As part of a long-term investigation into fabric energy storage systems, EA Technology has been monitoring the headquarters of Weidmuller Interface, the first UK application of Termodeck, since the building was occupied in July 1994. Has the system lived up to expectations?

Termodeck's passive cooling system of indoor climate control uses hollowed-out concrete slabs through which room air is circulated. During the summer, the fan runs at night, too, passing cool air over the slabs to ensure the temperature remains cool for the day ahead. Andy Cook reports.

This paper is concerned with aspects of thermal comfort which are particularly relevant to passive cooling. A fundamental difference between cooling in a warm climate and heating in a cool climate is recognised due to the relationship between the physiological neutral temperature and ambient heat sinks. The need for a comfort performance assessment of a building design is established. The notion of person cooling as distinct from space cooling justifies the need for a behavioural comfort model as distinct from a fixed state model.