Conserving Energy by Expanding the Thermal Comfort Envelope

Abstract

Standard 55–74 entitled “Thermal Conditions for Human Occupancy” which is published by The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, (ASHRAE) defines an “acceptable thermal environment” as one in which “at least 80 percent of the normally clothed men and women while engaged in indoor sedentary or near sedentary activities would express thermal comfort.” This is pictured on the ASHRAE psychrometric chart as an envelope that includes dry bulb temperatures between 74°F and 77°F at relative humidities between 20% and 60%. The paper will describe five human factors approaches that have been used or are being considered to expand this envelope and thereby conserve energy. These are (1) the use of small radiant heaters which are installed in the modesty panels of desks so comfort may be attained at lower temperatures; (2) the demonstration that night set-back of thermostats to temperatures as low as 50°F do not effect sleeping patterns; (3) the role that interior decor can play in making people feel warmer; (4) the effect that temperature “swings” associated with solar heating and cooling has upon acceptance of the thermal environment and (5) the acceptance of a reduced quality of indoor air as a result of heating with an increased ratio of recirculated air to outside air.