SECTION A: THERMAL COMFORT

1 INTRODUCTION TO MALAYSIAN CLIMATE

Figure 1: Geography of Malaysia

Malaysia has a tropical climate. Malaysia’s mean annual temperature is 25.4°C.

There is relatively little seasonal variability in average monthly temperature, ranging one
degree Celsius between a minimum of 24.9°C in January and maximum of 25.9°C in May.
April, May and June are the hottest months of the year. Rainfall also remains high year-
round, with mean annual precipitation of 3,085.5 millimetres (mm). Average monthly
precipitation is also relatively constant throughout the year, ranging between approximately
200 mm during June and July and 350 mm in November and December. There are two
monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (April-September) and the Northeast Monsoon
(October-March). Malaysia receives about six hours of direct sunlight per day, with cloud
cover most likely during the afternoon/evening.

In general, heat transfer represents the heat flow (thermal energy) due to temperature
differences and the resulting temperature distribution and changes. Heat transfer is classified
into various mechanisms, such as thermal conduction, thermal convection, thermal radiation,
and transfer of energy by phase changes. To feel thermally comfortable, a person must be
able to dissipate exactly a defined amount of heat. When this becomes difficult, a person
becomes either cold or hot. The human body acts as a chemical reactor, converting the
chemical energy of food and the oxygen we breathe into mechanical work and heat.
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDY BUILDING

A case study is a detailed study of a particular topic. A person, group, place, event,
organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational,
clinical, and business studies.

The case study that has been conducting for this heat transfer observation was being held in
one of our group member housing area, Muhammad Zulhakim. His house is located at
Pos32a batu 3 1/2 Tanjung Gading, 84000, Muar Johor. This house is a terrace house with 4
bedroom and 3 toilets. This housing area is not that populated as it is very suitable for
someone that doesn’t enjoy the noise pollution in the city area.

Figure 2: Location of case study house for heat transfer observation

Figure 3: Front
elevation of case study house for heat transfer observation
2 OBJECTIVE

The Objective of this Thermal Comfort observation are:

1. To identify factors that contribute to the heat gain in the case study house.
2. To explain the thermal comfort issues in the case study houses.
3. To propose passive design in the case study house.

3 METHODOLOGY

 Literature Study

To produce this report, we used a literature method of searching the Internet based on
Global Wikipedia, online books, and a pdf report on Malaysia's climate and thermal
comfort. All surveys have been collected to find information relevant to us that can be
used as a reference to complete the observations of the case study.

 Observation

Observation of Thermal Comfort in Building Design and Surrounding Area:

1. The type of roof

2. The material used for wall
3. Type of window
4. Type of door
5. Shading
6. The orientation of the building
7. The landscape of the building