<title>Use of infrared thermography in detection, remediation, and commissioning of thermal comfort problems in office buildings</title>

Abstract

Thermal comfort complaints within work places are one of the leading causes of workforce productivity loss within office environments. Generally, mechanical systems are relied on to provide adequate indoor environments. In many situations, these systems cannot provide suitable work environments due to unacceptable asymmetrical radiant temperature conditions found in exterior zones of building interiors. Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has developed methodologies using infrared technology to assist building and office managers in reducing thermal comfort complaints and improve workforce productivity. Detection, verification, remediation and commissioning of solutions are easily and effectively carried out with the assistance of infrared radiometers and proper inspection and analysis procedures. This paper will outline two case studies and detail methodologies used in each case.

Automatic thermographic scanning with the creation of 3D panoramic views of buildings

“…Passive thermography could lead to the identification of building anomalies, such as thermal bridges 12 , defects in the insulation layer 13 , air leakages 14 and presence of water inside the wall structure 15 . Several studies are focused on the evaluation of thermal comfort in closed environments 16 , thanks to the possibility of measuring not only the surface temperature but also the air conditions 17 . Active thermography in indoor conditions needs air heaters, fans or lamps to generate a thermal stimulus.…”