ASSESSMENT OF THERMAL DISCOMFORT IN NONUNIFORMLY HEATED ENCLOSURES - 2 INDEXES IN THE TIME-SPACE DOMAIN

In this paper two indices are proposed to assess the thermal discomfor t in not-uniformly heated enclosures in the time-space domain. The dis cussion of some meaningful cases reveals that living spaces are subjec t to significant non-uniform radiant heat fields, resulting in thermal discomfort. In order to quantify such effects, the concept of 'unifor m equivalent temperature' is invoked. This allows two indices i+ and i - to be developed for assessing the thermal discomfort in intensity an d duration. Such indices have a clear physical meaning and therefore m ay provide substantial help in detecting causes and/or locations of th ermal unpleasantness. On this basis a necessary but not sufficient con dition for thermal comfort is stated in the form: i+ = i- = 0, to be s ought everywhere within the room. Further examples illustrate the valu e of the procedure in thermal comfort conscious design.