Human subject experiments for investigating the combined effects of two local discomfort parameters

Abstract

The purpose of HVAC systems is to provide a comfortable environment and set the conditions for efficient work. The enhancement of buildings´ energy performance puts emphasis on meeting the comfort requirements indoors, as the acceptable environments have to be provided from less energy. The comfort of occupants is determined by the heat exchange between his body and his indoor environment. Even if whole body thermal comfort is accomplished there may be local areas on the body where sensation of discomfort may arise. The paper contains the results of a human subject experiment that was carried out to study the combined effect of two, simultaneously present local discomfort parameters, namely radiant temperature asymmetry and warm feet. Results showed that local discomfort caused by warm feet was not present or was out ruled by the radiation from the cold wall surface.