Decision Center: Compare Thermal Comfort

In an earlier step, we looked at the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV), a measure of the level of comfort of an occupant in his surroundings. In this step, we'll compare the level of thermal comfort in the summer and winter scenarios. This will help us to assess if the ventilation strategy in the hall is effectively keeping the occupant comfortable for both summer and winter design days.

1. In the Decision Center, click Predicted Mean Vote.

Note: Instead of scrolling between the views (as we did with the previous summary images), we are going to display the two views side-by-side.

2. Split the view into two viewports. Do this by clicking View (tab) > Window (panel) > Viewports. Select the vertical split row option:

3. The default legend range automatically extends across the range of PMV values found in the scenarios of the design study. To add clarity to the Summary Image, change the range to encompass the entire PMV scale:

a. Right click on the legend from either view, and click Options...

b. Slide the Max slider to 3. (You may have to key in 3 if the Max slider range is less than 3.) Click Close.

Note: For reference, PMV is an index that predicts the mean value of the votes of a large group of persons on the seven point thermal sensation scale:

Value	Sensation
-3	cold
-2	cool
-1	slightly cool
0	neutral
+1	slightly warm
+2	warm
+3	hot

4. Zoom in and compare the PMV on the front of the occupant.

Note: Based on these results, the occupant's left leg in the Summer scenario looks pretty cold. Other than that, the front of the occupant appears as comfortable in the summer design day as in the winter design day. But, we're not done yet...

8. Rotate the model to view the PMV of the occupant's back.

Note: Here we see the big difference between the two design days. In the summer design day, the occupant's back is clearly between cool and cold. While not a bad feeling after difficult physical activity, this may be pretty uncomfortable while sitting idly on a bench. In the winter design day, the occupant's back is between neutral and slightly cool, which probably feels pretty good.

Back | Next