A Comparative Analysis of Thermal Discomfort Assessment Approaches in Residential Buildings Under Different Solar Orientations and Use Patterns

In horizontal condominiums, where standardised designs are often implemented without considering the surroundings, thermal discomfort can be significant. This study compares two thermal discomfort assessment approaches (mean degree-hour and bioclimatic chart) using computer simulations in the EnergyPlus programme, considering different building solar orientations and use patterns. The comparison of approaches allowed the annual percentage of time outside the comfort zone to be quantified. According to the bioclimatic chart, in the most critical room, the proportion of discomfort hours was 16.2%, which could be reduced to 12.3% by changing the solar orientation. According to the mean degree-hour approach, the room with the highest discomfort registered 1.8 mean degree-hours, a value that could decrease to 0.91 by changing the solar orientation. However, it was observed that the use patterns of the rooms may limit the potential for reducing discomfort. Overall, both approaches indicated that north and south orientations tend to lead to less discomfort. However, in some cases, the bioclimatic chart identified east, northeast, and southeast orientations as more suitable alternatives. The differences between the methods were mainly attributed to the parameters adopted by each approach. By analysing different thermal comfort assessment approaches, the study highlights how methodological choices influence the interpretation of thermal discomfort while confirming that solar orientation remains a relevant passive strategy whose effectiveness depends on room use patterns, thereby supporting occupants’ well-being and contributing to environmental and energy sustainability in residential buildings.