The human environment
Humans are warm blooded animals whose normal body
temperature is 98.6° Fahrenheit. However, we are most comfortable
when the air temperature around us is in the 72°-to-78° range. If
there is air motion around us, the effect of "wind chill", or evaporative
cooling, enables us to feel comfortable in a much higher air temperature.
As the natural air temperature in most non-air conditioned
buildings is much warmer than outside air temperatures, the problem
of keeping humans comfortable is primarily a cooling problem. Of course,
this is not the case in periods of very cold weather.
Our purpose is to discuss the environmental problems
that frequently exist in periods of moderate to hot weather. An effective,
economical solution of these problems is vital to the success of any
business.
The
problem of personnel discomfort
Almost any individual who finds himself in a situation or location
that produces a feeling of discomfort quickly seeks relief from
the problem. If there is no convenient solution to his discomfort,
he may react in a number of ways. Invariably, the discomfort and
his reaction to it has an adverse effect on his attitude, behavior
and general efficiency in his job or responsibility.
In almost any building
or room used for commercial and industrial operations, it is quite
likely that there are recurrent conditions that cause personnel
discomfort. This is particularly true unless an expensive system
for the circulation of refrigerated air (air conditioning) has been
provided. In mild to hot weather, the discomfort of individuals
is generally due to the build-up of intense heat within the structure.
This becomes a severe problem in summer because the sun load on
the building is added to the normal sources of heat build-up within
the building. Most buildings have sufficient ventilation to remove
smoke and fumes detrimental to health. However, it is unlikely that
that system contributes very much toward the comfort of the individuals
who occupy the mom or building.
If an individual is to
produce maximum results, he must be allowed to function in an environment
as nearly ideal as can be provided. In fact, the benefits in terms
of efficiency and productivity can be substantial. Failure to provide
a comfortable environment can be very expensive in terms of errors,
work slow-down, complaints, absenteeism, etc. If the major
factor is a hot, humid atmosphere, which may include smoke, dust,
fumes or other irritants, a practical and effective approach to
the problem is available.
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Heat Source -- Sun load on building
Heat Source Production machinery and operations
A practical
approach
To
obtain a reasonable degree of personnel comfort in hot weather,
there are three basic factors that should be provided for in the
ventilation and cooling system of a commercial or industrial building.
Removal
of excessively hot air
When the air temperature in the occupied area of
a room or building exceeds 78° to 82°; most individuals begin to
feel uncomfortably warm. The first step toward controlling the problem
is to provide for the removal of excessively hot air from the building.
This superheated air frequently mixes with the air in cooler areas
of the building to produce an overall temperature increase. As superheated
air is frequently localized around heat-producing machinery, it
should be exhausted from the building near its source. This will
prevent some undesirable air temperature increase in other areas.
Exhaust the superheated air
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