Conference Paper
Proceedings of BSA Conference 2024: Sixth Conference of IBPSA-Italy
Synthetic Indices for Comfort Assessment: An Application to a Historical Building in Catania
Synthetic Indices for Comfort Assessment: An Application to a Historical Building in Catania
Andrea Longhitano, Gianpiero Evola, Vincenzo Costanzo, Francesco NoceraDOI: https://doi.org/10.13124/9788860462022_02Abstract: This article presents a novel methodology that combines energy simulation and the use of advanced comfort indices for assessing thermal comfort in buildings, with a specific focus on a historical office building in Catania (Italy). The research methodology includes detailed modelling in TRNSYS, supported by surveys and on-site measurements of temperature and relative humidity. Then, suitable synthetic indices are introduced that are adaptable to different thermal comfort theories, in line with major standards (ASHRAE 55 and EN 16798-1, namely). This provides a versatile tool for assessing thermal discomfort in historical buildings while easily identifying the rooms where applying possible mitigation strategies is most urgent. This approach also allows us to evaluate the effect of suitable retrofitting options that could achieve good thermal comfort, thus reducing energy consumption and contributing to their adaptation to the evolving climate. Pages: 9 - 16 Paper: