Mohd Rodzi Ismail

Potential of fibre optic daylighting systems in tropical Malaysia

Fibre optic daylighting systems are a developing technology that offers solutions to daylighting designers. However, these systems are rarely used in the tropics because of the variable illumination provided by the sky, which changes with latitude, time of day, and seasons. This study examines the illumination levels obtained using a fibre optic daylighting system under various tropical climate conditions in Malaysia. A Parans SP3 fibre optic daylighting system with 10-m cable was used on a full-scale test bed model in Universiti Sains Malaysia as an empirical approach. The following results were obtained: (i) on sunny days with intermediate blue sky, the system worked at 79% and reached a maximum of 725 lx, an average of 457 lx, and a minimum of 98 lx; (ii) on moderately sunny days with intermediate mean sky, the system worked at 48.5% and reached a maximum 685 lx, an average of 439 lx, and a minimum of 80 lx; (iii) under overcast skies, the system worked at 37.5% and reached a maximum of 538 lx, an average of 305 lx, and a minimum of 41 lx. These findings provide benchmarking directions for the application of fibre optic daylighting systems in Malaysia.

A review study on the application of the fibre optic daylighting system in Malaysian buildings

As a developing country, Malaysia requires innovation to keep abreast of the rapid growth of technology to meet the highly demanding energy consumption. The application of daylighting systems especially by fibre optics is very limited, due to the absence of relevant knowledge and the lack of understanding of the system requirements and potentials, particularly the technology of illuminating enclosed spaces which are totally surrounded by internal walls (opaque). Thus, the aim of this literature review is to shed light on this new approach and to help the building technologists activate its application in building interiors. This paper presents and summarises the important technical issues that enhance the adoption of this technique for the Malaysian built environment.

A Field Study to Determine Inside Design Conditions for Malaysian Air Conditioning Systems

In order to conserve energy for the 21st Century it is important that air conditioning systems are not ‘over designed’. With this in mind, a study has been conducted in Malaysia to check that the current recommended inside design conditions, which were probably drawn up to satisfy the comfort needs of Americans and Europeans, correspond with the expectations of the average native Malaysians. This study of Malaysian thermal comfort has been conducted in 11 Malaysian air conditioned offices with over500 workers questioned. The data has been analysed on the ASHRAE scale and other rating scales, comparing it to the measured air temperature and other indoor environmental parameters. Results indicate that the neutral air temperature for the whole sample is 24.6°C which compares well with the figures found in other studies of air-conditioned environments in tropical climates. The results are compared with the current recommended design values as given in the C1BSE Guide, ASHRAE Guide etc.

An Investigation of mould growth in tropical climate buildings

Mould growth is the phenomena which can cause Sick Building Syndrome such as the health problem, damage to building materials, books, clothes, and stored foods. This paper presents a study of mould growth in tropical climates buildings for the basis of a comprehensive study and the causes of mould growth in various materials. Mould growth can occur from water damage, condensation, leaks, or even the mere presence of high humidity. Objectives of this study are identifies the mould growth in building and its effect to the building especially in Malaysia. It also identify the causes of it growth at certain element, material and design which is exposed to mould growth. Two different case studies have been conducted to show the mould growth problem in building. This paper has gained an insight into a better understanding of factors of mould growth of indoor building. The condition survey method was conducted to this investigation of dampness. It also highlights the important problems for tropical climates building and suggested a possible remedial work to the building owner and building maintenance management to prevent the mould growth in building.