An Analysis of Thermal Comfort Perception in Cal Poly's Math & Science Building

<p>Since Americans, on average, spend approximately 90% of their time indoors according to the EPA, it is crucial to provide room occupants with the best, most comfortable, and healthiest possible environment, which is known as Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). This thesis aims to identify how we can provide comfortable learning environments to improve student success. To determine the best possible environment for occupants, a model of the Math & Science Building was developed, validated, and modified using DesignBuilder. In addition, we compared thermal comfort surveys to actual measured conditions for some classrooms. Analysis indicates that students prefer a cooler thermal environment rather than a warmer thermal environment and that the Fanger PMV model is not as accurate as anticipated for predicting thermal comfort. Ventilation strategies could be modified to improve the indoor conditions, especially during exam times and in the afternoon when CO2 is shown to be at the highest concentration.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2022

Author dc:creator

• Fariborzi, Pouria Ali

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jennifer Mott Peuker
• Mechanical Engineering
• College of Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

Identifier

10.15368/theses.2022.1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.calpoly.edu:theses-3997