Monitoring
2014
1-Introduction
Monitoring of artificial-natural lighting, temperature-humidity and noise are the major contributor of either discomfort or comfort of occupants in the building. From this point of view, the design stage of the building is critical in the management all comfort processes and development. However, even if design and construction processes of buildings are well-organised, it still does not guarantee excellent solutions. Because, most commonly, the client or the occupant and the designer’s expectations of the building are sometimes different. And, this situation may cause some discomfortable experiences with respect to lighting, temperature, humidity and noise.
In general monitoring of building with accurate applications will give us an indication and ability to discover our correct or false implementations. Furthermore, the observation of valuable information across the building will improve our understanding, leading to more options and resilient solutions.
In this particular study, light, temperature-humidity and noise monitoring are examined respectively. And every each subject is discussed in detail separately with their methodology, findings, results and conclusions.
Due to the complex and very detail analysis over one month study, the most important sections of this assignment are included for reader consideration. Please feel free to contact with me if you would like to read full study.
A- Methodology of Light Intensity Measurement:
1- Initially, the specific area of measurement is myroom. The specific task is to measure the artificial and natural illuminance. The application of formula (p = 0.2*5logd) to find out the number of points and spacing length in horizontal is used. And the rule of minimum 0.5 m away from walls is taking into consideration to avoid obtaining reflected light intensity. Regarding to my room size, the task area is divided into three separate places. ( Bed Side Area, Door Side Area and Desk Side Area) according to the following reasons (Figure 1):
a) To obtain a better understanding by increasing the number of points
b) To reach appropriate points to measure (out of minimum 0.5 m away from wall)
2- The height of the working plane is taken as a working
table level. (h= 0.74 m) Because, the lighting design level
of the room is assumed as the desk level.
3- The general plan of to be measured light intensity areas have
drawn on the grid, including calculated position, size and shape of bed and desk in the drawing. (Figure 2-3)
4- After the specification and calculation of measurement point’s location, letters and numbers at each grid intersection point have been given in the working areas, then each point has been monitored through the illuminance measurement tool as required in the following conditions:
a) Natural Lighting (Sun light, Clear/Overcast daylight)
b) Artificial Lighting (All lights in the room turn on condition)
5-The start and end time, ceiling height is recorded and photos are taken during illuminance measurements. In addition to this, for the accuracy of light intensity of the area, there are some additional rules that should be
followed:
a) The measurement should be taken in a short time as possible to enable to provide same condition (for example, the natural light inclination) to every point check.
b) The light measuring equipment should be held as horizontally as possible in order to check the required light intensity of the task area horizontally.
c) Any element that causes reflection of light or shading of light is avoided.
d) When light measurement survey starts, the task should be completed with the measurement of all points in one visit.
6-After monitoring and obtaining the data from each defined measurement point, average level of light intensity in unit “Lux” of every each working area has calculated. (Desk side area, bed side area, door side area) By this way, the average value gives us a chance to compare the measurement points between minimum, maximum and average light intensity data. (1) As can be seen below Figure 4, the general plan of whole flat has drawn. The location of my room is highlighted. The whole flat comprises 12 rooms, 12 water closet, 12 shower cabinet, 2 student store room, 2 kitchens and 2
stock rooms. The building has four flats and my room is a the ground floor.
Light Test Observation and Conclusion :
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Measurement of natural light intensity compared to the artificial light intensity is more limited. Because, overcast or sunlight condition depends on the weather forecast and may not be completely expected. However, the artificial light condition can be created every day through only turning on or off the light in the room. For example, while the test start day for sunlight, the weather condition turned into partially cloudy. Another sunny day, during sunlight intensity experiment, wind affected the test through the coming direct sunlight to the room was changed as a result of the movement of branches and leaves of the tree which was positioned between the sun and the room. (Photo left, the tree can be seen in front of the car.)
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Another observation from test execution is that the furniture in the room should be totally removed from the task area. However, the related points (A line points) assumed to be on the ground was on the bed because the bed was unable to be moved to the other place. Nevertheless, the accuracy of task is maintained through keeping same level 0.74 m from the ground for every point by this application:
A box and an adjustable chair together provide the level of height 0.74 m. The box and the bed height together also give us the height of 0.74 m. During the light intensity measurement of the points on the bed, the illuminance meter was put on to the box which was on the bed, and while checking for other points except points of the desk, the illuminance meter was put on to the box which was in that case on the adjustable chair.
As a result, observation of direct sunshine in the room is significantly brighter than daylight or artificial light. From this point of view, the design of window can be managed.
Furthermore, the surfaces where indirect sunlight observed, can consist of adequate reflective materials that may assist better natural lighting of the room. Another result from this experiment can be noted that the artificial light intensity can be distributed well, more predictable and applicable. As observed in the experiment, the light intensity in average is distributed equally to every each point. Moreover, where there is intensive light required, additional light can be provided. In this experiment, the lamp above the desk can be given as an example.
In conclusion, experiment on the intensity of natural light and artificial light is an useful way to understand and analyse the lighting of existing room is satisfactory or not regarding to the tested conditions.
2- Before installation of Hobo tools, the set-up of Hobo tools including Hobo’s sensors are adjusted. Same interval and same start collecting data hour have to be set-up for every Hobo in order to obtain an accurate comparison between temperature and humidity of installed locations within the experiment period.
3- While the Hobo data are collecting indoor temperature, outdoor temperature will be provided from the Meteorological Office (Met Office) in average value.
4- Mean radiant temperature (MRT) will be checked by the particular piece of equipment during the experiment. These findings will indicate the temperature in the room without the effect of light, humidity and air flow. In the meantime, the MRT value should be taken at the head level after holding at the same position 2 or 3 minutes. Figure 8 shows the position of the tool how is placed at the beginning of the experiment.
5- The next step is the calculation of Thermal neutrality (Tn) and Comfortable temperature (Tc).
Tn = 17.6+ 0.31 Tave
Tc = 11.9+ 0.534 Tave
Tave will be taken from Met Office data. And the temperature comparison between Tn, Tc, Tave and
Thobo will be shown in the same graph.
6- The comparison between Hobo tools regarding to the maximum, minimum and average observed values are put into a table including related graphical illustration.
7- Afterwards, Predicted Mean Value (PMV) and Predicted Percent Dissatisfied (PPD) will be calculated by the software of Thermal Comfort Meter.
8- At the final step, the Psychrometric Chart regarding to the Human Comfort will be investigated. The observed graphs of Hobo’s related to the temperature and humidity of the room will be shown, compared and critically analysed.
Conclusion of Temperature and Humidity Measurement:
Using Hobo tools has a great impact on temperature and humidity experiment. One of the most significant advantages of this tool enables collecting data and creating graphs automatically in the required time interval. At the same time, the observed data from Hobo tool indicates the maximum and minimum rate of Hobo tool
and its sensor separately. This data enables to analyse temperature and humidity difference including exact occurrence time. After a combination of thermal neutrality (Tn) and Comfortable Temperature (Tc) rate of Hobo observed data, the lower and upper rates of temperature and humidity can be obtained easily.
On the other hand, as experienced during the experiment, Hobo tool should be checked regularly, whether it is working or not during the test. Because, it may stop itself in an extreme condition or an undefined reason without external notice.
Similarly, the battery of Hobo should be full enough to hold the experiment from the
beginning to the end of the process.
Finally, by experimenting hubo test and related studies can allow us to design new strategies for better energy efficiency applications towards thermal comfort.
C- Methodology of Noise Measurement:
1- Initially, the place where we would like to measure the noise should be determined. The selected position should be equally closed to the possible noise occurrence. But also, the position where occupants take place should be taken into account before adjustment of the sound level meter. For our experiment, the room occupies a substantially small area which is nearly 15 m2. In the middle of the room is decided for testing because of two reasons. First, to obtain all emerging noises around the sound level meter. And second, the decided position can be assumed as the occupant
stand point at most in a day that will allow us to analyse the noise levels which the occupant hears
at that point. As a result, more accurate conclusions will be reached by the test.
2- After determination of the position of the sound level meter, the tool will be adjusted accordingly. The level of adjustment of the sound level meter should be around head level in order to receive a convenient level of noise that a person can hear.
3- The connection of sound level meter to computer should be set up and checked. And the test can be started.
4- In this particular noise measurement test, the possible emerging noise factors are created on purpose to see all the noise changes during short time. For example: the door is opened and closed, the window is opened and closed.
B- Methodology of Temperature and Humidity Measurement:
1- At the beginning of the temperature and humidity test, the Hobo tool placement is important to analyse the temperature and humidity changes in different locations in the experimental area. The hobo tool should be installed in places where the temperature is different. As can be seen in Figure1 the hobo tools are installed as follows:
Noise Measurement Conclusion:
1- The sound level test has measured for four minutes. The maximum decibel (dB) is reached when the door is opened and closed as indicated in the graph 69.4 dB.
2- The minimum decibel is recorded when there is no noise in the room at a level of 36.6 dB.
3- The average decibel is recorded at a level of 41.8 dB. This level of noise is equal between the level of noise “whisper quiet library” and “normal conversation.” (1) In other words, it is in acceptable level in living area in day time. (2)
4- Knowing the convenient level of noise in particular places or conditions is significant to draw a reasonable conclusion towards the obtained decibel – time graph.
5- From this point of that, under the circumstances that were created in the room during the time period, it can be said that the test is satisfactory and there is no recorded sound that is likely to cause any noise problem.
References:
(1) http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html
(2) http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/decibel-dba-levels-d_728.html
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