A method for predicting the Actual Percentage of Dissatisfied (APD) through a simple proposition of thermal comfort zones in a working environment

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over the last few decades, there has been a concern to improve the quality of indoor work environments and increase energy efficiency as people spend much of their time in such settings. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed a group of women developing sedentary activities to determine the Actual Percentage of Dissatisfied (APD) in the environment, considering that all people who voted any value other than zero on the seven-point scale are deemed dissatisfied. METHODS: After this analysis, using the probit regression model, hot and cold air temperature curves were plotted so as to determine in which situation the number of people dissatisfied with the environment is minimal. RESULTS: The results showed an APD of 52.31%, which is different from the ADP recommended by ISO 7730 (2005) [–0.5 < PMV < + 0.5, PPD < 10% ]. The probit analysis using the cut of 10% as dissatisfied, according to category B of ISO 7730 (2005), showed a comfort temperature of 21.1°C, with a comfort temperature range from 19.61 to22.61°C. CONCLUSIONS: Using the fraction of people dissatisfied with the environment (52.31%) as the cutoff, when the air temperature is equivalent to 20.2°C, the lowest percentage dissatisfied by the cold and heat in the environment occurs simultaneously.