Simulation of PMV and PPD thermal comfort using EnergyPlus

Abstract

This work aims to simulate the thermal comfort for the user of a movie theater in the dimension related to considering the thermal environment parameters by the using EnergyPlus software. The results from simulation are then compared with the experimental ones. In order to calculate and model the thermal comfort, it was necessary a proper characterization of the space that included the measured occupancy, thermal environment variables, distinct electric equipment and lights. To compute the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and the Predictable Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) in EnergyPlus, the metabolic rate, air velocity and clothing insulation were defined according to the cinema specifications.

The results obtained from EnergyPlus were then compared with the experimentally measured ones. Minor differences were observed regarding the comfort sensation. Despite the differences, the variation in the percentage of dissatisfied people is smaller than 2%. Furthermore, this work also allowed verifying that the occupancy rate is a determining factor in the thermal comfort sensation and, in this case, people provided the necessary energy to heat the cinema room in the second session that occurred at night.