Investigating the applicability of PMVe-PPDe model in non air-conditioned hostel building

Abstract

To make PMV-PPD model applicable in NV buildings, Fanger proposed PMVe-PPDe model by including an expectancy factor (e). However, there are conflicting reports as regard the applicability of the model in NV buildings. Using the data obtained from physical measurement of (air temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) using Kestrel model 4500, questionnaire survey and observation considering class II protocol, the applicability of PMVe-PPDe model in a NV hostel building was investigated. All the measured environmental variables fell below the comfort range recommended by ASHRAE standard 55 and ISO 7730 standard. Most (85%) of the calculated PMVe values fell within the comfort range recommended by ASHRAE standard 55 and ISO 7730 standard. The obtained PPDe results showed only a slight overestimation (8.9% about) of the percentage of dissatisfied under neutrality conditions. The study concluded that PMVe-PPDe is applicable in NV hostel in this climate. According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the Fanger’s basic approach for the assessment of the thermal comfort is effective also in naturally ventilated hostel environments if a right expectancy factor is applied.

Keywords: NV environments, thermal comfort in hostel, PMVe-PPDe, expectancy factor.