Productivity in office with elevated preset temperature in summer - Improvement of thermal satisfaction by cooling methods and its effect on performance and fatigue

This study was intended to evaluate the effects of improvement of thermal satisfaction on productivity by introducing cooling methods. Cooling methods used in this study were a desk fan, a mesh office chair and a fan-mounted shirt, lite cooling effect of the methods was evaluated by a thermal manikin; and a subjective experiment was conducted in a climate chamber. The experimental conditions were: operative temperature at 25.5°C with suit, at 28.5°C with suit, at 28.5°C with lighter clothing ensemble, at 28.5°C with lighter clothing and a desk fan, and at 28.5°C with lighter clothing and all three cooling methods. Under the conditions with cooling methods, the subjects felt cooler; the thermal satisfaction was improved and their level of fatigue after task was lowered. The relationships obtained from the results of thermal satisfaction, fatigue and work performance suggested that the work performance was improved and the level of fatigue was lowered by improving thermal satisfaction of occupants.