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Energies
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Thermal Comfort, Environment Quality and Energy Consumption
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Thermal Comfort, Environment Quality and Energy Consumption

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 March 2025) | Viewed by 7447

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jan Kaczmarczyk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Heating, Ventilation and Dust Removal Technology, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: ventilation and air conditioning systems; individual control; energy consumption analysis; thermal comfort; indoor air quality; impact of the indoor environment on occupants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Asit Kumar Mishra

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
Interests: indoor climate quality in healthy; low-energy buildings; occupant thermal comfort and performance; HVAC systems; low-energy indoor conditioning; adaptive comfort models
Dr. Aleksandra Lipczyńska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Heating, Ventilation and Dust Removal Technology, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: indoor environment; thermal comfort; indoor air quality; human response to indoor environment; air distribution systems; air-conditioning systems; energy consumption

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The built environment plays a pivotal role in shaping the well-being of its occupants, with three crucial factors—thermal comfort, environmental quality, and energy consumption—forming a delicate interplay. Achieving an optimal balance among these elements is essential for creating sustainable and occupant-friendly buildings.

Designing buildings that simultaneously prioritize thermal comfort, environmental quality, and energy efficiency requires an integrated approach. Challenges include finding synergies between seemingly conflicting goals, addressing climate variations, and adapting to evolving technological solutions. Sustainable design practices, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy sources are crucial for minimizing a building's ecological footprint. Smart building technologies, including energy management systems and advanced HVAC solutions, play a vital role in optimizing energy consumption while maintaining comfort and environmental quality. The ongoing pursuit of net-zero energy buildings underscores the industry's commitment to creating environmentally responsible and occupant-centric spaces.

In conclusion, the intricate relationship between environmental quality and energy consumption necessitates a holistic approach to building design and operation. Striking the right balance is crucial for occupant satisfaction and fostering sustainability in the face of growing environmental challenges. As technology advances and awareness of these factors increases, the construction industry is poised to lead the way in creating energy-efficient buildings that are conducive to the well-being of their occupants.

This Special Issue is dedicated to original research and review articles focusing on thermal comfort, environmental quality, and energy-efficient building design. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Effective design and control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems;
  • Advanced HVAC systems;
  • Active and passive solutions for improving environment quality;
  • Occupant-centric approaches in building performance (including PECS);
  • Occupant well-being;
  • Human response to environmental conditioning systems;
  • Human building interaction;
  • Smart building technologies;
  • Energy-efficient buildings, low-carbon buildings, passive houses, zero energy buildings, and green buildings;
  • Climate change effects on indoor thermal comfort and building energy use

Dr. Jan Kaczmarczyk
Dr. Asit Kumar Mishra
Dr. Aleksandra Lipczyńska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • thermal comfort
  • indoor environment quality
  • building energy use
  • occupant well-being
  • task performance

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3988 KiB  
Article
Testing Method for Non-Isothermal Radial Wall Jets from Ceiling Diffusers Used in Building Ventilation
by Maria Hurnik
Energies 2025, 18(2), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18020411 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
Diffusers producing radial jets attached to the ceiling are most often used in ventilation and air conditioning systems. In building ventilation, the temperature of the jet supplying the air into the rooms is usually different to the surrounding air temperature. To save energy [...] Read more.
Diffusers producing radial jets attached to the ceiling are most often used in ventilation and air conditioning systems. In building ventilation, the temperature of the jet supplying the air into the rooms is usually different to the surrounding air temperature. To save energy for air transportation during periods of low heat gains, the air flow should be reduced as low as possible, to about 20% of its nominal value. A significant decrease in the air flow supply in cooling mode may cause cold air dumping and, consequently, increase the risk of local discomfort due to drafts in the occupied zone. In this study, a method for assessing the effect of non-isothermality on the speed distribution of radial wall jets has been developed. The measured terminal speed isolines, W = 0.2 m/s, were compared with the isolines determined for isothermal jets. The test results have shown that, for radial wall jets supplying air at an Archimedes number higher than approximately 50 × 10−4, the risk of jet dumping is significant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Comfort, Environment Quality and Energy Consumption)
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28 pages, 8666 KiB  
Article
Cooling of Air in Outdoor Areas of Human Habitation
by Ewelina Barnat, Robert Sekret and Bożena Babiarz
Energies 2024, 17(24), 6303; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246303 - 13 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 554
Abstract
This paper deals with the issue of air cooling in outdoor areas of human habitation. An analysis of air parameters during the summer season was carried out to determine the thermal comfort zone for a part of the northern platform of the local [...] Read more.
This paper deals with the issue of air cooling in outdoor areas of human habitation. An analysis of air parameters during the summer season was carried out to determine the thermal comfort zone for a part of the northern platform of the local station in Rzeszow (Poland). The cooling capacity required for thermal comfort was calculated using outdoor air parameters and heat gains in the vicinity of the research object. Ten potential air-cooling systems were proposed for the outdoor zones. The systems differed in terms of cooling equipment, primary energy source, cooling medium, and recipients. They were divided into three categories: compressor, adsorption, and evaporative cooling. The electricity yield of the existing photovoltaic installation at the research facility was evaluated to identify potential synergies between the cooling demand and solar energy. An analysis assessed the energy, economic, and environmental impact of each proposed option. The best option for cooling the outdoor areas was found to be an evaporative cooling system with a PV system. Solar radiation can be effectively used for cooling outdoor zones in Poland in the summer. The optimal solution for the research facility is an evaporative cooling system based on direct evaporation combined with a photovoltaic system. The subject matter covered can be used as an effective tool for the optimal selection of outdoor air-cooling systems to ensure the thermal comfort of the occupants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Comfort, Environment Quality and Energy Consumption)
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14 pages, 2647 KiB  
Article
Influence of Control Strategy on Heat Recovery Efficiency in a Single-Duct Periodic Ventilation Device
by Piotr Koper
Energies 2024, 17(22), 5801; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17225801 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 594
Abstract
The subject of the research was a single-duct, decentralised periodic ventilation unit, using accumulative heat exchanger for heat recovery (also called single-core fixed-bed regenerator). It can achieve high efficiency of heat recovery but is vulnerable to pressure differences between the interior of the [...] Read more.
The subject of the research was a single-duct, decentralised periodic ventilation unit, using accumulative heat exchanger for heat recovery (also called single-core fixed-bed regenerator). It can achieve high efficiency of heat recovery but is vulnerable to pressure differences between the interior of the building and the outside. To counter this, two control strategies were proposed: adjustment of the fan speed based on an air flow sensor and adjustment of the working cycle length based on temperature sensors. The strategies were tested experimentally in actual working conditions. Due to the use of cheap and simple sensors, it was possible to retain the low price of the device. Both control strategies proved to be successful in equalising the amount of supplied and removed air in a single cycle. Moreover, the heat recovery efficiency increased by more than 10% compared to the default working mode. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Comfort, Environment Quality and Energy Consumption)
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14 pages, 3412 KiB  
Article
Effect of Indoor Green Walls on Environment Perception and Well-Being of Occupants in Office Buildings
by Aleksandra Lipczynska, Jan Kaczmarczyk and Beata Dziedzic
Energies 2024, 17(22), 5690; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17225690 - 14 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1597
Abstract
Office employees often face discomfort due to dry air, impacting their productivity. Existing solutions like standalone humidifiers or HVAC-integrated systems are either inefficient or costly. Thus, maintaining optimal air humidity remains a challenge. Green walls offer a potential solution by influencing humidity and [...] Read more.
Office employees often face discomfort due to dry air, impacting their productivity. Existing solutions like standalone humidifiers or HVAC-integrated systems are either inefficient or costly. Thus, maintaining optimal air humidity remains a challenge. Green walls offer a potential solution by influencing humidity and air quality. A survey was conducted in five Warsaw office buildings involving 85 participants to investigate this issue. Measurements were taken in three stages: without humidifiers, with standalone humidifiers, and with green walls. The results showed a high acceptance of humidification systems, with green walls being perceived as the most effective in neutralizing air humidity perception. The air quality was rated highest with both humidifiers and green walls. Notably, well-being indicators significantly improved with humidifiers, particularly with the presence of green walls. This study underscores the potential of green walls in improving indoor environmental conditions and occupants’ well-being, offering a promising avenue for enhancing office comfort and efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Comfort, Environment Quality and Energy Consumption)
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17 pages, 3398 KiB  
Article
Innovative High-Induction Air Diffuser for Enhanced Air Mixing in Vehicles and Personalized Ventilation Applications
by Florin Ioan Bode, Titus Otniel Joldos, Gabriel Mihai Sirbu, Paul Danca, Costin Cosoiu and Ilinca Nastase
Energies 2024, 17(12), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17122930 - 14 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1539
Abstract
Thermal comfort is very important for the well-being and safety of vehicle occupants, as discomfort can elevate stress, leading to distracted attention and slower reaction times. This creates a riskier driving environment. Addressing this, high-induction air diffusers emerge as a significant innovation, enhancing [...] Read more.
Thermal comfort is very important for the well-being and safety of vehicle occupants, as discomfort can elevate stress, leading to distracted attention and slower reaction times. This creates a riskier driving environment. Addressing this, high-induction air diffusers emerge as a significant innovation, enhancing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) by efficiently mixing cool air from the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system with the cabin’s ambient air. This process ensures uniform airflow, diminishes temperature discrepancies, prevents draft sensations, and boosts overall air quality by improving air circulation. In addition to enhancing thermal comfort in vehicles, the novel air diffuser also offers significant potential for personalized ventilation systems, allowing for individualized control over airflow and temperature, thereby catering to the specific comfort needs of each occupant. This study introduces a novel air diffuser that demonstrates a 48% improvement in air entrainment compared to traditional diffusers, verified through Ansys Fluent simulations and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements. At a fresh airflow rate of 31.79 m3/h, the total air entrainment rate at 0.6 m for the standard air diffuser is 73.36 m3/h, while for the innovative air diffuser, it is 109.26 m3/h. This solution has the potential to increase the level of thermal comfort and air quality within vehicles, and also signals potential applications across various enclosed spaces, underscoring its importance in advancing automotive safety and environmental standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Comfort, Environment Quality and Energy Consumption)
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21 pages, 8130 KiB  
Article
Ventilation Methods for Improving the Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency of Multi-Family Buildings in Central Europe
by Joanna Ferdyn-Grygierek and Krzysztof Grygierek
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2232; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092232 - 6 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
In Poland and other countries in Central Europe, residential buildings from the second half of the 20th century dominate, which have recently undergone deep thermomodernisation. Research on the retrofitting of residential buildings has focused mainly on energy efficiency, with only a few studies [...] Read more.
In Poland and other countries in Central Europe, residential buildings from the second half of the 20th century dominate, which have recently undergone deep thermomodernisation. Research on the retrofitting of residential buildings has focused mainly on energy efficiency, with only a few studies on indoor air quality. The aim of this study was to present a comparative analysis of the impact of five ventilation scenarios (three natural and two mechanical) on CO2 concentration and energy demand for heating and ventilation in residential spaces of a multi-family building located in Poland. The analyses were based on the results of building performance co-simulation using the EnergyPlus and CONTAM programs carried out under dynamic conditions with a 5 min time step for the entire heating season. The calculations took into account the instantaneous occupancy variability of twenty apartments. In the buildings equipped with new tight windows, the natural ventilation system provided extremely low air exchange (on average 0.1 h−1) and poor indoor air quality (average CO2 concentration at the level of 2500 ppm). Opening windows to ventilate the rooms generated a multiple increase (up to 8 times) in heating demand during these periods, but average CO2 concentration was on the level of 930 ppm. The use of mechanical ventilation was profitable both in terms of energy savings (at the level of 50%) and improvement in the indoor air. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Comfort, Environment Quality and Energy Consumption)
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