Ah King, R.T.F., Jeetah, P. and Gooroochurn, M. (Ed.) Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Systems and Sustainable Development, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 145-155. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-540-820241011