Forum discussion

NC-2009 IEQc7.1:Thermal Comfort—Design

PMV/PPD calculations

Hello, My project was given the following comment. We haven't seen this comment before and we don't know how we would provide PMV/PPD calculations. Can anyone on here help to clarify? Thanks in advance! ___________________________________________________ However, although the narrative provides sufficient information to confirm that the thermal comfort conditions meet ASHRAE 55 requirements for the typical office space, dining space, and meeting rooms (since Figure 5.2.1.1 of the Graphical Method can be applied), sufficient information has not been provided for the kitchen/cooking areas. Figure 5.2.1.1 would not apply to these spaces since the metabolic rates listed are between 1.6 and 2.0 which exceeds the upper limit of 1.3 met for using the Graphical Method. TECHNICAL ADVICE: Please provide further information, such as PMV/PPD calculations to demonstrate that the thermal comfort conditions for the kitchen/cooking areas meet ASHRAE 55 requirements.

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Tue, 06/04/2013 - 18:59

Hi Lauren, If your kitchen/cooking areas have activity levels up to 2.0 met and clothing levels up to 1.5 clo, then you can use the computer model method. This method has a wider range than the graphical method, as noted in the review comment. There are a few software options available, I use the "ASHRAE Thermal Comfort Tool" (purchase from ASHRAE) and "Climate Consultant" (download from UCLA). If your activity levels exceed 2.0 met, see discussion comments below regarding high-activity spaces. The ASHRAE 55 PMV-PPD model is only useful for spaces with activity within 1.0-2.0 met and no more than 1.5 clo, so you'll have to show alternate strategies to address thermal comfort in such spaces.

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 20:04

The CBE Thermal comfort tool also will calculate PPD/PMV. Although it gives the warning "Does not comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 ↳ Metabolic rates below 1.0 or above 2.0 are not covered by this Standard" it still performs the calculation. Available free at http://cbe.berkeley.edu/comforttool/

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 20:31

I used the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool for documentation on a project after seeing it referenced here. It seems to work best in Google's Chrome web browser. Thanks!

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