Effects of Faster Airflows on Human Thermal Comfort in Summer

Abstract

A same comfort condition for the majority of people in temperate and tropical areas can be obtained with air-conditioning using a faster air velocity and a higher air temperature. This leads to more economical energy consumption. Thus, a location on a body was identified where comfort was attained efficiently by local airflow. The present study examined if any difference existed in subjects perception of the airflow between the back of the necks and ankles when local airflows of varying temperatures and velocities were directed at the two locations. The subjective responses in the summer experiments were discussed. The results indicate that the airflows caused stronger thermal sensation and airflow perception at the necks more so than at the ankles. The higher temperature airflow was evaluated to be more comfortable than the lower temperature airflow at both locations. The percentages dissatisfied (PDs) were smaller at the necks than the ankles. © 2006, Architectural Institute of Japan. All rights reserved.