Skip to main content
OSTI.GOVU.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information
 

Development and demonstration of a comfort index program with a microprocessor to control year-round comfort in a residential bedroom in a hot arid climate

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6082899
This study addresed the improvement of year-round comfort in residences in the hot, arid climate of the Southwestern US. Temperature is only one of six variables that can affect a person's comfort sensation. The five others are mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, air motion, activity level and clothing insulation value. Recent research by P.O. Fanger has combined all six comfort variables into a mathematical model that predicts thermal comfort sensation-a comfort prediction index. This research developed and demonstrated a year-round comfort control method using a microprocessor which repeatedly calculated a comfort index. Based on more than the comfort index, the control program also utilized expert system methods to select and control appropriate environmental control devices during the heating, cooling, and intermediate seasons. This newly developed control method - comfort index control or CI control - was compared to standard thermostatic control in a case study demonstration. Environmental control systems were operated for multiple days during each of three Phoenix seasons; hot, humid; hot, dry; and winter. Data were collected to compare the comfort level maintained, the percentage of time within the acceptable comfort envelope, and the energy consumed. The results showed that for comfort index control, conditions are within comfort range for a greater percentage of time and are generally more consistent. Also, since the most efficient method of maintaining comfort conditions can be constantly evaluated and selected, comfort can be maintained at a lower operating cost. The greatest savings were obtained because of proper evaporative cooler/ventilator control in the hot, dry season and because of ceiling fan control in the hot, humid season.
Research Organization:
Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
OSTI ID:
6082899
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Opportunities for energy conservation through thermal comfort control strategies
Conference · Sun Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1997 · OSTI ID:478242
Improving Comfort in Hot-Humid Climates with a Whole-House Dehumidifier, Windermere, Florida [Fact Sheet]
Technical Report · Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 EDT 2013 · OSTI ID:1107438
Comfort conditions in roof pond cooled residences without air conditioners
Conference · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1979 · Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States) · OSTI ID:6516342

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320107* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Systems-- (1987-)
AIR FLOW
ARIZONA
BLOWERS
BUILDINGS
CLOTHING
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COOLING SYSTEMS
COST
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
EXPERT SYSTEMS
FEDERAL REGION IX
FLUID FLOW
GAS FLOW
HEATING SYSTEMS
HUMIDITY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NORTH AMERICA
ON-LINE CONTROL SYSTEMS
ON-LINE SYSTEMS
OPERATING COST
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
TESTING
THERMAL COMFORT
THERMAL INSULATION
THERMOSTATS
USA