1 INTRODUCTION
Thermal comfort is essential
wherever people go. Not just people, but
there are also devices that need the
temperature and moisture content of the
surrounding air to be regulated so that these
devices may not overheat, and consequently,
be damaged. An example of which is the
desktop computer.
Desktop computers produce heat
when used. The heat produced varies from
the computer’s load. Oftentimes, computers
overheat due to being overloaded with tasks.
As such, there is a need to regulate the
temperature of the computers so that the
computers can accomplish their
without external problems. There is also the
issue at which the humidity must be
regulated such that fast degradation of the
computer can be avoided.
Maintaining the quality of
desktop computer gets even trickier if there
are many of such devices in a single room.
Such is the case for Computer
Laboratories.
There are many types of computer
laboratories, each with different purposes.
Among others, this paper will only focus on
computer laboratories specifically designed
for engineering students to use for their
projects such as simulation, design and etc.
Computer laboratories with this purpose are
burdened by a lot of calculation; hence, it’s
not surprising for these computers to
overheat and be damaged quicker than
expected, especially so if there’s no proper
air-conditioner installed inside the
laboratory. Therefore, there is a great call for
air-conditioners to be installed when talking
about computers.
There are many standards required in
installing an air-conditioner in such a
building, one of which is the guideline
published by ASHRAE TC 9.9, the 2011
Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing
Environments – Expanded Data Center
tasks Classes and Usage Guidance. Although the
said standard is for Data Centers, it can also
be applied to Computer Laboratories since
both shares the same environment to be
maintained.
the In addition, for a building that is
often frequented by people to study or do
projects, it is important to maintain the air
quality in a higher level, so that the
occupants will remain comfortable even if
they stayed for a longer period of time.
Taking note of the needs of both the
human occupants and the electronic devices
results in many considerations when
choosing an air-conditioning unit that will
provide the most optimal environment for
these two entities. In the following sections, For this paper, only these factors
the factors needed to be aware of to properly of the specified location will be
deal with the said entities are discussed. considered:
i. Site conditions
1.1 Factors affecting HVAC Design ii. Peak summer cool conditions
There are various Heating, iii. Summer humidity
Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning iv. Wind speeds
(HVAC) Systems, each of which has a v. Sunshine hours
specific purpose. Thus, before designing ● Requirement Loads
a system, it is important to know first To effectively design an HVAC
what the system is trying to achieve. In system, it is necessary to know
addition, there are also other vital factors beforehand the heating and cooling load
needed to be considered when choosing inside and outside the space. Listed
an Air-conditioning System. As listed by below are the heat sources that must be
Robert McDowall (2006), these factors considered in HVAC design.
are: building design, location issues, and i. Conductive heat gain through
indoor requirement loads. walls
ii. Heat gain by outside air leakage
● Building Design iii. Heat generated by the occupants
The one that has the biggest iv. Heat generated by the electronic
devices
influence when it comes to system
v. Heat gained by roof and
choice is the building design. The design partitions
of the building dictates how small or big vi. Heat penetrated through glass

the system that will be allowed to install.

While there are other factors
● Location Issues
needed to be considered, such as the
The building location is another
availability and cost, and client issues,
vital factor at this stage, since the
they are set aside in this paper to give the
location of the building meant the
researchers free reign on choosing the
weather condition that the building and
most optimal and suitable air-
its occupants will be subjected to.
conditioning unit to be installed within
the subjected space.
1.2 Thermal Comfort Figure 1. Typical Metabolic Heat
Having lived through the Generation for Various Activities
(Standard 55, Normative Appendix A,
technological advancements of our time, extracted data)
we all know pretty well about what Metabolic rate
makes us comfortable. Especially so Activity
Met W/m2
when it comes to thermal comfort, for
units
nothing beats a thermally comfortable
office, classroom, bedroom, house, and Resting
Sleeping 0.7 40
etc. Hence, we have experienced the
Reclining 0.8 45
seven factors that affect thermal comfort, Seated, quiet 1.0 60
which is divided in three main groups, Standing, relaxed 1.2 70
namely:
Walking (on level
● Personal
surface)
i. Activity level 0.9 m/s 2.0 115
As humans, we continuously emit 1.2 m/s 2.6 150
1.8 m/s 3.8 220
heat from our bodies to maintain a fairly
constant core temperature and Office Activities
comfortable skin temperature, ideally. Reading, seated 1.0 55
Writing 1.0 60
This process is called ‘metabolism’ and Typing 1.1 65
the standard measure of activity level is Filing, seated 1.2 70
the ‘met’. Figure 1 lists some of the Filing, standing 1.4 80
Walking about 1.7 100
typical metabolic heat generation for
various activities. known what clothing the occupants will
ii. Clothing wear in order to predict thermal comfort.
Clothing acts as an insulator, slowing There are many types of clothing,
down the release of heat of the body. varying largely in terms of materials,
weights, and weave of fabrics. Thus,
The clothing worn by individuals affects clothing estimates are just rough
the person’s perceptiveness of thermal estimates. The unit used to express the
comfort. Hence, it is necessary that it is thermal insulation provided by garments and
 clothing ensembles is clo, where 1 clo = necessary to know what the person is
2
0.155 m ·°C/W. expecting upon entering a certain
Figure 2 lists the clothing insulation values building.
for typical ensembles. ● Environmental Conditions and
● Individual Characteristics Architectural Effects
iii. Expectation iv. Air temperature
A person brings with him/her a When talking about air temperature,
certain range of expectations of how it means the temperature in the space
comfortable the building he/she will where the person is located—the average
enter. If these expectations are not met, temperature of the air surrounding an
the person may perceive the building to occupant. There are three levels at which
be uncomfortable. Hence, it is also

Figure 2. Clothing insulation values for typical ensembles (extracted from ASHRAE Standard 55-
2010, Page 22)
Clothing Description Garments Included a Icl, clo
Trousers (1) Trousers, short-sleeve shirt 0.57
(2) Trousers, long-sleeve shirt 0.61
(3) #2 plus suit jacket 0.96
(4) #2 plus suit jacket, vest, t-shirt 1.14
(5) #2 plus long-sleeve sweater, t-shirt 1.01
(6) #5 plus suit jacket, long underwear bottoms 1.30

Skirts/dresses (7) Knee-length skirt, short-sleeve shirt (sandals) 0.54

(8) Knee-length skirt, long-sleeve shirt, full slip 0.67
(9) Knee-length skirt, long-sleeve shirt, half-slip, 1.10
long sleeve sweater
(10) Knee-length skirt, long-sleeve shirt, half-slip, 1.04
suit jacket
(11) Ankle-length skirt, long-sleeve shirt, suit jacket 1.10

Shorts (12) Walking shorts, short-sleeve shirt 0.36

Overall/coveralls (13) Long-sleeve coveralls, t-shirt 0.72

(14) Overalls, long-sleeve shirt, t-shirt 0.89
(15) Insulated coveralls, long-sleeve thermal 1.37
underwear tops and bottoms
a. All clothing ensembles, except otherwise indicated in parenthesis, included shoes, socks, and briefs or panties. All
skirt/dress clothing ensembles include pantyhose and no additional socks.
the air temperatures are averaged. These devices such as computers, as these
levels are at the ankle level, the waist devices are very susceptible to low
level, and the head level, with specified humidity due to the nature of its
heights of 0.1 meters, 0.6 meters, and 1.1 components.
meters, respectively, for seated Issues will occur in computers
occupants. For standing occupants, the subjected to low relative humidity
specified heights are 0.1 meters, 1.1 environment, such as Electrostatic
meters, and 1.7 meters, respectively. Discharge (ESD), which should be
v. Radiant temperature avoided. ESD is the sudden flow of
Robert McDowall (2006) defines electricity between two electrically
radiant heat as the ‘heat that is charged objects caused by contact, an
transmitted from a hotter body to a electrical short, or dielectric breakdown.
cooler body with no effect on the A build-up of static electricity can be
intervening space. The radiant caused by electrostatic induction. The
temperature is the temperature at which ESD occurs when differently-charged
a black sphere would emit as much objects are brought close together or
radiant heat as it received from its when the dielectric between them breaks
surroundings’. down, often creating a visible spark. At
vi. Humidity normal relative humidity, not too high or
Humidity also affects thermal low, airborne moisture vapour works to
comfort of both the occupants and dissipate static electricity that helps
computers. For human occupants, prevent build-ups that would otherwise
Standard 55 does not define the lead to ESD. However, as the relative
minimum level of humidity that can humidity decrease, i.e., the air is turning
cause discomfort thermally, nor address dry, static electricity can travel more
those individuals who have severe easily. As a result, serious problem will
responses to very low humidity. In occur for electronic devices subjected to
general, low humidity does not cause such environment, as the slightest
thermal discomfort for human occupants, amount of electrostatic electricity can fry
but this is not the case for electronic devices and their components. [1]
 For higher humidity level, main objectives of air-conditioning
Standard 55 define the maximum systems.
humidity ratio at 0.012 for human Figure 3. Common Air Contaminants and
occupants. However, for this humidity their Sources (Fundamentals of HVAC
Systems, Ventilation and Indoor Air
level, serious mold problems in the Quality, extracted data)
building and to its contents will occur, Contaminants Major Source
since this humidity level meant 100%
relative humidity at 18.3°C. Now, Particles Dust (generated
(particulates) inside and outside),
adding electronic devices into
smoking, cooking
consideration, it is obvious that this level
Allergens (a Molds, pets, many
of humidity is not appropriate, as
substance that can other sources
exposure to such high humidity can cause an allergic
degrade the performance or cause reaction)
failures of the internal components of Bacteria and People, moisture,
these electronic devices. Viruses pets
vii. Air speed Carbon Dioxide Occupants
The air speed is the rate of air breathing,
movement at a point, without regard to combustion

direction. The higher the speed of air Tobacco smoke Smoking

over an individual's body, the greater the
Carbon Monoxide Smoking,
cooling effect.
Incomplete and/or
faulty combustion
1.3 Air Quality and Ventilation
Radon Radioactive decay
The quality of air in the space of radium in the soil
where people occupy is one of the most
Formaldehyde Construction
important issues to be tackled, as the air materials, furniture,
quality affects not only the comfort but smoking
also the health and productivity of the Oxides of Nitrogen Combustion
occupants. As such, maintaining good
indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the Sulphur Dioxide Combustion

Ozone Photocopiers,
electrostatic air
cleaners
 Robert McDowall (2006) lists the distinguish and classify them in terms of
important factors to be aware of when their effects on health. These
dealing with indoor air quality. First, it is contaminants affect the individual on
necessary to know the various types of varying levels, from merely annoying to
pollutants and contaminants within the those detrimental to health. Robert
space, as well as their sources and McDowall (2006) classifies these
effects on health. Second, identify the contaminants as: fatal in the short term;
factors that influence pollutant and carcinogenic (cancer causing
contaminant levels in buildings, such as substances); health threatening;
how these pollutants can be absorbed and, annoying, with an impact on
and re-circulated into the building productivity and sense of well-being.
spaces. Lastly, Robert McDowall (2006) ● Fatal in the short term
wrote of methods on how to maintain Contaminants under this
good IAQ. classification are those contaminants
1.3.1 Air Pollutants and Contaminants found in buildings with high
Air pollutants and contaminants are concentrations that may cause death,
those harmful components in the air that such as carbon monoxide or disease-
cause irritation and annoyance to the causing bacteria and other biological
inhabitants of the space, and in most contaminants.
severe cases, death. These also cause the ● Carcinogens
air quality to degrade. There are many Pollutants labelled as carcinogens
varieties of these pollutants and are contaminants that have potential to
contaminants, each of which may be cause cancer in the long-term. These
brought from outside and/or generated contaminants are sometimes
within the space itself. Figure 3 lists unnoticeable. As such, among others,
some of the common indoor air carcinogens are the most significant
contaminants and their sources. contaminants to address, as the risk of
1.3.2 Effects of Indoor Air Quality on cancer increases with level and time of
Health and Comfort exposure to the substance.
With so many types of pollutants ● Health threatening
and contaminants, it is important to
 Health threatening contaminants, acceptable indoor air quality. The access
although they are not usually fatal, can of these pollutants can be restricted,
be physically irritating or health either by design or by appropriate
threatening, such as allergens, bacteria, maintenance procedures. The pollutants
mold spores, viruses, and volatile generated within the space can also be
organic compounds. Common symptoms exhausted outside through the use of
when affected with this type of various mechanisms. A simple example
contaminants are the irritation of delicate of source control is banning smoking
tissues, such as the eyes, skin, or mucous within the space.
membrane. ● Filtration
● Annoying, with an impact on Robert McDowall defined
productivity and sense of well-being. filtration as ‘the removal of
As the name suggests, contaminants from the air’. Through
contaminants under this classification filtration, particulates (particles of all
are those that are merely annoying and sizes) can be removed, cleaning the air
not health threatening, but may be in the space.
distracting enough to the affected ● Dilution
individuals. These include body odours, Most of the time, the outside air
some chemicals, the smells of spoiling is relatively free of contaminants, except
food, and some molds that do not have for large dust particles and insects. If this
more serious effects. air is introduced into a space after the
1.3.3 Methods of Maintaining Good Air coarse contaminants are removed
Quality through a filter, it can be used to dilute
Robert McDowall (2006) wrote the pollutants in the space. In addition,
of three methods on how to maintain there is also a need to supply a small
good IAQ, namely: source control; amount of outside air to provide the
filtration; and, dilution. occupants with oxygen to breath and to
● Source Control dilute the exhaled carbon dioxide.
Directly controlling the source of One approach to provide
the pollutants within the space is the ventilation for the occupants to breathe
most important method of maintaining and to dilute the inevitable pollutants is
 through the “Ventilation Rate ventilation rates in a breathing zone. The
Procedure” in which case, the breathing zone is defined as between 3
acceptable air quality is achieved by and 72 inches from the floor and 24
providing ventilation air of specified inches from walls or air-conditioning
quality and quantity. Figure 4 lists the equipment.

Figure 4 (Parts of Table 6-1, ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004, extracted data)

MINIMUM VENTILATION RATES IN BREATHING ZONE
(This table is not valid in isolation; it must be used in conjunction with the accompanying notes)
Default Values
People Outdoor Air Rate Area Outdoor Occupant
Rp Air Rate Ra Density Combined Outdoor Air
Occupancy (see Note Rate (see note 5)
Category 4)
#/1000
2 2 Air
cfm/person L/s*person cfm/ft L/s*m ft2 or cfm/person L/s*person
class
#/100m2
Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories
Bedroom/ Living
5 2.5 0.06 0.3 10 11 5.5 1
Room
Barracks sleeping
5 2.5 0.06 0.3 20 8 4.0 1
areas
Lobbies/prefunction 7.5 3.8 0.06 0.3 30 10 4.8 1
Multi-purpose
5 2.5 0.06 0.3 120 6 2.8 1
assembly
Office Buildings
Office Space 5 2.5 0.06 0.3 5 17 8.5 1
Reception areas 5 2.5 0.06 0.3 30 7 3.5 1
Telephone/data
5 2.5 0.06 0.3 60 6 3.0 1
entry
Main entry lobbies 5 2.5 0.06 0.3 10 11 5.5 1
Computer Lab 10 5 0.15 0.6 25 15 7.4 1
GENERAL NOTES FOR TABLE 6-1
1 Related Requirements: The rates in this table are based on all other applicable requirements of this standard being met.
2 Smoking: This table applies to no-smoking areas. Rates for smoking-permitted spaces must be determined using other methods. See
Section 6.2.9 for ventilation requirements in smoking areas.
3 Air Density: Volumetric airflow rates are based on an air density of 0.075 lbda/ft3 (1.2 kgda/m3), which corresponds to dry air at a
barometric pressure of 1 atm (101.3 kPa) and an air temperature of 70°F (21°C). Rates may be adjusted for actual density but such
adjustment is not required for compliance with this standard.
4 Default Occupant Density: The default occupant density shall be used when actual occupant density is not known.
5 Default Combined Outdoor Air Rate (per person): This rate is based on the default occupant density.
6 Unlisted Occupancies: If the occupancy category for a proposed space or zone is not listed, the requirements for the listed
occupancy category that is most similar in terms of occupant density, activities and building construction shall be used.
7 Residential facilities, Healthcare facilities and Vehicles: Rates shall be determined in accordance with Appendix E.
1.4 PMV Model Prediction
Predicted Mean Vote Model is one
of the well-established standard models
widely used as a reference in determining
thermal comfort condition in air-conditioned
spaces. It was developed using principles of
heat balance and experimental data collected
in a controlled climate chamber under steady
state conditions.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The subject of this research is the Room
305. Upon surveying the building, problems
regarding the operation of the air-
conditioning unit are found.
● Maintenance check
The air-conditioning unit is not very
well maintained, such that its filters are
fully covered with dust.
● Thermal comfort
The occupants inside the room have
stated that the room is rather hot, making
them uncomfortable.
● The air-conditioning unit has low
performance and cannot cope up with
heavy loading
● Temperature, humidity and air quality
control
There seems to be little control over
the humidity and temperature of the
room, even though the air-conditioning
unit has its own temperature control. As
for the control of the air quality, the
room needed to be cleaned in order to
raise the level of air quality, since dust
particles were flying freely in the air,
irritating the occupants within the room.
● Position of the Air Conditioning Unit
The air-conditioning is not
optimally positioned where it can cool
down the other computers. Only a few
numbers of computers are serviced by its
cooling effect.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this paper is to
recommend an air-conditioning unit that will
provide a comfortable environment for the
human occupants that will also provide a
suitable environment for the computers
inside the Room 305 such that the computers
will not degrade in an untimely manner.
The study also aims to achieve the
following:
● Conduct a preliminary field result and
gather data that are necessary to the
design process.
● Calculate the estimated internal and
external loads.
● Establish a model of the case study and
apply simulation using Computational
Fluid Dynamics.
● Compare the results obtained from the
simulation to the data gathered from
actual survey.
● Identify the optimum positions and
select the appropriate air-conditioning
units.