Noor Hanita Abdul Majid

Field Survey of Air Conditioner Temperature Settings in Hot, Humid Climates, Part 1: Questionnaire Results on Use of Air Conditioners in Houses During Sleep

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey on the use of air conditioners in houses in Surabaya, Indonesia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The objective of the survey was to clarify what temperature and humidity levels people in these regions prefer in order to feel comfortable, with special focus on their sleeping environment. This was determined through survey responses and by measuring the thermal environments in their bedrooms. The questionnaire file was distributed to 64 university students in Surabaya and 65 in Kuala Lumpur. The students interviewed their family members and described their own experiences in their daily lives at home. The survey results show that the respondents set their air conditioners at very low temperatures. They also show that more than half of the respondents reported a cold or cool thermal sensation while using the air conditioner. Many respondents also reported various health problems and feeling cold while they were sleeping.

Reduction of Energy Consumption by AC due to Air Tightness and Ventilation Strategy in Residences in Hot and Humid Climates

Abstract This paper proposes strategies for reducing energy consumption for cooling in residences in hot and humid climates. Based on the results of fieldwork measurements and questionnaire surveys, a simulation of indoor thermal environments in consideration of air conditioner operation was carried out, in order to evaluate energy consumption by air conditioners. This simulation program takes into account both heat and moisture transfer in building materials. In order to simplify the calculation and due to lack of measurement of ventilation volumes, the ventilation volumes are assumed as constant values depending on open or closed windows. The combined effects of building air-tightness and the opening time of windows for ventilation were examined. Making an entire building airtight results in a small reduction in energy consumption, as the air-conditioned area increases. Meanwhile, simply making an air-conditioned room airtight is more effective for reducing cooling energy consumption. Irrespective of this, nighttime ventilation of non-air-conditioned spaces is quite effective in reducing sensible cooling load. Thus, introduction of not only a high degree of insulation but also air-tightness along with well controlled ventilation is required to achieve energy savings in hot and humid climates.

Human behaviour in household energy use and the implications of energy efficiency delivery: A case of Bauchi, Nigeria

Purpose – Although the term “energy efficiency” is technologically focused, it has a behavioural content due to the associated energy conservation practice involved. The technology aspect applies essentially to the application of new or better technology in order to derive same output or level of service for less input energy, while the conservation aspect is attributed to behaviour. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In an attempt to expound on this understanding, a social survey of some households in Bauchi town, Nigeria was undertaken so as to seek ways of improving the energy use situation of the country. The principal objective is to determine the influence of human behaviour in energy efficiency delivery in the households. Findings – The result reveals a much low level of energy efficiency practice by the occupants due largely to lack of awareness and requisite knowledge on the phenomenon of energy efficiency. Originality/value – Finally, the study highlights on th...

Field survey of air conditioner temperature settings in a hot, dry climate (Oman)

In conventional air-conditioning design, the comfortable range of temperatures is between 25°C and 27°C with relative humidity levels of 40% to 60%; these numbers vary only slightly based on a persons race and country. Several studies in tropical climates show that the observed thermal comfort requirement often does not agree with those obtained based on experiments, which have mainly used North American subjects. However, there is no consistent rationale that explains why comfort requirements are different in hot climates, suggesting that more surveys on thermal comfort may be needed in the tropics. In Asia, there has recently been a rapid and widespread diffusion of air conditioners; therefore, a survey was conducted to clarify what temperature and humidity level people in Asian countries prefer in order to feel comfortable. Following that research, this article presents the results of a questionnaire survey on the use of air conditioners in houses in hot, dry climates. Nizwa and Rustak, Oman, characterized by the hot, arid climate of the Arabian Peninsula, were chosen as survey areas. The questionnaire survey was distributed to students of Nizwa University. Questions were asked about the duration of air-conditioner use and preferred air-conditioner temperature settings. To determine how respondents felt about their indoor environment, questions were also asked about the thermal sensations that were experienced while using the air conditioner. In both cities, the mean operating time of the air conditioner was very long. The respondents reported selecting a low temperature setting while sleeping, despite the fact that many of them reported that they were cold while sleeping. Ninety percent of respondents reported a cold, cool, or neutral thermal sensation while using the air conditioner without feeling discomfort.

Energy development in Nigeria and the need for strategic energy efficiency practice scheme for the residential building sector

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek ways to improve energy efficiency in the residential building sector of Nigeria. This is necessary so as to promote a wider scope of energy efficiency practice in order to reduce energy demand on the central power supply of the nation and as well-attain reasonable level of energy security. Design/methodology/approach – However, the objective of the study is to propose a strategic plan (scheme) of energy efficiency practice for the housing sector of the Nigerian economy. To accomplish this task, a review of the main issues of energy efficiency; the current energy situation in Nigeria; and the challenges to implementing energy efficiency in the country was undertaken. Findings – Finally, remedial measures to achieving energy efficiency in the Nigerian households were proffered by the provision of a “strategic scheme” to be accomplished by the government and the housing stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – It is evident that a strategic plan or fram...

An Assessment on Glare from Daylight through Various Designs of Shading Devices in Hot Humid Climate, Case Study in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Glare is one of the main problems that cause daylight to be visually undesirable in a hot humid country such as Malaysia. However, the design of modern buildings in Malaysia applies large glass windows and some partially covered with various design of shading devices, which are merely for aesthetic reason. Having sun shading devices have not solved the glare problems instead create either dark interiors or force for interior blinds and use of electrical lighting. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the glare performance under daylight through most common types of shading devices used in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The four most common shading devices are: vertical, horizontal, egg-crate and geometrical pattern. The experiment covers the luminance, illuminance level and subjective responses of the occupants. The result indicates that under the vertical shading devices has spotted the highest glare values, in contrast subjective response indicate that the vertical shading devices provide most comfortable environment.

Monumentalising the Vernacular: Criticality, Culture and Identity of the City

In later years, cultural references were evoked by transposing certain vernacular type-forms onto existing modern forms. Malay roof forms adorned low-rise entrance podiums and were attached to the mainly Modernist blocks, some of which remained in the ubiquitous International style. At times the overall form and design were directly derived from traditional Malay architecture.

Thermal Sensation and Comfort in Hot and Humid Climate of Indonesia

In conventional air-conditioning design, the comfortable range is considered to be between temperatures of 25 and 27 °C and relative humidity of 40 and 60%; these numbers vary only slightly based on a person’s race and country. However, several studies conducted in regions with hot and humid climates show that the observed thermal comfort requirements often do not agree with those obtained from European-based studies. In this chapter, the results from the questionnaire surveys and measurements in residences in the hot and humid regions of Indonesia and Malaysia are shown. It was found that the residents use air conditioning at low temperatures for sleeping and that many people consider cold condition as “comfortable” and desire “cooler” conditions even if they feel “cold” in thermal sensation.

An Analysis of Privacy in the Space Organisation of Traditional Malay Houses in Peninsular Malaysia

This study contested that privacy was important in the traditional Malay culture and was translated into the traditional Malay houses despite suggestions that privacy was not given emphasis in the traditional Malay society. The study employs analysis of plans of traditional Malay houses from different states in Malaysia to evaluate consideration for privacy in the traditional Malay houses in relation to the conception of privacy and privacy regulation in traditional Malay culture. The results show that privacy was provided in the traditional Malay houses consistent with the conception of privacy which emphasis on community intimacy, the role of women in the house, respect for elders and modesty. Privacy of individual privacy was not emphasised as in the Western cultures. Findings also indicated that different level of privacy was provided at both public and private level in the house through the space organisation, design of openings within each of the traditional Malay houses and regulated by traditional Malay culture which is coterminous with Islam as a way of life as important privacy regulating mechanisms. Differences in terms of level of privacy required influenced the traditional houses in different states.

Cultural preservations through digital reconstruction of Bytul Anwar, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia

Preservation of heritage building is one of the most important aspects in preserving the cultural identity of a nation. Therefore, the heritage buildings should be documented as it is to conserve old buildings for the future generation. Due to the current state of the heritage buildings and lack of funding many heritage buildings has been left dilapidated. Reconstructing buildings through digital media help to document and preserve the building virtually at minimum cost. The study was conducted on Bytul Anwar that has remained standing from 1912 until now and has undergone transition processes through time. Bytul Anwar was one of the palaces designed by Raja Harun Al-Rasyid who was the crown prince at that time. It is located in the royal compound of Bukit Chandan in Kuala Kangsar that consists of palaces and noble dwellings for the royal family of Perak. This paper presents digital reconstruction of Bytul Anwar and describes the morphology of the buildings from 1912 to 2010. The reconstruction of the heritage building is based on the following method; interviews, field measurements and computer graphic simulation to reconstruct the house in stages. The research has reconstructed the building digitally to document the additions and renovations including the changes in function of the palace through time. The digital media provides a sound background for documentation and further discussion in cultural heritage.