Radiative environments and thermal comfort in temperate climate

X. Berger

The concept of dwelling is connected with the thermal comfort problem. Radiatively out of balance volumes may agree physiologically and psychologically with the ideal preferred comfort. Nevertheless taking into account vertical and horizontal gradients is a necessity, as well as other parameters of influence like air temperature, air velocity, hygrometry, activity and clothing. The mean radiant temperature is here determined by the radiosity method for grey surfaces combined with a Monte Carlo method for solar or punctual sources. The search for optimal thermal management must account for ambient radiation. The B coefficient aims at this goal. Ambient radiative control is related to a correct sizing of the glazings and needs the use of complementary elements : shutters, shadings, air fans... A few experimentations demonstrate the positive effects of radiation in a convenient concept of volumes.

Mots clés: Thermal comfort; Physiology; Radiation temperature; Sunshine; Dwelling building; Solar house; Window glazing; Calculating method; Computer program; Thermal use of fuels; Energy; Applied sciences

Domaines: Articles anciens

X. Berger. Radiative environments and thermal comfort in temperate climate. Revue de Physique Appliquée, 1986, 21 (11), pp.717-726. ⟨10.1051/rphysap:019860021011071700⟩. ⟨jpa-00245492⟩