Indoor Air Conditions And Energy Consumption In Air-Conditioned Office Rooms In Hot-Humid Climate : Towards Better Energy Management
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Date
2016-02
Authors
Ooi, Seong Chuan
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The objectives of this research are to investigate the indoor air conditions and energy consumption in selected air-conditioned rooms in hot-humid climate zone. This research also explores the energy knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) and occupants’ perception on indoor air conditions and analyses relationship between energy consumption and indoor air conditions. This research was conducted in 30 selected air-conditioned rooms in hot-humid climate that includes measurements of outdoor climatic conditions, indoor air conditions, energy consumption and questionnaire survey. The results showed the indoor air conditions varied greatly and the respondents were satisfied with it although the indoor temperature and air velocity were failed to comply with the Malaysia DOSH guideline. The findings showed that the indoor air velocity was correlated to indoor relative humidity and the outdoor temperature also has a great impact on indoor temperature in the buildings. The findings further revealed a satisfactory energy conservation practice by the occupants due to satisfactory levels of knowledge and awareness on energy efficiency. However, the results showed that building energy index of the buildings was approximately 223.38 kWh/m2/yr and air-conditioning system is identified to be the predominant major energy consumer which consumed 60.65% of the total building energy consumption. Besides, the results found that the energy consumption of the buildings was significantly affected by the outdoor temperature and mean rainfall. The recommended strategies to encourage energy saving are suggested, and include energy saving technologies and means of raising education awareness on energy conservation among the occupants.
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Keywords
Indoor air conditions, energy knowledge