Simplified thermal comfort evaluation of MRT gradients and power consumption predicted with the BCAP methodology

Accurately predicting the thermal comfort in a room requires careful consideration of the energy balance in a room. Not only does an accurate thermal comfort analysis include conductive, convective, and radiative heat exchanges, but also wall properties, heating system data, and room geometry. Since these calculations are often complex, thermal comfort calculations are not readily done without the aid of a computer. The thermal comfort algorithm employed for this analysis was the Building Comfort Analysis Program (BCAP) methodology initially developed under Jones and Chapman (1994) and modified under Chapman and DeGreef (1997). This thermal comfort evaluation focuses on the mean radiant temperature gradients and power consumption for two different room geometries using three different heating systems. The results from the analysis are presented with detailed discussion. This simplified thermal comfort evaluation provides the design engineer with an additional tool for determining the appropriate type of heating system in a room.