Open AccessThe Environmental Performance of Air Conditioning Systems in Heritage Buildings in Tropical Climates
Author(s) -
Raha Sulaiman,
Kamaruzzaman S.N.,
Rao S. P.,
Michael Pitt
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of surveying construction and property
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1985-7527
DOI - 10.22452/jscp.vol2no1.7
Subject(s) - architectural engineering , retrofitting , thermal comfort , air conditioning , indoor air quality , tropical climate , environmental science , occupancy , audit , control (management) , environmental resource management , civil engineering , environmental planning , computer science , meteorology , engineering , business , geography , environmental engineering , accounting , artificial intelligence , structural engineering , mechanical engineering , archaeology
This paper examines the performance of retrofitting climate control systems focusing on air conditioning systems in refurbished old buildings in tropical climates. Data was gathered by means of investigation in the sequential steps of condition survey, space audit, ventilation systems, indoor/outdoor temperature reading and relative humidity (RH) measurement. The study raises several important issues relating to indoor environmental quality. Beyond the obvious aesthetical issues that are addressed here, the installation of air conditioning systems tends to create thermal instabilities and indoor environment imbalances in refurbished buildings. Furthermore, there is also a gap between the necessities of conserving the precious features of old buildings and the demand for better thermal comfort by the occupants. This study outlines the risks as well as making recommendations for future strategies.Keywords: Climate control, indoor environment, heritage buildings, Malaysia
Accelerating Research
Robert Robinson Avenue,
Oxford Science Park, Oxford
OX4 4GP, United Kingdom
Address
John Eccles HouseRobert Robinson Avenue,
Oxford Science Park, Oxford
OX4 4GP, United Kingdom