Climatology & Lab (Interior)

CLIMATIC ZONES OF INDIA

Prepared By: Ar.Gowri Shenoy

MANIPAL SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
MAHE,MANIPAL.
 PART- A OVERVIEW

Classification of Climate
• Meaning of Climate
• Factors affecting climates
• Köppen climate classification
• Climates in India
• Greek Word ‘klima’
• Region with certain condtions of Temperature, Dryness, Wind, Light,
etc.(Oxford)

Tropical climates are those where heat is the dominant problem

Factors Shaping the Climates: (Globe Scale)

• Solar radiation: quality & quantity

• Tilt of earth’s axis
• Radiation at the earth’s surface
• Solar altitude angle and intensity
• The earth’s thermal balance
• Winds: thermal forces
• Topography
Solar radiation: quality
• energy from the sun - radiation
• The spectrum extends from 290 to 2300 nm.
• • UV: 290‐380 nm
• • Visible light: 380nm (violet) to 700nm (red)
• • Infra red: 700‐2300nm
Solar radiation: quantity

• Intensity of radiation at the upper surface of

the atmosphere is taken as the solar constant:
1 395 W/m2
• Variation: +‐2% due to sun
output
• +‐3.5% due to change in
earth‐sun distance. Eliptical
movement of sun
Tilt of earth’s axis
• Maximum intensity is received between 23.5 deg.
N and 23.5 deg. S.

https://wildernessnorth.com/wordpress3/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/changing-of-seasons-1.jpg
 Radiation at the earth’s surface
• The earth‐sun relationship affects the amount of
radiations received at a particular point on the
earth’s surface in 3 ways:
• Atmospheric depletion: Absorption of
radiation by ozone, vapours and dust particles
in atmosphere. (A
• factor of 0.2 to 0.7)
• Duration of sunshine:
Length of daylight period.
• Cosine Law
Length of path through the atmosphere
 The earth’s thermal balance
• The total amount of heat absorbed by the earth
each year is balanced by corresponding heat loss.
earth's surface releases heat by three processes:
a) By Long‐wave radiation: to cold outer surface
b) by evaporation: liquid water changes into
vapour
c) by convection: air heated by contact with the
warm earth surface becomes lighter
The earth’s thermal balance

Passage of radiation through the atmosphere

The earth’s thermal balance

Heat release from the ground and the atmosphere

 Winds: thermal forces
• Winds are convection currents in the atmosphere that
tend to even the differential heating of various
zones.
• Trade winds (0‐30 deg.): Winds blowing to
direction opposite of earth’s rotation. The slippage
at the boundary of earth surface and the
atmosphere is caused by Coriolis force.
• Westerlies (30‐60 deg.): The law of conservation of
angular momentum is the cause.
Global wind pattern
 TOPOGRAPHY
• The force, direction and moisture content of air
flows are strongly influenced by topography.
1. The influence of altitude (hill station).
2. The effect of sea to coastal areas.
3. Leeward and Windward side of a hill.

https://geography.name/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Windward-Leeward-640x333.jpg
Climate Classification - Simplify the climatic similarities and
differences between geographic areas to understand Earth’s climates.

KÖPPEN CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION - most widely used

climate classification systems- developed by German botanist-climatologist Wladimir
Köppen, modified with Rudolf Geiger
Uses only Temperature & precipitation data. (Represents Vegitation)
• Average Annual data
• Average Monthly data

http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7v.html
Regional Characterisics: Level of heat
F- Permanently Frozen POTET = Potential evapotraspiration
M- Marine PRECIP = Precipitation
S- Semi Aried
T- Tundra
W- Waste(desert)
Characteristics of Sessional Precipitation
f- Feucht (Precipitation Round the Year)
h- Hot
k- Kold
m- Tundra
w- Winter dry
S- Summer dry
Level of heat
a- Warmest month summer temperature > 22ºC
b- Warmest month summer temperature < 22ºC
c- Temperature Constantly > 10ºC
d- Average temperature of Coldest Month < -38ºC
The KÖPPEN CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION is one of the most widely used climate
classification systems

This map depicts the world distribution of climate types based on the classification originally
invented by Wladimir Köppen in 1900.
Criticisms:
Climate elements such as air Pressure, air masses,
humidity etc has not been considered.
Landform plays a decisive role in the distribution of
vegetation and climate characterization
Direction of wind and distribution of water and land
bodies has considerable influence which is not
considered.
No Considerations of climate changes

http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7v.html
Elements of climate:
 Temperature
 Humidity
 Precipitation
 Sky condition
 Solar radiation
 Wind
 Vegetation
MICROCLIMATE
Local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding area.

Areas can be as small as a few square feet (for example- a garden bed) or as
large as many square miles.

An entire town/city could have a different microclimate from the climate of the
region in which it lies
eg: Auroville (dense vegetation), Udaipur (hills and waterbodies),
University Campus with a lot of vegetation

Examples –
◦ near water bodies which may cool the local atmosphere
◦ heavily urban areas where brick, concrete, and asphalt absorb the sun's
energy, heat up, and reradiate that heat to the ambient air (urban heat
island)
Microclimate is a related term of macroclimate.

As nouns the difference

between microclimate and macroclimate
is that microclimate is a small, local region having a unique
pattern of weather or weather effects that differ from the
local climate while macroclimate is the climate of a
relatively large geographic area.
FACTORS AFFECTING SITE CLIMATE:
Temperature
Humidity
Precipitation
Sky Conditions
Solar Radiation
Air Movement
Wind Movement
Vegetation
Ground Cover
SITE CLIMATE
It is the microclimate of a site
Implies the climate of the area available, both in horizontal extent and in height

DESIGNER’S TASK
• Identify most suitable area for habitation – take advantage of favorable
and mitigate unfavorable
• Lengthy on-site observations are rarely possible
• Start with regional data and assess likely deviations – consult experienced
observer
• Climatology study should be early in the design stage
 LOCAL FACTORS
TOPOGRAPHY- slope, orientation, exposure, elevation, hills, valleys
at/near the site.

GROUND SURFACE- natural/man-made, reflectance, permeability,

soil temperature – affects vegetation

THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS – trees, tree belts, fences, walls,

buildings – influence air movement, cast shadows and may divide
the area into smaller units with different climate.
Different Climatic Zones of India

Warm humid climate

Hot-dry climate

Composite climate

Cold climate

Moderate/ Temperate
Warm humid climate
• Coastal parts of the country.
• Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
• The high humidity encourages abundant vegetation
in these regions
• The diurnal variation in temperature is quite low.
• In summer, 30 – 35 ºC during the day, and 25 –
30 ºC at night.
• In winter, 25 to 30 ºC during the day and 20 to
25 ºC at night.
• Relative humidity is about 70 – 90 % throughout
the year.
• Precipitation being about 1200 mm per year, or
even more. Hence, the provision for quick drainage
of water is essential in this zone.
• Solar radiation
 The intensity of solar radiation is high durning summers
and moderate durning winters.
• Wind
 Wind velocity is low, calm and periodic. But may be strong
durning rain squalls.
• Vegetation
 Grows quickly due to frequent rains.
 Difficult to control.
 High humidity accelarates mould and algaegrowth, rusting
and rotting.
• Orientation of Building:
• North- South
BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS

1. Buildings should be spread out with large open spaces in between for unrestricted air movement.

2. Cross ventilation is very important. Large openings to unobstructed air path and to ensure proper
ventilation.

3. The openings should be shaded by external overhangs. Outlets at higher levels to vent hot air.

4. Ceiling fans are effective in reducing the level of discomfort.

5. Proper water proofing and quick drainage of water is essential due to heavy rainfall.
THANKS !!
Hot-dry climate
• Western and the central part of india.
• Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Sholapur are some
of the towns that experience this type of
climate.
• Flat with sandy or rocky ground conditions,
and sparse vegetation comprising cacti,
thorny trees and bushes.
• There are few sources of water on the
surface, and the underground water level is
also very low.
• The diurnal variation in temperature is
quite high, that is, more than 10 ºC.
• In summer -,40–45 ºc during the day, and
20–30 ºc at night.
• In winter, 5 and 25 ºc during the day and 0
to 10 ºc at night.
• Relative humidity is 25 to 40 % due to low
vegetation and surface water bodies.
• Less rainfall- the annual precipitation being
less than 500 mm
 Solar radiations
Solar radiation is direct and strong during day and often escapes into
clear skies during nights.

 Wind
High speed dusty winds (20 to 30 km/hr )are very common for
this type of climate.Wind often change directions locally.

 Soil and vegetation

Soil is very loose and sandy with very poor vegetation.Only thick leaves
and thorny plants can easily
survive here.
• Orientation of Building:
• North- South
BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS

1. North –south orientation as it protects from morning and

evening solar radiations.
2. Bedrooms should be oriented to receive cool night air.
3. Courtyard along with some trees and small water body
creates cooling effects.
4. Thicker external walls with minimum windows
to avoid heat and solar radiations.
5. Window sill should be
higher to provide dust
protection.
6. Deep sun shades are required to shade windows effectively.
10
Composite climate
• The central part of India.
• New Delhi, Kanpur and Allahabad.
• A variable landscape and seasonal vegetation.
• Summers ,32 – 43 ºC, and night time values are from
27 to 32 ºC.
• In winter, 10 to 25 ºC during the day and 4 to 10 ºC at
night.
• The relative humidity is about 20 – 25 % in dry periods
and 55 – 95 % in wet periods.
• High humidity during monsoon months .
• Precipitation in this zone varies between 500 – 1300
mm per year.
• This region receives strong winds during monsoons from
the south-east and dry cold winds from the north-east.
• In summer, the winds are hot and dusty.
• The sky is overcast and dull in the monsoon, clear in
winter and frequently hazy in summer.
Solar radiation
The intensity of solar radiation is very high in summer with diffuse
radiation. In monsoons, the
intensity is low with predominantly diffuse radiation.
Wind
Winds are strong during monsoons from the south-east and dry cold
winds from the north-east. In summer, the winds are hot and dusty.
Vegetation
A variable landscape and seasonal vegetation characterize this zone.
Orientation of Building:
North- South
 BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS

1. Appropriate orientation and shape of building.

2. Use of trees as wind barriers & ponds for evaporative cooling.

3. Roof & wall insulation, thicker walls, air locks & balconies.

4. Walls, glass surfaces protected by overhangs, fins, & trees.

5. Exhausts, courtyards, wind towers, & arrangement of openings.

Cold climate
• Northern part of India experiences this type of climate.
Most cold and cloudy regions are situated at high altitudes.
• Ootacamund, Shimla, Shillong, Srinagar and
Mahabaleshwar are examples of places belonging to this
climatic zone. These are generally highland regions having
abundant vegetation in summer.
• Winters are extremely cold.
• In summer, 20 – 30 ºc during the day and 17 – 27 ºc at
night
• In winter, 4 and 8 ºc during the day and from -3 to 4 ºc at
night
• The relative humidity is generally high and ranges from 70
– 80 %.
• Annual total precipitation is about 1000 mm and is
distributed evenly throughout the year.
• This region experiences cold winds in the winter season.
Hence, protection from winds is essential in this type of
climate.
• The sky is overcast for most part of the year except during
the brief summer.
Solar radiation
Solar radiation is low in winter with a high percentage of diffuse
radiation.

Wind
This region experiences cold winds in the winter season.

Vegetation
Vegetation is abundant in summer.
BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS

The building should be designed to reduce heat loss by insulation and infiltration, and
promoting heat gain by directly admitting and trapping.

solar radiation within the living space.

Low ceiling provide insulation and conserve the warmth. Windows face the sun.
 TREES –windbarrier

Roof &wall
insulation

Thickwalls
Heavy walls(mud) and a well insulated roof (timber & mud) dampen the
variations of indoor temperatures.
Use of glass and trombe wall – heat is stored in the building mass duringthe day
and warm during the night

Trombe wall

Glass wall

32
Moderate climate
Bangalore, Pune etc are some of the towns that experience this type of climate.

 In Summer, 30-34ºC during day & 17-24ºC atnight.

 In winter, 27-33ºc during day & 16-18ºc atnight.
 Humidity is low in winter and summer, varying from 20-55% &
going upto 55-90% durning monsoons.
 Precipitation is low.
 Sky is mostly clear with occasional presence of low, dense
clouds durning summers.
 Solar radiation is more or less same throughout the year.
 Winds are generally high durning summer.
 Vegetation is fairly abundant.
 Building Characteristics

1. The building should be designed to reduce heat gain by providing shading, and to promote heat loss by
ventilation.

2. Buildings should have thick walls with high ceiling rooms, surrounding by a shade giving verandah.

3. High ceilings reduce the effect of heat that would radiate down from the roof which would get hot under
the sun. This will also allow the warm air to rise and escape through ventilators, high up in the walls.
 Overview
PART B
• HUMAN THERMAL COMFORT
• THERMAL COMFORT INDICES
• PMV(Predicted Mean Vote)
• MAHONEY’S TABLE
HUMAN THERMAL COMFORT
 What is THERMAL COMFORT??
Activity The condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with
the thermal environment and is assessed by subjective
evaluation. (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55)

What is the task of an Architect?

Recovery Fatigue
To create the best possible indoor climate or even the
environment for the users, as they judge the quality
of design based on physical and emotional point of
Recovery view. (Air temperature, humidity, radiation and air
movement )
Recreation Rest Sleep

Affected by
Heat and
humidity
stress led to
Unfavourable Climatic illnesses and
Conditions Accidents.
Heat Continuous Biochemical Process Healthy Tempurature Window
• Tissue building,
Between 98.6°F (37°C) and 100°F
• Energy conversion and
• muscular work. (37.8°C). (Skin temp. is 31 to 34 deg.)

Metabolism: Food Energy

(20% is utilized, the remaining 80%) Body Heat Release
Metabolic heat production: The human body releases heat to the
• Basal metabolism: Heat production of vegetative, environment by
automatic process. evaporation, radiation, convection and to
• Muscular metabolism: Heat production due to a lesser extent by conduction.
consciously controlled work.

Activity watts
• Sleeping min. 70
• Sitting, moderate movement, e.g. typing 130–160
• Standing, light work at machine or bench 160–190
• Sitting, heavy arm and leg movements 190–230
• Standing, moderate work, some walking 220–290
• Walking, moderate lifting or pushing 290–410
• Intermittent heavy lifting, digging 440–580
• Hardest sustained work 580–700
• Maximum heavy work for 30-minutes duration max.
1100
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Mechanisms-of-heat-excess-release-in-the-human-
body_fig1_260189978
Convection: is due to heat transmission
from the body to the air in contact with
the skin or clothing which then rises and is
replaced by
cooler air.
• Rate of convective heat loss is increased
with faster air movement, a lower
temperature and a higher skin
temperature.
Radiant heat loss: depends upon
temperature of the body surface and
temperature of opposing surface.
Conduction: Depends on temperature
difference of body surface and the object
the body is in direct contact with.
Evaporation: is governed by the rate of
evaporation which in turn depends on the
humidity of the air (dryer the air, the
faster the evaporation) and the amount of
moisture available for evaporation.
Evaporation takes place through
perspiration and sweating and in lungs
through breathing.
 FACTORS OF HUMAN THERMAL COMFORT
•Factors that affect the human thermal comfort are classified under three categories:

Exchange of Heat with respect to Air

Temperature

Air Temperature
•Air temperature is the
dominant environmental
factor, as it determines
convective heat
dissipation.
FACTORS OF HUMAN THERMAL
COMFORT
Air Movement
 Accelerates convection.
Changes the skin and clothing surface heat
transfer coefficient (reduces surface resistance).
Increases evaporation from the skin (physiological
cooling effect)
<0.1m/s stuffy
to 0.2 unnoticed
to 0.5 pleasant
to 1 awareness Air Movement:
to 1.5 draughty Keep < 1.5 m/s unless overheated
>1.5 annoying

Relative Humidity
•Comfortable RH: Medium humidities (RH 30% to 65%).

•High humidities: Restrict evaporation (slow heat dissipation mechanism).

•Very low humidities: Drying out mucous membranes (mouth, throat) and skin (Discomfort).
FACTORS OF HUMAN THERMAL COMFORT
Radiation
Radiation exchange depends on the
temperature of surrounding surfaces.

 MRT (mean radiant temperature):

•The average temperature of the
surrounding surface elements.
•Combination of air temperature and
received or emitted radiations.
•Measured using Globe Thermometer
Radiation exchange in buildings
(Copper, 15cm dia., Matt Black Paint).
MRT = GT (Globe Thermometer), when air velocity (v) = zero.

, when air velocity (v) is NOT zero

At or near comfort levels the difference between DBT and MRT should be
less than about 3K (keep < 3°C).

Globe Thermometer
 HUMAN THERMAL COMFORT (Body Heat Exchange)

•Average Human Heat output: 100W

•M± Rd ± Cv ± Cd − Ev = ΔS
where,
M = metabolic heat production
Rd = net radiation exchange
Cv = convection (incl. respiration)
Cd = conduction
Ev = evaporation (incl. in respiration)
ΔS = change in stored heat.
Heat exchanges of the
Comfort: ΔS = 0 (zero) human body.
M± Rd ± Cv ± Cd − Ev = 0 (zero)

A condition of equilibrium is that the sum (i.e. the ΔS)

is zero and such equilibrium is a precondition of
thermal comfort.
COMFORT: the condition of mind that expresses
satisfaction with the thermal environment, it
requires subjective evaluation.
 HEAT LOSS IN VARIOUS THERMAL ENVIRONMENTS
HOT AIR AND CONSIDERABLE
CALM, WARM AIR, MODERATE
RADIATION:
HUMIDITY:
• The human body temp. is 37 deg.
In the indoors of temperate climate,
but skin temp. is 31‐34 deg.
when the
• As the air temp. approaches skin
• Air temperature is 18 deg.
temp., heat loss by convection
• Air velocity does not exceed 0.25
gradually decreases and the body
m/s
makes adjustments to increase
• Humidity is 40% to 60%, a person
temperature to the higher limit (34
engaged in sitting work will disperse
deg.) but when air temp. reaches this
heat as,
point, there is no more heat loss by
• By radiation: 45%
convection.
• Convection: 30%
• Body can gain substantial heat by
• Evaporation: 25 %
radiation: sun, radiator, bonfire.
(If temperature of bounding surface is
• When heat loss is negligible in the
same as air temperature)
above situations, it can still take place
through evaporation only if the air is
sufficiently dry.
 HEAT LOSS IN VARIOUS THERMAL ENVIRONMENTS
SATURATED STILL AIR, ABOVE
BODY TEMPERATURE
When the situation is adverse such as
• air is hot (over 34 deg.)
• Unappreciable air movement
(<0.25 m/s)
• Humidity is near 100 %.
• This leads to profuse sweating and
no evaporation and body
temperature begins to rise.
• A body temperature of 40 deg.
Will cause heat stroke.
(Failure in circulation system,
followed by rapid increase in body
temp.)
• At 41 deg. , coma sets in and death
is imminent.
• At 45 deg., death is unavoidable.
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED
EXPOSURE
• A high wind velocity provides
immediate relief, but causes
irritation and discomfort with long
duration.
• Even perfectly comfortable
conditions may produce adverse
effects if there are no change over
prolonged periods.
• Change and variation is a basic
need of a human.
• The designer must aim at a range
of comfort conditions
within which considerable variations
are permitted.
 SUBJECTIVE VARIABLES
Thermal comfort depends upon four climatic variables, but preferences can vary
among individuals.
• Clothing: A person wearing a suit will require a temperature about 9
deg. lower than a naked body.
• Acclimatization: A person adjusts to a new set of climatic conditions in about 30
days. (A person in London might be comfortable at 18 deg., but will be comfortable
in India at 25 after spending a month.
• Age and sex.: Women have higher metabolic rates and their preference is 1 deg.
Higher than men.
• Body Shape: A fat person with same weight as a thin person dissipates more heat
due to larger surface area.
• Fat: Excellent insulator.
• State of health.
• Food and drink.
• Skin colour: Dark skin has melanin which prevents higher UV penetration than
lighter skin.
THERMAL COMFORT INDICES/ COMFORT SCALES
HUMIDITY - TERMS
Can be described as Absolute humidity (AH) - the amount of moisture actually
present in unit mass or unit volume of air (g/kg or g/m3)

Saturation-point Humidity (SH) is the amount of moisture which the air can hold at a
given temperature

Relative Humidity (RH) gives direct indication of evaporation potential. It is the ratio
of actual amount of moisture present, to the amount of moisture the air could hold at
the given temperature and is expressed as percentage.
RH= (𝑨𝑯/𝑺𝑯) x 100

• Vapor pressure of water is the pressure at which water vapor is in thermodynamic

equilibrium with its condensed state. At higher pressures water would condense.
 HUMIDITY - MEASUREMENT

Usually measured with Wet and Dry bulb hygrometer.

Consists of two ordinary mercury thermometers mounted side by
side
One measures DBT and the other WBT (Wet bulb temperature)
Bulb of the WBT is covered with a gauze or wick and kept wet.
Moisture evaporating gives a cooling effect and so WBT will be
less than DBT.

With the DBT and WBT values we can find the RH, AH and vapor
pressure using a psychrometric chart
DBT and WBT

Moisture evaporating gives a cooling effect and

so WBT will be less than DBT

In dry air evaporation is more, cooling will be

pronounced, WBT reading will be lesser and so
difference will be greater

When RH= 100% , DBT and WBT will be equal

(no evaporation)
Wet bulb depression = DBT – WBT

Rate of evaporation, and thus the WBT is a

function of the relative humidity
PSYCHROMETRY

•Wet Bulb Depression = DBT – WBT

•For fully saturated air, DBT = WBT

Wet bulb Temperature Lines

Aspirated psychrometer (a)
Whirling psychrometer (b)
HUMID AIR : PSYCHROMETRY

•At a given T, air can support a

limited amount of water vapor
(when it is said to be saturated).

•SH = max. AH

•RH = (AH/SH) × 100

Relative Humidity Curves

Psychrometric Chart
 PSYCHROMETRY
•Enthalpy (H) is the heat content of the air relative to 0◦C and 0 humidity.
•Unit: kJ/kg, i.e. the heat content of 1 kg air.
•It has two components:
•sensible heat, (HS) taken up to increase the DBT (approx. 1.005 kJ/kg.K)
•latent heat, (HL) i.e. the heat that was necessary to evaporate liquid water to form
the moisture content of the air.
•Specific volume is the volume of air occupied by 1 kg of air (at normal pressure), in m3/kg.
•It is the reciprocal of density, kg/m3.

Specific Volume Lines

H L
Enthalpy scales externally
 PSYCHROMETRY
•Dew-point Temperature (H)
• at which the air becomes completely saturated and the water starts to precipitate out of
the air (fog, rain, snow, etc),” and highlights the horizontal lines.

Enthalpy scales externally

Graphic representation of the
quantities related tochart
Psychrometric temperature and
humidity of air
◦ Absolute Humidity
◦ Relative Humidity
◦ DBT
◦ WBT
◦ Vapour pressure
A psychrometric chart is a graphical
representation of
the psychrometric processes of air.
Psychrometric processes include physical
and thermodynamic properties such as
dry bulb temperature, wet bulb
temperature, humidity, enthalpy, and air
density
PSYCHROMETRIC CHART
 PSYCHROMETRIC PROCESSES or CHANGES
•Heating is represented by the status point moving
horizontally.
•As the DBT increases, with no change in moisture content, the
RH is reducing.

•Cooling lowers the DBT, the status point moves horizontally to Cooling and Heating
the left.
•This causes the RH to increase, but the AH is not changed.

•Where this horizontal line reaches the saturation curve, the

dew-point temperature (corresponding to the given AH) can be
read.
•Below the dew point the status Point moves along the
saturation curve and the absolute humidity corresponding to
the vertical drop will have condensed out.
Cooling to Reduce Humidity
 CHANGES
•Humidification, i.e. evaporation of moisture into an air
volume is said to be adiabatic, if no heat is added or
removed.
•This causes a reduction of temperature (DBT) but an increase
of humidity (both AH and RH). The status point moves up to the
left, along a constant WBT line.

Humidification (Evaporative
Cooling)

•Adiabatic dehumidification takes place when air is passed

through some chemical sorbent (solid, such as silica gel, or
liquid, such as glycol spray) which removes some of the
moisture content (by absorption ).
•This process releases heat, thus the DBT will increase, whilst
the humidity (both AH and RH) is reduced.

Adiabatic Dehumidification
 THERMAL COMFORT INDICES/ COMFORT SCALES

 Such scales which combine the effects of the four factors (Air Temperature, Air Movement,
Humidity & Radiation).
 More than 30 scales or indices.

Effective Temperature (ET)

 Houghton and Yaglou (1923)
Temperature of a still, saturated atmosphere, which would, in absence of radiation, produce
the same effect as the atmosphere in question.

Corrected Effective Temperature (CET)

 ET did not consider the radiation effect, so correction in ET.

Heat Stress Index (HSI)

 Developed in USA, various physiological assumptions.
 Metabolic heat production of the subjects doing various kinds of works was measured and
taken as an indication of heat stress.
Considered reliable for still air between 27 and 35oC, 30 & 80% RH, and for low humidities
& high temperatures.
 THERMAL COMFORT INDICES/ COMFORT SCALES

Bioclimatic Chart
 Developed by – V. Olgyay.
 Idea: All four factors are controllable by different means and thus cannot be on one index.

Bioclimatic Chart for men at sedentary work, wearing 1 clo., in warm climate.
 THERMAL COMFORT INDICES/ COMFORT SCALES

Standard Effective Temperature (SET or ET*(ET star))

 Latest comfort index which is generally accepted.
 Developed by – Gagge et al. (1986)
 The SET coincides with DBT at the 50% RH curve.

SET Lines
 COMFORT ZONE (using SET)
The comfort zone can be plotted on this chart that will vary with the climate and be different
for each month.

1. Find the thermal neutrality for both the warmest and the coldest month and take the comfort
limits as Tn ± 2.5◦C.
Thermal Neutrality (Tn) = 17.6+0.31×Tm.av ; where Tm.av = month’s mean outdoor
temperature
2. Mark these on the 50% RH curve (the ‘side’ boundaries of the comfort zone as the
corresponding SET lines.
3. The humidity limits (top and bottom) will be 12 and 4 g/kg respectively.
PMV(Predicted Mean Vote)
A method of describing thermal comfort was developed by Ole Fanger and is referred to as
Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD).

Depending on the heat transfer, via heat gain or loss, the Thermoregulation system in a human
brain regulates skin temperature to maintain a constant core body temperature of 36.5° C.

● meanwhile indoor temperature 22°C to 24°C,

● Relative humidity 42% to 48%,
● Carbon monoxide 0 to 9ppm,
● carbon dioxide 0 to 1000ppm and Oxygen 19.0±0.2% As perASHARE.

Thermal comfort index of the model are calculated using the fanger model. The volume of
data obtained from the experimental value helps to find the comfort condition in high level
accuracy.
The fanger model of thermal comfort is calculated by predicted mean vote and predicted
percentage dissatisfied. The PMV and PPD model is based on the combined influence of
relative humidity, air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air movement to that of clothing
and activity level.
Predicted Mean Vote
The Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) refers to a thermal scale that runs from Cold (-3) to Hot (+3),
originally developed by Fanger and later adopted as an ISO standard. The original data was
collected by subjecting a large number of people (reputedly many thousands of Israeli
soldiers) to different conditions within a climate chamber and having them select a position on
the scale the best described their comfort sensation. A mathematical model of the relationship
between all the environmental and physiological factors considered was then derived from the
data.
The recommended acceptable PMV range for thermal comfort from ASHRAE 55 is
between -0.5 and +0.5 for an interior space.

M = metabolic rate
L = thermal load defined as the difference between the internal heat production and the
heat loss to the actual environment for a person hypothetically kept at comfort values
of skin temperature and evaporative heat loss by sweating at
the actual activity level.
MAHONEY’S TABLE
MAHONEY’S TABLE
 TABLE 1
Location:Baghdad, Iraq
Longitude 44° 24´ E.

Latitude 33° 20´

Altitude N.
34 m

Air temperature : °C
J F M A M J J A S O N D High AMT
Monthly mean max. 16 18.5 22 29 36 41 43.5 43.5 40 34 24.5 17.5 43.5 23.5
Monthly mean min. 4 5.5 9 14.5 20 23.5 25.5 24.5 21 16 10.5 5 4 39.5
Monthly mean range 12 13 13 14 16 17.5 18 18 19 18 14 12.5 Low AMR
RELATIVE HUMIDITY %

Monthly mean max. a.m. 87 78 74 68 46 34 32 32 38 50 67 89

Monthly mean min. p.m. 50 41 35 27 18 13 12 13 15 21 39 51

Average 68.5 59.5 54.5 47.5 32 23.5 22 23.5 26.5 35.5 53 70

Humidity group 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 3

Humidity group: 1 If average RH: below 30 %

2 30-50 %
3 50-70%
4 Above 70 %
 RAINFALL &WIND
Total
Rainfall, mm 24 25 28 15 7 0 0 0 0 3 22 26 150

Wind, prevailing NW NW NW NW NW NW NW. NW NW NW NW. NW.

. . . . . . . . .
Wind, secondary SE. SE. N N N N N &W N N N N SE

J F M A M J J A S O N D

AMT AMT AMT

over 20 °C 15-20 °C below 15 °C
Comfort limits Day Night Day Night Day Night

Humidity groups 1 26-34 17-25 23-32 14-23 21-30 12-21

2 25-31 17-24 22-30 14-22 20-27 12-20

3 23-29 17-23 21-28 14-21 19-26 12-19

4 22-27 17-21 20-25 14-20 18-24 12-18
 TABLE 2 DIAGNOSIS

J F M A M J J A S Q N D

Monthly mean max. 16 18.5 22 29 36 41 43.5 43.5 40 34 24.5 17.5 23.5 AMT

Day comfort: upper 29 29 29 31 31 34 34 34 34 31 29 29

lower 23 23 23 25 25 26 26 26 26 25 23 23

Monthly mean min. 4 5.5 9 14.5 20 23.5 25.5 24.5 21 16 10.5 5

Night comfort: upper 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 25 24 23 23

lower 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

Thermal stress: day C C C O H H H H H H O C

night C C C C O O H O O C C C
 INDICATORS

Applicable when: Thermal Humidity Monthly mean

Meaning: Indicator stress Rainfall Group range

Day Night

Air movement essential H1 H 4

H 2.3 Less than 10

Air movement desirable H2 O 4

Rain protection necessary H3 Over

200 mm

Thermal capacity A1 1,2,3 More than 10

necessary

Out-door sleeping A2 H 1,2

desirable H O 1,2 More than 10

Protection from cold A3 C

INDICATORS

Humid: H1 0

H2 0 Total

H3 0

Arid: A1 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 12

A2 √ √ √ √ √ 5

A3 √ √ √ √ 4

J F M A M J J A S O N D
 Table 3: Recommended Specifications
Indicator Totals from Table 2
H1 H2 H3 A1 A2 A3

Layout
0-10 1 Orientation north andsouth
11,12 5-12 (long axiseast-west)
0-4 2 Compact courtyardplanning

Spacing
11,12 3 Openspacingfor breeze
penetration
2-10 4 As3, but protection form hot
and coldwind
0,1 5 Compact lay-out of estates
 Table 3: Recommended Specifications
Indicator Totals from Table 2
H1 H2 H3 A1 A2 A3
Layout
0 0 0 12 5 4
1 Orientation north andsouth
5-12 (long axiseast-west)
0-10
0-4 √ 2 Compact courtyardplanning
11,12

Spacing
11,12 3 Openspacingfor breeze
penetration
2-10 4 As3, but protection form hot
and coldwind
0,1 5 Compact lay-out of estates
 Indicator Totals from Table 2
H1 H2 H3 A1 A2 A3

Air movement
3-12 6 Rooms single banked, permanent
provision for air movement
1,2 0-5

6-12 7 Double banked rooms, temporary

provision for air movement
2-12
0
0,1 8 No air movement requirement

Openings
0,1 0 9 Large openings, 40-80%

11,12 0,1 10 Very small openings, 10-20%

11 Medium openings, 20-40%

Any other conditions
Indicator Totals from Table 2
H1 H2 H3 A1 A2 A3
0 0 0 12 5 4
Air movement
3-12 6 Rooms single banked, permanent
provision for air movement
1,2 0-5

6-12 7 Double banked rooms, temporary

√ provision for air movement
2-12
0
0,1 8 No air movement requirement

Openings
0,1 0 9 Large openings, 40-80%
11,12 0,1 √ 10 Very small openings, 10-20%
Any other conditions 11 Medium openings, 20-40%
Indicator Totals from Table 2
H1 H2 H3 A1 A2 A3
0 0 0 12 5 4

Walls
0-2 12 Light walls, short time-lag
3-12 √ 13 Heavy external and
internal walls

Roofs
0-5 14 Light, insulated roofs
6-12 √ 15 Heavy roofs, over 8 h time-lag

Out-door sleeping
2-12 √ 16 Space for out-door
sleeping required

Rain protection
3-12 17 Protection from heavy rain
necessary
SOURCES / FURTHER READINGS:

•Szokolay, S. V., 2004, Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design,
Architectural Press, ISBN 0 7506 58495

•Koenigsberger, O.H., Ingersoll, T.G., Mayhew, A., & Szokolay, S.V., 1994, Manual of Tropical
Housing and Building: Climate Design, Orient Longman Limited, OLBN 0 00212 001 1

•Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, http://ocw.mit.edu (Accessed

August 26, 2012). License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA