Delhi’s Air Pollution and Thermal Comfort Crisis
Delhi faces a severe challenge with air pollution impacting thermal comfort. A recent study reveals that 88 per cent of Delhi’s thermally comfortable hours coincide with poor air quality. This situation marks the urgent need for innovative solutions in urban design and building management.
About Thermally Comfortable Hours
Thermally comfortable hours in Delhi are defined as those with outdoor temperatures between 18°C and 31°C. The city experiences approximately 2,210 such hours annually. However, out of these, 1,951 hours are marked by an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 150, indicating unhealthy air quality. This leaves only 259 hours, or about three per cent of the year, where residents can enjoy both clean air and comfortable temperatures.
Comparison with Other Cities
Bengaluru stands in stark contrast to Delhi, reporting over 8,100 hours of acceptable air quality with minimal overlap of poor AQI during thermally comfortable periods. Ahmedabad, while warmer, also offers more usable outdoor conditions than Delhi. Chennai mirrors Delhi’s predicament, with a similar percentage of comfortable hours affected by pollution.
Rethinking Indoor Environments
The study advocates for a re-evaluation of indoor environments. Conventional building designs that rely on sealed air-conditioned spaces or unfiltered natural ventilation are inadequate. The need for effective solutions is pressing in urban areas where thermal comfort and clean air rarely coexist.
Personalised Environmental Control Systems
The introduction of Personalised Environmental Control Systems (PECS) is recommended. These systems provide localised thermal comfort and filtered ventilation. They allow occupants to control their environment, which is essential in mixed-mode buildings that alternate between natural and mechanical ventilation based on external conditions.
Energy Efficiency of PECS
Research shows that buildings using PECS can achieve energy savings for ventilation. In Chennai, energy savings can reach 72 per cent, while Ahmedabad and Delhi can achieve savings of 70 per cent and 68 per cent, respectively. PECS work well with low-energy solutions like ceiling fans, enhancing comfort without excessive energy costs.
Temporal Mixed-Mode Buildings
The concept of temporal mixed-mode buildings is also promoted. These designs adapt dynamically to outdoor conditions, combining sensor-based feedback with intelligent ventilation and filtration strategies. This approach ensures that occupants can breathe clean air while minimising energy expenditure.
Call for Policy Integration
The researchers urge for the integration of PECS into building codes and urban planning regulations. This is particularly crucial in high-risk areas like Delhi and Chennai, where climate volatility and air pollution are on the rise. Mainstreaming these innovations can lead to healthier urban environments.
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