Fundamentals of HVAC Systems

Conducted by
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa

in collaboration with

ASHRAE Sri Lankan Chapter

Organized by

UIIC, University of Moratuwa July/August 2004

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Concepts of Environmental Comfort - Chapter 4

Introduction Physiological Considerations for Human Comfort Heat Transfer Considerations of Human Comfort Description of Environmental Indices The ASHRAE comfort envelop Skill Development
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Introduction
Understanding of the Heat Balance of the Human Body for identifying requirements of human Thermal comfort. Thermal Sensation of well being with the surroundings Definition. Bodys Internal heat flow and Generation rates that involves the mechanisms control of the body temperature. Heat transfer between body and surrounding is governed by conduction, radiation, evaporation and clothing insulation.
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Physiological Consideration for Human Comfort

Human body generates 300 3000 Btu/h (88 880 W) depending on the level of activity. (sleeping to exercising) Heat is generated as a part of the metabolic process to keep the body function and allow to work. (efficiency is seldom better than 10%) To avoid discomfort, the body temperature should be maintained at a narrow rage. Few degrees high or low can cause serious danger. At constant body temperature the rate of heat generation is equal to rate of heat dissipation to surrounding.
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Physiological Consideration for Human Comfort. Contd.

Dissipation takes place from the skin and respiratory system The body must carefully regulate heat generation and heat transfer If the body temperature drops, flow of blood to the skin is reduced by vaso-constriction Beyond certain limit shivering will take place If the body temperature rises the flow of blood to the skin increases by vaso-dilation Beyond certain limit sweating and resulting evaporation will occur to keep the body cool.
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Table 4-1. Physiological Responses Used in Body Temperature Regulation

Neutral Zone
No temperature regulation required by body Unclothed Environment temperature 84 to 88F (29 to 31C) Lightly Clothed Environment temperature 73 to 81F (23 to 27C)

Too Cold
Flow of blood to skin decreases Increased heat generation (shivering)

Too Hot
Flow of blood to skin increases Sweating occurs Accelerated respiration
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Physiological Consideration for Human Comfort. Contd.

Heat generation and dissipation are NOT uniform Total Metabolic energy M, Work W, leading to net energy (M-W) (M-W) must be stored or dissipated, since W is small (10%), M is important Unit of Metabolic Generation is Met 1 Met=18.43 Btu/h.ft2=58 W/m2 Large persons will generate higher A/C loads. Average male = 19.6 ft2 (DuBois surface area) 1 Met represents a load of 360 Btu/h Refer Table 4-2
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Heat Transfer Considerations

Body dissipates heat and moisture involving conduction, convection, radiation & evaporation (diffusion of moisture is present) Body Sensible Heat: air drawn & exhaled Body Latent Heat: heat of vaporaization Both sensible & Latent transfers influence the A/C load Heat transfer mechanism decides the balance between metabolic rate & dissipation from body This imbalance determines the physiological response of the body
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Heat Transfer Considerations.contd.

Main factor on meatbolic rate is Activity Factors affecting dissipation are temp, humidity, air movement, radiation, clothing I.e, Personal Variables & Environmental Variables Clothing is a main factor and indicated by unit of insulation called clo 1 clo = 0.88 ft2.h.F/Btu (resistance) Calculations are based on Dubios area and clothing resistance Iclo Table 4-3
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Table 4-3. Clothing Insulation Values for Typical Ensembles

Ensemble
1. Briefs; knit, short-sleeve sport shirt; shorts; belt; calf-length socks; hard-soled shoes 2. Panties; broadcloth, short-sleeve shirt; A-line, knee-length skirt; pantyhose; sandals 3. Briefs; broadcloth, long-sleeve shirt; single-breasted suit jacket; tie; long fitted trousers; calf-length socks; hard-soled shoes 4. Panties; broadcloth, long-sleeved shirt; thick vest; single-breasted suit jacket; thick A-line, knee-length skirt; pantyhose; hard-soled shoes 5. Briefs; t-shirt; flannel, long-sleeve shirt; work jacket; belt; work pants; calf-length socks; hard-soled shoes
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Iclo(clo)
0.4 0.5

1.0

1.0 1.2
10

Description of Envi. indices

Two types of indices: Direct & Empirical Direct (those can be measured with instruments) : DBT, WBT, DPT, RH
Distinguish DBT,WBT,DPT Difference between DBT & WBT is a measure of moisture content & evaporating force Difference between RH & specific humidity Air movement decides convection & evap Air movement can reduce/increse discomfort
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Description of Envi. indices. contd

Rationally Derived indices:
Mean Radiative Temp (MRT) Operative temp (OT)
OT = (DBT + MRT)/2

Humid operative Temp Heat stress index OT incorporates temp for convection & radiation Effective Temp (ET) incorporates temp & evap ET: Temp of envi. at 50% RH that results in the same heat loss from the skin ET depends on clothind and skin wetedness, thus different for two different people.
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ASHRAE comfort envelope

Specified in ASHRAE 55-1992 Two overlapping regions for light summer clothing slight heavy clothing Envelope on the chart of OT & Humidity ratio Regions shown are for people engaged in light office work Based on 10% dissatisfaction criteria.
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Figure 4-1. Standard Effective Temperature & ASHRAE Comfort Zones

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