Link Between Thermal Comfort, Energy Efficiency

[ASHRAE Research $947,167]

For Release:
August 9, 2005

Contact: Jodi Dunlop
Public Relations
678-539-1140
jdunlop@ashrae.org
1791 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329

ASHRAE to Study Link Between Thermal Comfort, Energy Efficiency

ATLANTA – With HVAC&R consuming a third of energy used in buildings, alternative systems or strategies to reduce energy use are needed. Different approaches could include use of a building’s thermal mass in combination with night cooling or heating or cooling by pipes embedded in floors, walls or ceilings. Such systems are often associated with indoor temperatures that drift during the day. While drifting temperatures may save energy, their impact on occupant health and productivity are unknown. Research to study the impact of drifting temperatures on thermal comfort, health and productivity is being funded by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

ASHRAE recently approved funding totaling $947,167 for seven research projects in the areas of indoor air quality, comfort and health, design tools, food processing and preservation, and operating and maintenance.

Among them is Occupant Responses and Energy Use in Buildings with Moderately Drifting Temperatures, radiant The research will be conducted at the International Center for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark, by principal investigators Jørn Toftum, Ph.D., and Bjarne Olesen, Ph.D.

“The concept of using drifting temperatures to save energy is not new,â€

[RB]

Dr. Olesen along with Dr. Simmonds and Tim Doran were my co-authors for:

Vertically Integrated Systems in Stand-Alone Multistory Buildings, which can be down loaded free at:

http://www.healthyheating.com/qa.htm

The research work will be nothing less than excellent.

RB