Active Thermal Control for Traditional Naturally Ventilated Buildings

Traditional naturally ventilated houses are not designed for active thermal control. When natural ventilation is not sufficient for thermal comfort and a fan is unable to restore thermal comfort because the air temperature is higher than the peoples skin temperature, temporary air-conditioning is needed. To maintain indoor thermal comfort and save cooling energy, a new concept of active thermal control for a naturally ventilated house is explored. This study aims to use both passive and active thermal controls to restore thermal comfort for occupants in a traditional naturally ventilated house and to save cooling energy. This concept of active thermal control can be applied not only to the traditional naturally ventilated house but also to active thermal control design for a large indoor space separated or surrounded by partitions in a free running building.