THERMAL COMFORT ANALYSIS OF WORKERS IN AN INDUSTRIAL FACILITY: A FIELD STUDY IN BOLU PROVINCE

Abstract

Thermal comfort in industrial facilities has critical importance in terms of worker productivity and health. Providing optimal thermal comfort requires effective use of HVAC systems. In this context, continuous monitoring and improvement are important to ensure appropriate thermal conditions in the working environment. In this study, the current environmental conditions of a facility located in Bolu province were evaluated in terms of workers with the help of measurements and surveys. The measurements were taken separately for summer, winter and spring periods and the evaluations were made by taking into account age, gender, clothing status and activity status. PMV and PPD values were calculated and these values were compared with the survey results and the current thermal comfort conditions were revealed. As a result, it was seen that the clothing status could cause a change between 0.9 ºC and 2.2 ºC in the optimum working temperature.