Comfort and the indoor climate

The climatic conditions inside a building depend primarily on the conditions prevailing outside and the people and process housed within. however many additional factor can mediate the effect of the exterior conditions on those indoors.

Building design and the indoor climate.

Building design determines the amount of solar penetration into the building and the radiant heat gain. The amount of insulation, particularly of the roof, has a large influence on the heat exchange between the building and the environment solar heat gain through uninsulated factory roof and walls is an important cause of overheating. this is particularly important in developing country where cost effective but thermally efficient building concepts are needed.

In hot country, roof insulation is an important first step in combating overheating. parts of the building that are exposed to direct sunlight can be painted in in bright colour to reflect solar energy Rectangular shape buildings can be constructed with their long walls facing north/south. In the summer the sun shines on the shorter walls in the morning and evening and on the roof during the day. This minimize the degree of heating of the building by the sun. Conversely in the winter when the sun is low in the sky, the long walls and roof are exposed to the sun during the day. which helps to warm the building.

Thermal comfort in buildings

The thermal comfort of a factory/office worker depends on there being an average skin temperature of approximately 33C. modern approaches to the indoor climates have attemted to specify an acceptable range of conditions for the worker. ISO 9241reccomend winter temperature of 20C-24C and summer temperature of 23-26C. maximum value of relatiVE humidity are 60-80% at 20C,5070% at 22C, 45-65% at 24C. at temperature of 24C and above, workers may begin to feel lethargic. At the temperature of 18C or lower, shivering may commence in sedentary or inactive work unless extra clothing is worn.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a determinant of thermal comfort and, more generally, of satisfaction with the indoor environment. The purpose is to provided fresh air and to removed accumulated noxious gases and contaminants. Its helps to removed heat generated in a working area by convection and cools the body.

Thermal comfort Air Quality

Poor air quality can cause a variety occupational health problems ranging from temporary to long term effect. Common problems associated with poor air quality are allergic, respiratory problems, eye irritation, bronchitis, and sick-building syndrome (infested with airborne microorganisms). Poor air quality is caused by poor ventilation in closed working spaces likes tunnel, ship tank, etc.

Why Should Concern to Indoor Air Quality

a) Occupational health concern - Avoid sick-building syndrome - Prevent eye, nose, and throat irritation. - Headache: difficulty in concentrating b) Productivity concern - Poor indoor air quality can lead to loss of productivity - Increase in employee absenteeism. - Loss of work hours, it estimated USD 3 billion per year (ILO, 2004).

Measurement of Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality Monitor