Evaluating Thermal Comfort and Environmental Factors Using PMV-PPD Model: A Case Study in a Health Faculty in Yazd, Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

10.22062/jhad.2024.92791

Abstract

Background: Thermal comfort is a multifaceted concept that is influenced by environmental factors such as air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air velocity, and relative humidity (RH). These elements significantly affect individual well-being and performance, particularly in office settings. Accordingly, this study investigated thermal comfort within a public health faculty.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 at a Health Faculty in Yazd, Iran. The study recorded the environmental parameters necessary for calculating the predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) on November 13th at 1 p.m. Calculations followed ISO 7730:2005 standards. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3.3, with normality tested via the Shapiro-Wilk test. The Wilcoxon test was used for comparisons between two groups, while the Kruskal-Wallis test was utilized for multiple-group comparisons.
Results: The third floor exhibited a consistently higher temperature (24.1 °C), potentially causing discomfort. Although temperature, humidity, and thermal comfort indices varied across floors and corridors, the lack of statistical significance (P > 0.05) suggests uniform environmental conditions. Most PMV values across floors fell outside the acceptable range (-1 < PMV < + 1), indicating general discomfort. PPD values were around 50% for all floors, except for the third floor, which had a PPD of 14%.
Conclusion: The study underscored the need for thermal comfort interventions in the health faculty building. A substantial portion of the building’s occupants experienced thermal discomfort, potentially impacting their health and productivity. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing the overall environment and well-being of the faculty members and students.

Keywords

References

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Health and Development Journal
Volume 13, Issue 3
September 2024
Pages 92-101

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 July 2024
  • Revise Date: 01 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 14 August 2024

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