Papers by Renata De Vecchi
Ambiente Construído, 2016
This paper evaluates the adaptive method application proposed by the last version of ASHRAE 55 (2... more This paper evaluates the adaptive method application proposed by the last version of ASHRAE 55 (2013) standard in two different climates in Brazil. ASHRAE 55 (2013) currently allows for linear and exponential methods to calculate the prevailing mean outdoor air temperature (T pma(out) ) and both are used to establish the acceptability zones. For the exponential method, two different α were used (0.6 and 0.8). Moreover, the T pma(out) was calculated for two different time spans (7 and 30 days). Results indicate that choosing linear or exponential, and even a monthly method, to calculate the T pma(out) is indifferent when small amplitudes are concerned; but it can lead to different limits of acceptability when significant day to day temperature variations are present. However, the impact on the sum of discomfort hours is minimal. In addition, the results of this paper indicates that it is possible to find significant percentages of thermal acceptability from previous field study below the lower limit of acceptability proposed by the ASHRAE 55 (2013) adaptive model. Thus, a clo adjustment zone is suggested.
Architectural Science Review, 2014
ASHRAE Standard 55 is widely used to assess thermal comfort in buildings worldwide. The main purp... more ASHRAE Standard 55 is widely used to assess thermal comfort in buildings worldwide. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the adaptive method application proposed by ASHRAE 55 in two different climates in Brazil. This method relates the conditions for comfort to the "prevailing mean outdoor air temperature". The currently available version of the Standard allows for linear and exponential methods to calculate the "prevailing mean", and both are tested to establish the acceptability zones. The results indicate that choosing any of the methods to calculate the prevailing mean outdoor air temperature gives similar results when the temperature amplitudes are small; but it can lead to different limits of acceptability, and consequently sum of discomfort hours, when significant day-to-day temperature variations are present. In addition, the results indicate that it is possible to find significant percentages of thermal acceptability from previous studies below the lower limit of acceptability proposed by the Standard. As a result, a "clo adjustment zone" is suggested.
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Papers by Renata De Vecchi