This paper presents the systematic review on thermal comfort studies in Indian residential buildings, helpful in identifying the present research scenario, data gaps and policy interventions. Majority of the studies are performed in composite climate (ten), followed by warm-humid (seven) and a very few from cold (two) and hot-dry (two) climates. None of the thermal comfort study is found from temperate climate. Besides, the seven studies have considered multiple climates for assessment of thermal comfort in residential buildings. This shows that thermal comfort studies in Indian residential buildings are scarce, scattered and unorganized. Further, due to differences in socio-cultural set-up and local adaptations, the prodigious variations in occupant’s comfort requirements are reported. This review argues the dynamic modifications in individual behaviours due to change in cost of building energy services and comfort requirements. Only four studies have partially considered the occupant behaviour regarding control of indoor thermal environment. The results obtained from these studies indicate that there is strong need of localised thermal comfort model that will not only help in improving comfort requirements but also the building energy performance. Moreover, this review paves way for research development in India where high residential building stock is yet to be built.
Sansaniwal, Sunil K.Mathur, JyotirmayGarg, VishalGupta, Rajat
School of Architecture
Year of publication: 2020Date of RADAR deposit: 2020-02-05