EXCOMMOD IBP

A HOLISTIC EXERGETIC MODEL OF THERMAL COMFORT INCLUDING THE INDIVIDUAL THERMAL BACKGROUND AND PRODUCTIVITY OF AN OFFICE WORKER IN SUMMERTIME

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'This research project aims at the development of a new holistic model of thermal comfort and productivity in the office environment by implementing the thermal background and behavioural actions of an individual human being and considering the human-body exergy-consumption rate. The focus will be on summer conditions and the expected results are a theoretical model together with algorithms to be used for simulation purposes. The objectives of this proposal will be reached by an interdisciplinary approach, i.e. by a strong cooperation with researchers with experience in studies on occupant behaviour as well as health and psychological aspects of thermal comfort. Furthermore, this project will be conducted in close cooperation with scientists from the former Japanese host due to their deep experience and knowledge in exergy analysis. With regard to the methodology applied, the objective will be reached by human data collection of physiological and behavioural reactions to distinctive thermal conditions together with the perceived thermal comfort in climate chamber experiments as well as field studies. A detailed understanding and the ability to predict the expected thermal comfort and productivity of an office worker together with the energy used for an existing or projected building must be crucial for a higher quality of life for the office worker, reduced costs for the entrepreneur and a reduced energy demand and CO2-emissions from the building sector. In addition, this will lead to further technological and conceptual advancements within the construction industry and the architectural and interior design field. Therefore, this project will result in a higher satisfaction of EU office workers, an increased productivity of EU based companies, while achieving the set goals for CO2-emission reduction more easily. Furthermore, this project facilitates the researcher the reintegration and increase the chances to start a successful research career in the EU.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Productivity and well-being can suffer when people work in unpleasantly hot or cold work environments. EU-funded scientists are examining a variety of environmental and personal factors on what makes workers feel comfortable.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Recent studies show that people who are satisfied with their work setting are healthier and tend to work more effectively. The extent to which they are content with their environment (thermal comfort) is not only affected by factors such as metabolic rate, clothing insulation, temperature and humidity, but also factors coming from their individual personality. Despite the evidence, only one tenth of an office building's total operating costs are spent on optimising its thermal environment.

The EXCOMMOD IBP project is currently designing a theoretical thermal comfort model and algorithms. These will be used to improve the outcome of simulation programmes that present the relationship between thermal comfort and associated behaviours, productivity and a person's thermal background.

Project work began by building on existing major thermal comfort models and approaches that will ultimately lead to the development of the holistic model.

The team has been studying the physiological and behavioural responses of men and women between 20 and 30 years of age to different thermal environments during summer. Activities have focused on what behavioural actions are being carried out to reach higher thermal comfort levels. Examples of such actions include operating windows and fans, adjusting blinds and shades, changing clothes, and consuming food and drinks.

Researchers will also define the threshold levels of environmental conditions that cause specific behavioural actions and their efficiency on the perceived thermal comfort.

The proposed innovative model is expected to result in a healthier and more productive European workforce. EXCOMMOD IBP outcomes will also lead to energy-efficient buildings, thus helping to achieve the EU's targets for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy.