First adaptive thermal comfort equation for naturally ventilated buildings in Bucharest, Romania

ABSTRACTNational and international adaptive thermal comfort (ATC) standards gain now wider acceptance. These standards propose adaptive comfort equations derived from specific databases. New ATC equations are developed worldwide, under different latitudes and climates. A field survey has been performed in 2013–2014 in six naturally ventilated buildings located in Bucharest (Romania, Koppen type D - temperate continental climate). Comfort parameters were measured and comfort questionnaires were distributed. Using the theory of ASHRAE 55 Standard an ATC equation specific to Romanian climate has been proposed for the first time. Also, the 80% and 90% acceptability bands were determined in this situation. The new ATC equation has been compared with other ATC equations found in literature for similar climates. New thermal comfort investigations have been performed one year later after the first survey, new comfort investigations were performed. The ATC equation has been checked and good agreement has been found.