In this paper, new requirements for the characteristics of anemometers used for low-velocity measurements indoors, as well as requirements for the signal processing, are presented The static calibration, dynamic response, and temperature compensation of the anemometers, as well as the directional sensitivity and the design of the velocity transducer, are considered, together with the period and the sampling rate of the measurements.

A study was made of the impact of well-documented random velocity fluctuations and periodic temperature fluctuations with different amplitudes and frequencies on the accuracy of the mean velocity and the standard deviation of the velocity measured by three low-velocity anemometers with omnidirectional probes. The anemometers were tested in an airflow at 225 combinations of mean velocity, amplitude of the velocity, and temperature fluctuations, as well as frequency of the temperature fluctuations, as identified during field measurements.

Thermal anemometers with heated velocity sensors are mostly used for low-velocity measurements in rooms. The heated velocity sensor generates an upward, free convection flow that interacts with the airflow where measurements are to be performed and, thus, has an impact on the accuracy of the velocity measurements. Tests were performed with four anemometers available on the market to identify this impact in an airflow with a constant velocity and in an airflow with a periodically fluctuating velocity.

A comprehensive investigation was made of the dynamic behavior of five low-velocity thermal anemometers with omnidirectional sensors. Both the shape of the dynamic response curves of the instruments and their dynamic response were different. The dynamic response of the anemometers was mainly influenced by the frequency of the velocity fluctuations and only slightly by the mean velocity of the airflow and the amplitude of the velocity fluctuations.

Thermal anemometers with omnidirectional sensors are recommended in the standards to be used for low-velocity measurements indoors. Requirements for the directional sensitivity of the velocity sensor are prescribed. However, a method for testing the directional sensitivity of low-velocity anemometers does not exist. A simple test procedure is used in practice to identify the so-called "yaw" and "roll" directional sensitivity of an omnidirectional velocity sensor.

Unsolicited complaints from 23,500 occupants in 690 commercial buildings were examined with regard to absolute and relative frequency of complaints, temperatures at which thermal sensation complaints (too hot or too cold) occurred, and response times and actions. The analysis shows that thermal sensation complaints are the single most common complaint of any type and that they are the overwhelming majority of environmental complaints.

This paper presents general guidance on designing for thermal comfort in combined chilled ceiling/displacement ventilation environments. Thermal comfort measurements involving 184 human subjects were carried out in a laboratory- based test room, constructed to resemble a normal office and equipped with a combined chilled ceiling and wallmounted displacement ventilation system.

Typical HVAC noise may produce an uncomfortable environment, leading to the associated problems of general dissatisfaction and reduced productivity. It is not sufficient to have good thermal, lighting, and air cleanliness conditions if the noise is disturbing. In this paper, noise comfort is considered, with special emphasis on the developing criteria for low-frequency noise.