Thermal Comfort Analysis of a Bedroom Using CFD Modelling

The definition and evaluation of thermo-hygrometric comfort conditions in a moderate environment is a topic to be addressed together with the building energy efficiency. Mainly in residential environments, the behavioral, physiological and psychological adaptations that people make to control indoor conditions greatly influence the thermal environment. However, their choices have direct impact on the HVAC system control strategies, often penalizing energy savings. In this paper these aspects are explored with reference to a bedroom of a real nZEB built in southern Italy. Based on an experimental campaign, the numerical model is calibrated and then a CFD analysis is carried out to calculate the air temperature and thermal comfort indices through a three-dimensional representation. On the basis of the extreme outdoor conditions observed during a typical winter month, the simulated traditional comfort results were compared with the 3D distributions. Different scenarios were also implemented for the operation of the HVAC system. The results show that the personal setpoint control can be a critical issue, especially during anomalous winter heat waves.