B Science Report Example

8/3/2019 B Science Report Example

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Building Science 1 (ARC 2412)

Project 1: Human Thermal Environment

Group members: Michael Wong

Ng Tit Wei

Ong Ju-Ee 1002P70376


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Table of Content

1.0 Summary

1.1 The Aim of Study1.2 General Procedure

2.0 Introduction2.1 Introduction of site (macro)

2.2 Introduction of site (micro)

2.3 Purpose

2.4 Limitations

2.5 Preview

3.0 Methodology3.1 Description of data logger used3.2 Measured drawings

3.3 Analytical diagrams

3.4 Building components

3.5 Human adjustments

3.6 Thermal transmittance calculation

4.0 Results and Analysis4.1 Data logger results

4.2 Regional data results

4.3 Graphical representation of data

4.4 Data analysis

5.0 Discussion5.1 Psychometric Chart

5.2 Problems and Solutions A

5.3 Problems and Solutions B

6.0 Conclusion

7.0 References

8.0 Appendix


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1.0 Summary

1.1 The Aim of the Study:

To identify and define the principles of heat transfer in relation to building and people

To understand what is thermal comfort and discuss factors relating to thermal comfort To analyze the effect of thermal comfort factors in a person and in a space

To be able to criticize design of the space in terms of thermal comfort and to propose a

solution referring to MS1525

1.2 General Procedure

We have chosen B3-2C-4 as our site for study. The recording of temperature and

relative humidity is conducted between 10pm, April 8, 2011 to 6am, April 10, 2011 using a

Thermo-Hygrometer data logger. The data logger placed and left undisturbed on the desk with

is approximately 1 meter above ground level. It is also prevented from direct solar radiation and

having close proximity with any heat generating equipment. Using measured drawings, we have

shown all the features which we believe affect the thermal conditions in the room. Also, we have

done an analysis on the monitored temperatures, looked at the effects of solar radiation, thermal

mass, insulation, ventilation and space heating or cooling.


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2.0 Introduction

2.1 Introduction of site (Macro)

On average, Malaysia has a tropical climate that measures at 27C and frequent rainfall

at about 250 centimeters a year. However, factors such as presence of mountain, sea and

ground level will affect its local climate, thus Malaysia may be divided into 3 main types of

climatic-geographic regions: highland, lowland and coastal regions.

Our studied site, Subang Jaya is within the klang

valley, lowland marked by Titiwangsa Mountains to the

north and east and the Strait of Malacca to the west. It

has an average daily maximum temperature of 32C and

average minimum temperature at night of 23C. Humidity

level is high at around 97% during morning and later

decreasing to 65% as it reaches evening.

Figure 2.1a: Air Temperature

(C) and Relative Humidity (%in Peninsular Malaysia.

Source:

http://www.gisdevelopment.net/ap

plication/environment/climate/mm

019pf.htm

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kl

angvalley.gif

Figure 2.1b: Map of Klang valley, red

indicates the site while blue is part of

straits of Malacca.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titiwangsa_Mountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Malaccahttp://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/environment/climate/mm019pf.htmhttp://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/environment/climate/mm019pf.htmhttp://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/environment/climate/mm019pf.htmhttp://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/environment/climate/mm019pf.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Klangvalley.gifhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Klangvalley.gifhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Klangvalley.gifhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Klangvalley.gifhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Klangvalley.gifhttp://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/environment/climate/mm019pf.htmhttp://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/environment/climate/mm019pf.htmhttp://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/environment/climate/mm019pf.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Malaccahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titiwangsa_Mountains


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2.2 Introduction of site (Micro)

Our room for study, B3-2C-4 room is located in U-Residence, Taylors University

Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. B3-2C-4 is a hostel room provided for its

students. It sits at the second floor of Block B, one of the two commercial blocks, and faces the

Broadwalk, a corridor in between Block A and B. Part of the planning design for the commercial

block; varieties of shops are available along the Broadwalk, starting from Food and Beverages

outlet to shops selling miscellaneous items.

Figure 2.2: Plan

View of Taylors

University

LakesideCampus, the

red circle

indicates the

room for study

N

Source:self-drawn


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2.3 Purpose

The purpose for conducting this study is:

Understanding the basic principles of thermal comfort and thermal heat transfer through

practical means.

Learn to propose a design solution in making a space more comfortable in relation to

thermal comfort.

2.4 Limitations

External factor, such as global warming

human error in handling the data logger

data logger competency influencing the data recording

2.5 Preview

The following section of the report will talk about the method of analyzing the site and explainevery factor that has an impact on the room thermal comfort. Also, the data recorded on thetemperature and relative humidity will be analysed and discussed. Regarding to the findings ofour analysis, we will propose appropriate solutions and ideas to achieve best thermal comfort inour site through passive building design only, excluding mechanical means.


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3.0 Methodology

3.1 Description of data logger used

Code : HT-3007SD

Brand : LUTRON

Model No : HT-3007SD

Functions: Record Humidity/Temp, Dew point, Wet bulb and Type K/J thermometer

Measuring: 5 % to 95 % R.H for air humidity and 0 to 50 for air temperature

range

Figure 3.1b: ROOM PLAN SHOWING THE

PLACEMENT OF DATA LOGGER

Source: Self-drawn

Figure 3.1a: Thermo hygrometer data logger

Source:

http://www.thermocoupless.com/tag/thermo-

hygrometers/


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3.3 Analytical diagrams

Figure 3.3a Then narrow corridor between block A and B draw wind in by

increasing the air pressure.

Source: self-photographed

Figure 3.3b Diagram showing the wind movement through the corridor



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Figure 3.3c building elevation showing the heat absorbance of reinforced concrete

roof during the day

.


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Room position

Figure 3.3b Diagram showing the wind movement through the corridor


.

Figure 3.3c building elevation showing the heat absorbance of reinforced concrete

roof during the day

.

Figure 3.3e: Solar radiation is filtered by the skylight. Causing diffused solar

radiation entering the units below.

.

Room position

Evening sun direction

Morning sun direction

Skylight

Room position

Evening sun direction

Morning sun direction

Skylight


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3.4 Buildings components

Walls and ceiling

The qualities and type of our room wall has different results on its

ability to absorb, store, and later release significant amounts of heat.

All walls in B3-2C-4 are precast concrete. While the exterior wall

facing the Broadwalkbeing the thickness wall, has a higher overall R-

value to insulate solar radiation entering the interior.

The ceiling and the walls exposing to direct solar radiation of our room

is painted gray, a color of good heat absorption. It has good thermal

mass and will absorb its surrounding heat during the day, later

releasing its heat at night.

Whereas, internal dividing walls are painted white, white has a poor absorption of heat but good

at reflecting.

Openings

Window is designed to provide light and breeze; it plays an important role

on the quality of life in a home just as any other building component. They

affect heating and cooling costs, natural lighting levels, ventilation quality,

and the comfort of occupants year-round. Casement window is installed

in our site.

Casement window gives you ventilation percentage up to 75% as they

can be opened to a full extent. They are hinged at the side and swing

outward to allow air ventilation.Figure 3.4bSource:

http://www.google.

com.my/imglandin

g?q=casement+wi

ndow

Figure 3.4aSource:self-photographed

.


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Window coverings

The available window shade in our room for study allows the user to

partially (around 50%) shield the room from solar radiation. Having the

blind closed or open has significant influence on the rooms temperature

and relative humidity.

Flooring

Made of concrete, the flooring in our site is painted gray with a

matte finishing. A matte finishing allows greater heat absorption

due to its flat and non-reflective surface.

Electrical appliances

The electrical appliances used during the recording are electrical boiler, laptop and speaker. All

these items releases significantly small amount of heat when in used.

Lighting Fittings

Lightings fittings converts electrical energy into both light energy and

heat energy. This also has slight significance on the air temperature.

Figure 3.4cSource: self-photographed

.

Figure 3.4dSource: self-photographed

.

Figure 3.4eSource: self-photographed

.


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Human adjustments 3.5

Window and door usage

The room door is usually left open when the occupant is present in it, and closed when he is not

around. The window is mostly left open throughout the recording time.

Air-conditioning usage

Air-conditioning usage is zero during the recording of site with the exception on 8 th April from

0100-0700

Shading adjustments

Shading is adjusted accordingly depending on the user preference.

Lighting fittings

Lighting is on during night before the user sleeps.

Occupancy & activities

Mostly, only one person is present in the room. However, there are circumstances where up to 4

people is in the room at the same time. The activities which affect temperature and relative

humidity in the room are: usage of laptop, hair-drying and boiling water.

External factors

Our site is relatively close to corridor in between block A and B, external factors such as the

public smoking just below our room are taken accounted.


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3.6 Thermal transmittance calculation

Through the window

MaterialsThickness

(m)

Conductivity, k (w/m C)Resistance, R

(m2C/w)

U-value

(w/m2deg c)Outside

surface0.04

Single glazed

glassn/a n/a 5.67

Aluminum

framen/a n/a 0.3

Inside Surface 0.13

Resistance= 0.04+0.3+0.13 = 0.47

Window total thermal transmittance = 5.67+ 0.13= 5.956

Through the wall

Materials Thickness (m)Conductivity, k

(w/m C)

Resistance, R

(m2C/w)

U-value

(w/m2deg c)

Outside surface 0.04Skim-coat 0.05 0.48 0.104

Light concrete

blocks0.125(93%) 0.42 0.298

Mortar between

concrete blocks0.125(7%) 1.73 0.072

Inside surface 0.13

0.644

1/0.644= 1.553

Wall total thermal transmittance= 1.553

Total solar heat gain: 1180.948 (refer to appendix)


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4.0 Results & Analysis

4.1 Data Logger Results

The data was recorded down throughout the duration of 48 hours of the chosen days.

Specifically, the temperature and relative humidity of the room for every hour from 1100, 8th

ofApril, to 1100, 10th of April were recorded by the data logger.

Date Time Value Unit Value2 Unit2

4/8/2011 11:00:00 78.2 %RH 27.2 Degree C

4/8/2011 12:00:00 79.7 %RH 28.5 Degree C

4/8/2011 13:00:00 80.3 %RH 28.9 Degree C

4/8/2011 14:00:00 77.1 %RH 29.5 Degree C

4/8/2011 15:00:00 75.8 %RH 30.2 Degree C

4/8/2011 16:00:00 75 %RH 29.1 Degree C

4/8/2011 17:00:00 78.3 %RH 28.3 Degree C

4/8/2011 18:00:00 79.7 %RH 27.6 Degree C

4/8/2011 19:00:00 77.7 %RH 27.5 Degree C

4/8/2011 20:00:00 74.9 %RH 27.3 Degree C

4/8/2011 21:00:00 72.3 %RH 27.2 Degree C

4/8/2011 22:00:00 79.2 %RH 27.3 Degree C

4/8/2011 23:00:00 80.7 %RH 27.2 Degree C

4/9/2011 0:00:00 79.8 %RH 27 Degree C

4/9/2011 1:00:00 81.5 %RH 26.9 Degree C

4/9/2011 2:00:00 80 %RH 26.7 Degree C

4/9/2011 3:00:00 79.2 %RH 26.5 Degree C

4/9/2011 4:00:00 78.5 %RH 26.2 Degree C

4/9/2011 5:00:00 81.4 %RH 26 Degree C

4/9/2011 6:00:00 82.8 %RH 25.9 Degree C

4/9/2011 7:00:00 81.3 %RH 25.8 Degree C

4/9/2011 8:00:00 82 %RH 26.8 Degree C

4/9/2011 9:00:00 81.8 %RH 27 Degree C

4/9/2011 10:00:00 80.1 %RH 27.3 Degree C

4/9/2011 11:00:00 79 %RH 27.5 Degree C

4/9/2011 12:00:00 77.6 %RH 27.8 Degree C

4/9/2011 13:00:00 82 %RH 27.9 Degree C

4/9/2011 14:00:00 85.3 %RH 27.8 Degree C

4/9/2011 15:00:00 87.2 %RH 28.3 Degree C

Figure 4.1a

Source: self-drawn

.


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4/9/2011 16:00:00 89 %RH 29 Degree C

4/9/2011 17:00:00 95 %RH 28.5 Degree C

4/9/2011 18:00:00 87 %RH 29 Degree C

4/9/2011 19:00:00 88 %RH 29.3 Degree C

4/9/2011 20:00:00 86.2 %RH 29 Degree C

4/9/2011 21:00:00 85.6 %RH 28.8 Degree C

4/9/2011 22:00:00 87.5 %RH 28.5 Degree C

4/9/2011 23:00:00 84.9 %RH 27.5 Degree C

4/10/2011 0:00:00 82 %RH 27.3 Degree C

4/10/2011 1:00:00 82.2 %RH 27.1 Degree C

4/10/2011 2:00:00 83.1 %RH 26.8 Degree C

4/10/2011 3:00:00 84.1 %RH 26.5 Degree C

4/10/2011 4:00:00 85.2 %RH 26.2 Degree C

4/10/2011 5:00:00 87 %RH 26 Degree C

4/10/2011 6:00:00 89.3 %RH 25.8 Degree C

4/10/2011 7:00:00 83.2 %RH 25.6 Degree C

4/10/2011 8:00:00 81.4 %RH 25 Degree C

4/10/2011 9:00:00 75.9 %RH 25.2 Degree C

4/10/2011 10:00:00 82.3 %RH 25.5 Degree C

4/10/2011 11:00:00 78.7 %RH 26.8 Degree C


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4.2 Regional Data Results

In order to study the thermal performance of our site, macro data was needed to interpret how

the macro-climate affects the micro-climate and eventually the thermal performance of our

room. Thus the data was retrieved from a credited website, www.timeanddate.com.

Specifically, the temperature and relative humidity of the room for every hour from 1100, 8 th of

April, to 1100, 10th of April were recorded and used.

Date Time Weather WeatherDescription

Temperature(c)

WindSpeed

WindDirection

RelativeHumidity

(%)

Barometer Visib

8Apr

11:00 Broken clouds.Warm.

28 13km/h

74 1012millibars

N/

8Apr


30 7km/h

66 1012millibars

N/

8

Apr

13:00 Broken clouds.

Warm.

31 7

km/h

66 1011

millibars

N/

8Apr

14:00 Broken clouds.Hot.

32 4km/h

55 1010millibars

N/

8Apr

15:00 Broken clouds.Hot.

32 6km/h

63 1008millibars

N/

8Apr


30 19km/h

75 1008millibars

N/

8Apr


29 15km/h

79 1007millibars

N/

8Apr


29 13km/h

79 1007millibars

N/

8

Apr

19:00 Broken clouds.

Warm.

28 6

km/h

84 1008

millibars

N/

8Apr

20:00 Partly cloudy.Warm.

28 6km/h

74 1009millibars

N/

8Apr


28 2km/h

79 1010millibars

N/

8Apr


27 4km/h

84 1010millibars

N/

8Apr

23:00 Passing clouds.Warm.

26 6km/h

89 1010millibars

N/

9Apr


26 6km/h

89 1011millibars

N/

9Apr


25 6km/h

94 1011millibars

N/

9Apr


25 6km/h

94 1011millibars

N/

9Apr


25 7km/h

94 1009millibars

N/

9Apr


25 6km/h

94 1009millibars

N/

9Apr


25 7km/h

94 1009millibars

9 k


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9Apr


25 Nowind

- 94 1010millibars

9 k

9Apr

07:00 Partly cloudy.Mild.

24 6km/h

100 1010millibars

6 k

9Apr

08:00 Fog. Warm. 25 2km/h

94 1011millibars

4 k

9Apr


27 6km/h

84 1012millibars

9 k

9Apr

10:00 Partly sunny.Warm.

29 2km/h

79 1012millibars

N/

9Apr


29 7km/h

74 1013millibars

N/

9Apr


28 13km/h

84 1013millibars

7 k

9Apr


28 11km/h

79 1012millibars

N/

9Apr


28 15km/h

79 1011millibars

N/

9Apr 15:00 Broken clouds.Warm. 29 15km/h 80 1010millibars N/

9Apr


31 13km/h

82 1009millibars

N/

9Apr

17:00 Thunderstorms.Broken clouds.

Warm.

29 6km/h

100 1009millibars

N/

9Apr


29 2km/h

92 1009millibars

N/

9Apr


29 9km/h

84 1009millibars

N/

9Apr


27 9km/h

79 1010millibars

N/

9Apr


27 7km/h

84 1011millibars

N/

9Apr


26 7km/h

84 1012millibars

N/

9Apr


26 7km/h

89 1012millibars

N/

10Apr


26 2km/h

89 1012millibars

N/

10Apr


26 4km/h

89 1012millibars

N/

10Apr


26 4km/h

89 1012millibars

N/

10Apr 03:00 Partly cloudy.Warm. 26 4km/h 89 1011millibars N/

10Apr


26 6km/h

89 1011millibars

N/

10Apr

05:00 Light rain.Partly cloudy.

Warm.

25 6km/h

94 1011millibars

9 k

10Apr


25 4km/h

94 1011millibars

N/


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10Apr


25 4km/h

94 1011millibars

9 k

10Apr


25 4km/h

100 1012millibars

N/

10Apr


26 7km/h

94 1013millibars

N/

10Apr


27 4km/h

84 1013millibars

N/

10Apr


27 11km/h

89 1013millibars

N/


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4.3 Graphical Presentation of Data

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

20:00

21:00

22:00

23:00

0:00

1:00

2:00

3:00

4:00

5:00

6:00

7:00

8:00

9:00

10:00

11:00

Degr

ee

Celcius(c)/RelativeHumidity(%)

Time

Indoor Data (8th-9th of April)

RH

Temp

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

20:00

21:00

22:00

23:00

0:00

1:00

2:00

3:00

4:00

5:00

6:00

7:00

8:00

9:00

10:00

11:00

DegreeCelcius(c)/RelativeHumidity(%)

Time

Indoor Data (9th-10th of April)

RH

Temp

Figure 4.3a

.

Figure 4.3b

.


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0

20

40

60

80

100

120

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

20:00

21:00

22:00

23:00

0:00

1:00

2:00

3:00

4:00

5:00

6:00

7:00

8:00

9:00

10:00

11:00

DegreeCelcius(c)/RelativeHumidity(%)

Time

Outdoor Data (8th-9th of April)

RH

Temp

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

20:00

21:00

22:00

23:00

0:00

1:00

2:00

3:00

4:00

5:00

6:00

7:00

8:00

9:00

10:00

11:00

DegreeCelcius(c)/RelativeHumidi

ty(%)

Time

Outdoor Data (9th-10th of April)

RH

Temp

Figure 4.3d

.

Figure 4.3c

.


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Indoor Data Documentation

Highest Temperature: 30.2 (1500, 8th of April)

Lowest Temperature: 25 (0800, 10th of April)

Highest Relative Humidity: 95 (1700, 9th

of April)

Lowest Relative Humidity: 72.3 (2100, 8th of April)

Outdoor Data Documentation

Highest Temperature: 32 (1400 and 1500, 8th of April)

Lowest Temperature: 24 (0700, 9th of April)

Highest Relative Humidity: 100 (0700, 9th of April; 0800, 10th of April)

Lowest Relative Humidity: 55 (1400, 8TH of April)


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4.4 Data Analysis

Based on the provided charts above, we found out a few notable data which the change can be

explained in terms of thermal performance of the room.

The very first thing we realized was the charts comparing the temperature of outdoor and indoor

shows a certain pattern that occurred constantly throughout 48 hours.

The temperature of the room was much cooler during the morning compared during afternoon

(refer to figure.4.4a 1100-2000 and figure 4.4b 1000-1700). The temperature of the room

increased slowly due to the fact that it was the hottest timing of tropical zone, where the heat of

the sun landed on the earth mostly. Anyhow generally the temperature inside the room is cooler

that outside by 4c.

The room was cooler compared to the room which facing outward, its due to the fact that the

sun was not able to penetrate through the building and into our room successfully. Our roomwas positioned facing inward to the corridor, and a roof (skylight) was built on the top of the

building, with the skylight acting as a filter, our room only received less-intensified solar

radiation. These incoming solar radiations have to further penetrate the room walls and window,

thus leaving the room temperature only slightly affected by the direct solar radiation.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

20:00

21:00

22:00

23:00

0:00

1:00

2:00

3:00

4:00

5:00

6:00

7:00

8:00

9:00

10:00

11:00

DegreeeCelcius(c)

Time

Outdoor and Indoor Temperature

(8th-9th of April)

Outdoor Temp

Indoor Temp

Figure 4.4a

.


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The temperature of the room was generally higher compared to the outdoor temperature during

the night (2200-0900 on the first chart on temperature comparison; 1900-0700 on the second.).

Though the temperature of the room inside was decreasing due to the fact that the night iscooler, yet its hotter compared to the temperature outside of the building.

The reason behind this change of temperature is the same; mainly due to the position of the

room itself. The room was located inside of the whole building, and its facing inward to another

block. This resulted in the heat it captured during the day was trapped inside the room. When

the night flush event happens, its unable to release its heat as fast as those rooms that facing

outward. Though the wind was able to pass through and cooled the room, its still hotter

compared to the rest due to the heat produced at the corridor and food court that around the

area.

Human activities also contributed to the change of thermal performance of the room. Duringevening (1700-2100, 9th of April), the temperature of the room is continuously higher than usual

for several hours. Reason being the user in the room, is using his laptop for a couple of hours,

releasing heat during the time of usage. At the same time, both window and door were closed to

block the undesirable noises coming from the corridor and food court; though the fan was

switched on, but the temperature inside the room still rises as it is unable to release its heat.

Thus the temperature of the room remained and only dropped slightly compared to the outdoor

temperature which decreased dramatically due to the rain at 1700.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

20:00

21:00

22:00

23:00

0:00

1:00

2:00

3:00

4:00

5:00

6:00

7:00

8:00

9:00

10:00

11:00

DegreeCelcius(c)

Time

Outdoor and Indoor Temperature

(9th-10th of April)

Outdoor Temp

Indoor Temp

Figure 4.4b

.


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Around 1700, 9th of April, according to our data which were retrieved from

(www.timeanddate.com), it is raining with occurring thunder storms. At the same time, though

its a warm rain, the outdoor relative humidity reached its peak, 100%. Its a common natural

event that happened when it rained. It is Interesting that the relative humidity and temperature

were affected as well. At that hour, the temperature of the room reached 28.5c whereas the

outside reached 29c.

Not much difference it seems, but after that, the data actually gave us an insight on what

happened after rain. The temperature outside after 1700 quickly dropped down with around 2c

every hours (for few hours), and thus the temperature inside the room became higher few hours

later after the rain. Our findings showed: after the rain, the facing sides of the building as well

as the open area received rains and started to evaporate, with the process of evaporation, when

it happened, it brought the hot air to the sky as well. Thus the temperature outside was quicklydropped down, and accompanied with the absence of the sun, it became much cooler.

The temperature of the room dropped as the outsides dropped. But under the comparison, the

room started to become hotter than outdoor even though the temperature was still decreasing.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

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RelativeHumidity(%)

Time

Outdoor and Indoor Relative Humidity

(8th-9th of April)

Outdoor RH

Indoor RH

Figure 4.4c

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Its because of the heat was trapped inside and its unable to release its heat to the atmosphere

when the open area did.

In terms of relative humidity, the room was not much affected. When it reached its dew point at

the midnight (0600), the relative humidity reached 100% in the morning (0700, 9 th of April; and

0800, 10th of April); anyhow the relative humidity remained at the same range throughout the

night. Some factors contributing to it was that the neighbors were using air-conditions

throughout the night, which affect the thermal performance of their common area (living room)

consequently our room itself.

During daytime (1100-1600 on the first chart of relative humidity comparison; 1300-1600 on the

second), the relative humidity of the room was generally high and frequently it appeared to bemore humid than the outdoor. Its due to the fact that the building was built in modern way,

which the insulation is strong enough to withhold its thermal performance. But it became a con

in this case. The process of water evaporation became much slower and it was very discomfort

to the user inside the room.

0

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umidity(%)

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Outdoor and Indoor Relative Humidity

(9th-10th of April)

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Indoor RH

Figure 4.4d

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5.0 discussions

Mean temperature: 27.9c

Mean Relative humidity: 83.46%

This result indicates our room thermal comfort is slightly too hot and considerably humid.5.2

Problems and Solutions A

Problem A: Trapped Heat

Solution A: Alternated roof (Skylight) and roof garden

Figure 5.0 indicates the mean

temperature and relative humidity

of our results

Figure 4.3b

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-Promotes air movement

-Fully use of green building design

-Good thermal mask on the top

-Wind welcoming structure

With the strategic location of our room, it performed very well in term of being heat insulated in

the morning and noon. The major drawback of our room is that it gets very hot and humid after

the noon, where the heat started to store up around the room. In the evening it gained heat and

its unable to release it quickly compared to the room facing outward.

Our solution is to alter the existing roof (skylight), in order to promote the air movement,

specifically for the hot air which was trapped inside after the noon. With the alternated roof

Figure 5.2a

.

Figure 5.2b

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Figure 5.2c

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(skylight), the hot air will be released directly into the sky and thus it becomes cooler with new

air moves in.

At the same time, with the alternated roof, its became a very suitable site for having roof top

garden. In this case, the rain drops on the skylight can be collected and directed to the soil of

roof top greens. Wasting was minimized, and though its expensive, but once the system is on it

will affect substantially on the thermal performance of the building.

Because roof top garden helps in blocking the sun radiation penetrating the building, it becomes

multiple layers of heat insulations, a very good thermal mask on the top part of building. Besidesthat, having a roof top garden automatically cools the structure itself by providing organic

shading to the roof top. It provides radiant cooling effect from the structure with shading and

insulation (soil) during day time, and transpiration (evaporation) also cools the tree and the air in

contact with the vegetation. With that the sun heat will not be able to penetrate into our room as

quick as the room facing outward.

Figure 5.2d

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Figure 5.2e

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Thus, with the decrease of temperature, the temperature difference between the open area and

shaded area become bigger in this way, radiant temperature was created, wind will be able to

evolve and pass through it to fulfill the law of thermal balance. Stack effect will be created with

this solution, and it will change the temperature and relative humidity of our room.

Anyhow the trees shouldnt be planted densely, because it will block the heat from releasing into

the atmosphere. Only number of trees should be planted with careful planning, with that it will

help in making the room performs better in terms of thermal comfort.

Figure 5.2f

.

Figure 5.2g

.

Figure 5.2h

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5.3 Problems and Solution B

Problem B: Hot and Humid inside the room and less contact with the outdoor wind to be

cooled.

Solution B: Vertical landscaping installation

-Shading the internal facades

-Cooling the spaces around it with transpiration (evaporation)

-Filter the heat produced by sun radiation and human activities.

During the same timeframe, the temperature and relative humidity of the room are

uncomfortable for most people. This is due to the position of our room, is just above the

commercial blocks (including restaurants, stationary shops, and etc.), which produce heat. The

wind velocity and frequency are not that much compared to the floors upstairs, thus the room

becomes humid and hot with lacks of wind.

Our solution is to install a series of vertical landscape, vine covered panels all around the

internal facades partially. It should be attached at least 1meter away from the building itself to

allow the wind to change its temperature, velocity, and frequency.

As we mentioned before, greens provide many advantages on passive cooling, if properly used.

It acts as a shading device to the internal facades, filtering the sun light and sun heat; cooling

the spaces in contact with it by transpiration process of it; and acts as a wind break which

Figure 5.2j

.

Figure 5.2i

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eventually increases the wind velocity on the facades in this case. Ultimately it will lower the

temperature of the room and increase the wind velocity on the facades thus affecting the

relative humidity of the room to provide a comfort zone for user.


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6.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, the unit recorded has a slightly higher temperature and relative humidity

compared to the average temperature. The thermal comfort of the room is also slightly above

the comfort zone (refer to figure 5.0 psychometric chart). As mentioned above, having a roof

garden is able to resolve the persisting problems. However, there are other factors too to be

considered, such as the high maintenance, repairing and fixing costs, fragility of plants leading it

to be blown away by strong winds, complex drainage systems and a stronger roof beam to

support the soil layer. Vertical layering however poses another kind of concern. It changes the

exterior look of the building significantly. Subjected to personal taste, some people might like,

some may not. So ultimately, it really depends on the users decisions.


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7.0 References

Published materials

1. Lechner, N. (2009). Heating, Cooling, Lighting : Sustainable Design Methods for Architects. New

Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

2. Adler, D. (2004). METRIC HANDBOOK PLANNING AND DESIGN DATA. Burlington: Elsevier Ltd.

3. B. Stein, J. Reynolds.(2010). Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings. New York. John &

Wiley. 2000.

Internet resources

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=122

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/heat-loss-transmission-d_748.html

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/overall-heat-transfer-coefficients-d_284.html

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/thermal-conductivity-d_429.html

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/133394.pdf
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=122http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=122http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/heat-loss-transmission-d_748.htmlhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/heat-loss-transmission-d_748.htmlhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/overall-heat-transfer-coefficients-d_284.htmlhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/overall-heat-transfer-coefficients-d_284.htmlhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/thermal-conductivity-d_429.htmlhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/thermal-conductivity-d_429.htmlhttp://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/133394.pdfhttp://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/133394.pdfhttp://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/133394.pdfhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/thermal-conductivity-d_429.htmlhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/overall-heat-transfer-coefficients-d_284.htmlhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/heat-loss-transmission-d_748.htmlhttp://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=122


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