A REVIEW BASED STUDY ON THERMAL COMFORT OF NATURALLY VENTILATED CLASSROOMS

Anuj K. Chandiwala; Mital J. Dholawala; Soumita D. Bid; Tandra Banerjee; Digant A. Pastagia

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.3702

Authors

Anuj K. Chandiwala Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, C.K. Pithawala College of Engg. & Technology, Surat 395007, Gujarat, India
Dr. Mital J. Dholawala Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, C.K. Pithawala College of Engg. & Technology, Surat 395007, Gujarat, India
Dr. Soumita D. Bid Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, C.K. Pithawala College of Engg. & Technology, Surat 395007, Gujarat, India
Dr. Tandra Banerjee Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, C.K. Pithawala College of Engg. & Technology, Surat 395007, Gujarat, India
Dr. Digant A. Pastagia Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Shree Swami Atmanand Saraswati Institute of Technology, Surat – 395006, Gujarat, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.3702

Keywords:

Thermal Comfort, Naturally Ventilated Classrooms, Temperature, Humidity, Air Velocity, Adaptive Thermal Comfort Models

Abstract [English]

In classrooms with natural ventilation, thermal comfort has a significant impact on students' academic performance, output, and general well-being. Naturally ventilated classrooms are becoming more popular as a practical substitute for mechanically ventilated environments as a result of growing awareness of sustainability and energy efficiency. With an emphasis on occupant behaviour, building design, climate effects, and adaptive thermal comfort models, this review of the literature examines at the state of the art in thermal comfort studies concerning these kinds of environments. It highlights how important passive design techniques—like ventilation, shading, and orientation—are for creating ideal temperature conditions without the need for energy-intensive devices. The evaluation also emphasizes how crucial it is for occupants to be adaptable, especially in a variety of climates where natural ventilation might not be enough. In addition to sustainable alternatives like mixed ventilation systems and improved building designs, issues including poor air quality, climatic extremes, and design limitations are covered in detail. The study also points out important research gaps, such as the absence of longitudinal evaluations, regional studies, and their integration with contemporary technologies. The goal of this review is to present a thorough understanding of the variables influencing the thermal environment in naturally ventilated classrooms by combining important findings and suggesting future research avenues. A multidisciplinary approach is required to create creative, situation-specific solutions that complement educational aims and sustainability objectives, thereby improving the learning atmosphere for students. This study fills in knowledge gaps and provides researchers, architects, and policymakers with useful insights that add to the continuing conversation on sustainable classroom design.

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