Comprehensive development of mode-change theory for environmental adjustment

Abstract Background : many studies have been carried out from scientific approaches, but the objectives are uncertain depending on the environmental factors and the human factors. Therefore, these two factors need to be combined as several modes, which are the combinations of devices at the certain state, and the modes should be changed in response to the environmental conditions. In order to maximise the effect of the elemental technologies for the sake of the occupants, it is necessary to design the buildings together with the operation method based on this mode-change. In addition, it is necessary also to develop the way of describing the operation itself. Through this description, the state of mode-change will be visualized, and the design and operation method can be controlled as ‘design’ in a broad sense. Introduction : the definition of ‘mode’ is presented according to the primitive but intelligent design of a house with the traditional idea of Japan in response to the climate as the basis of mode-change theory. Materials & Methods : as a case study, a design of the house based on the ‘mode-change’ is presented with preliminary operation-flow. Mode definition is stated based on this case study. After the house was built, the mode-change operation was run for one year to produce the operation-record. Purpose & Results : the operation-record, measurement of outside/ inside temperature, and inside illuminance are superimposed on an integrated graph. According to the record the operation mechanism is developed to visualise the combination of the environmental factors and the human factors on the schedule chart as the way of describing the ‘mode-change’. Discussion & Outcome : according to the sum-up of the operation-record, the cost analysis of the environmental adjustment devices and the energy saving ratio are verified as a reference for future projects.