Cristiana Croitoru

An Adaptive Thermal Comfort Model for the Romanian Climate

Human thermal comfort (HTC) embraces two major approaches, Fanger or classical theory and an adaptive one. Adaptive HTC equations make up parts of the worldwide recognized thermal comfort standards. The balance between thermal comfort and energy saving is held by the adaptive approach of thermal comfort. The use of adaptive HTC equations in the evaluation of existing buildings and in the design of new buildings has led to an important decrease in energy consumption and a minimization of building maintenance costs.

First adaptive thermal comfort equation for naturally ventilated buildings in Bucharest, Romania

ABSTRACT National and international adaptive thermal comfort (ATC) standards gain now wider acceptance. These standards propose adaptive comfort equations derived from specific databases. New ATC equations are developed worldwide, under different latitudes and climates. A field survey has been performed in 2013–2014 in six naturally ventilated buildings located in Bucharest (Romania, Köppen type D - temperate continental climate). Comfort parameters were measured and comfort questionnaires were distributed. Using the theory of ASHRAE 55 Standard an ATC equation specific to Romanian climate has been proposed for the first time. Also, the 80% and 90% acceptability bands were determined in this situation. The new ATC equation has been compared with other ATC equations found in literature for similar climates. New thermal comfort investigations have been performed one year later after the first survey, new comfort investigations were performed. The ATC equation has been checked and good agreement has been found.

Preliminary Results Concerning the Thermal Comfort in a Romanian Passive House

Energy saving is a recognized priority worldwide. The goal for the construction industry is to conceive and operate buildings with low energy consumption. However, sometimes energy saving can cause discomfort to the occupants. A field survey was done in a naturally ventilated passive office building during summer. Comfort parameters were measured and occupants were distributed comfort questionnaires consisting of questions related to their thermal sensation and preference.

Thermal Comfort Analyses in Naturally Ventilated Buildings

Abstract Global current requirement is to increase thermal comfort in residential and non residential buildings. A field survey was accomplished in a naturally ventilated university classroom in Bucharest, Romania, in winter and spring. Comfort parameters were measured and comfort questionnaires were distributed to the students. Questions were related to thermal sensation of the occupants. This paper compares the experimental results with the occupant’s response. It analyzes the variation of Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percent of Dissatisfied (PPD) with temperature. It is made a comparison between PMV and thermal sensation vote. The results show PMV values different from Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) values which means there is a poor approximation of indoor comfort. In conclusion the comfort parameters should be reviewed and should be proposed other evaluation methods. Possible explanations are discussed in relation with thermal regime of the buildings.