Expansion and user study of CoolVent : inclusion of thermal comfort models in an early-design natural ventilation tool

Abstract

CoolVent, a software design tool for architects, has been improved. The work of Maria- Alejandra Menchaca-B. and colleagues has been improved to include a more robust and intuitive building and window dimensioning scheme, feedback on the validity of user inputs and thermal comfort modeling (custom, ASHRAE and adaptive). These results now allow the architect to understand how their design choices have not only affected the temperature and airflow in each of the zones of their building design but also how their design choices have affected the overall comfort throughout the zones of their building. From this, architect's can now easily understand whether their building design can be successful as a naturally ventilated building and if not, they can use the provided interface to gain insight into how their design can be modified to make their building more sustainable. A user study has been conducted to test the effectiveness of the tool.