Energy consumption and thermal comfort at classrooms in humid tropical climate area

Abstract

The significance of comprehending the thermal comfort perceptions linked to air conditioner usage in the morning and afternoon is underscored by the energy consumption in the building industry. Accurately identifying these impressions is essential for maximising air conditioner utilisation in accordance with daily weather conditions. It is crucial to ensure that every hour of the day, regardless of whether it is morning, noon, or afternoon, meets optimal comfort levels in extremely hot regions. Additionally, it is important to measure the energy consumption required to achieve these comfort levels. There is a dearth of research that takes into account both energy usage and thermal comfort in classrooms, as well as a distinct framework to assess these parameters across different buildings for the sake of comparison. The objective of this study is to assess and compare the thermal comfort levels in classrooms over two time periods, specifically from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 15:00, in a humid tropical climate during the peak of summer. Additionally, the study attempts to establish the energy consumption necessary to attain these desired comfort levels.