1,720,988 research outputs found
THERMODE 2023: Formulation and Validation of a new Thermo-physiological Model for Moderate Environments
No full textThermo-physiological models allow the evaluation of the human response to thermal environments, assessing thermal comfort and (or) thermal stress due to exposure to heat and cold, in clothing and automotive research, and building simulation. Fifty years after the final version of the model developed by Stolwijk over the period 1966–1973, this paper describes a novel multi-cylindrical model which integrates the most recent advances in the active and the passive components and a thermal sensation model. The model, named THERMODE (THERMoregulation MOdel for Disuniform Environments) 2023, will be presented in-depth to allow its independent implementation by researchers in the field and favour further developments. Consisting of 14 blocks, 48 segments, and 193 nodes, THERMODE has been validated based on climatic chamber measurements carried out on nine groups of twelve subjects in a range of thermal sensations close to comfort (e.g., from slightly cool (−1) to slightly warm (+1) according to the ASHRAE scale). THERMODE predicts with acceptable accuracy core and local skin temperature values with deviations that do not exceed 0.5 °C in moderate environments. The thermal sensation model was validated on a sample of more than 4000 subjects and predicts with high accuracy the thermal sensation in the range from −1.2 to 2.0. THERMODE seems to be also reliable in a broader range of microclimatic conditions with skin and core temperatures close to those predicted by other models (e.g., JOS-3 or 3-D)
Criteria for assessment of hot environments: WBGT index and PHS (predicted heat strain).
No full textNel presente studio sono illustrati i tre principali metodi di valutazione degli ambienti severi caldi: WBGT, SWreq, PHS. Viene poi discusso perché il WBGT, di natura prettamente empirica e di pratico impiego, può essere utilizzato solo per una va-lutazione di prima approssimazione delle condizioni di stress termico del soggetto, specialmente in corrispondenza di bassi valori di energia metabolica (M<175 W/m2). Il metodo della sudorazione richiesta (SWreq), essendo basato sull’analisi degli scambi termici soggetto-ambiente e dell’influenza esplicata dall’abbigliamento, consente una valutazione più approfondita della situazione di lavoro, con una generale riduzione dei tempi limite di esposizione rispetto a quelli mutuabili attraverso il WBGT, specialmente in ambienti non uniformi (ta≠tr). Il PHS (Predicted Heat Strain) a differenza del metodo della sudorazione richiesta, non solo consente di prevedere l’andamento temporale delle variabili fisiologiche di interesse (temperatura della pelle, temperatura del nucleo e sudorazione) ma attraverso una più accurata modellazio-ne degli scambi termici soggetto-ambiente, permette di tenere in conto dell’effetto dell’abbigliamento e del movimento ottenendo dei tempi limite di esposizione ancora più restrittivi
TEE (THERMAL ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT): A FRIENDLY TOOL FOR THERMAL ENVIRONMENT EVALUATION
No full textMoisture in historical buildings from causes to the application of specific diagnostic methodologies
No full textThe moisture in masonries is one of the main responsible for the deterioration of historical buildings. Moisture increases U-values, weakens the structure, damages the surfaces and, finally, promotes the growth of fungi and moulds which reduce the Indoor Air Quality and can affect the artefacts, when present. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon: accidents (burst of pipes and ducts), design errors in the restoration of an ancient building (superficial and interstitial condensation), geotechnical factors (e.g., rising damp, presence of embankments), the degradation of materials promoted by rainwater infiltrations and the construction techniques (e.g., preparation of mortars and plasters during construction/restoration works). However, intervention strategies require the correct qualitative and quantitative identification of the cause of the presence of moisture. This paper deals with the objective diagnosis of the presence of humidity in masonries. After an overview of the main causes of the phenomenon, and related strategies of intervention, an objective diagnostic methodology is presented and described. The methodology has been designed for rising damp and it is also suitable in the case of other causes of humidity (e.g., soil moisture, accidental moisture, condensation, etc.). Finally, a case study focused on the diagnosis and planning of the restoration of a building of great historical interest has been analysed
Thermal comfort design in indoor environments: a comparison between EU and USA approaches
No full textAn integrated methodology of subjective investigation for a sustainable indoor built environment. The case study of a university campus in italy
No full textIndoor built environments’ design and management require a holistic approach inspired by ergonomic principles and sustainability criteria. This is especially in case of renovation of existing buildings where any kind of intervention requires the direct feedback of occupants. This work deals with two aspects of these issues, often studied separately: the quality of interior spaces, in terms of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and the quality of the architecture in terms of orientation and wayfinding. A methodology focused on the subjective evaluation of the IEQ giving relevance to users and their fruition needs is also proposed. Main findings from a specific subjective investigation carried out at the Fisciano Campus of the University of Salerno (Italy) demonstrate that the subjective approach is a valuable tool to make more sustainable intervention strategies. In this way, all multidisciplinary skills can be synergically involved in improving the livability of a complex reality as University Campuses are
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