Thermal comfort analysis of a naturally ventilated building

The main objective of this paper is to analyse the thermal comfort of users of a naturally ventilated building, located in the city of Florianópolis, Brazil. The analysis was performed by using the EnergyPlus computer programme. Different window areas, with automated and manual control of windows were simulated in order to improve the natural ventilation efficiency. The assessment of thermal comfort of users for the actual building and for the models simulated was performed by using the method proposed by Givoni and the method indicated in ASHRAE Standard 55. It was observed that the automated control of windows is the best alternative to improve thermal comfort.