Comfort climate evaluation with thermal manikin methods and computer simulation models

With increasing demand for acceptable environment in the modern workplace is it necessary, already in the construction phase, to estimate what effect different environmental factors have on the occupants. Thermal sensation is affected by many factors in the work place environment, especially thermal factors and effects from air movement caused by different ventilation principles. A series of full scale measurements as well as numerical calculations have been carried out in order to investigate whether Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations and measurements with a thermal manikin are able to predict the perceived thermal climate. When human thermal sensation is linked together in measurements and calculations, the thermal situation in the work place environment is visualized. The results show relatively good agreement with the measurements made in the real environment. However, numerical and experimental methods need to be further developed. Evaluation methods of this type, will enable engineers to make better predictions and early decisions in the design and construction process. This also opens possibilities to use results from a number of full scale tests providing means to improve the comfort, health and productivity in working life.