Qualitative research, including evaluation grid method, has long been recognized as important in the field of environmental psychology. In this study, we have endeavoured to make use of each research method as more effective, explaining the characteristics of each research method and also improving each research method to make it more efficient in its use.
 The focus of the previous paper was on three research methods: evaluation grid method, repertory grid method, or triadic procedure technique, and typical free description. To explain the difference between these three research methods, comparison study on the interpretability, or effectiveness of evaluation terms extracted from the three research methods was conducted. The result showed that evaluation grid method had high interpretability, triadic procedure technique had moderate interpretability and typical free description had low interpretability.
 Based on the previous paper, the focus of this paper is on evaluation grid method which has high interpretability and typical free description which has low interpretability but can conduct research on a large sample. This paper proposes the research method which selects the best of both research methods and which is called the hybrid design of research for evaluation grid method.
 The procedure of the hybrid design for evaluation grid method is done by using a questionnaire. Subsequently, an interview is conducted. By using the result of the questionnaire, a group of people with the same opinions is formed. Afterwards the people to do an interview from the group are selected. There are two types when selecting the people to do an interview. When the study needs a wide range of diverse opinions, it should be selected several people from each group. When the study needs an opinion from a specific standpoint, it should be selected the people from several groups or one group not from each group. In this report, introducing two cases of selecting the people to do an interview to show the effectiveness of the hybrid design for evaluation grid method.
 The hybrid design for evaluation grid method has three merits: 1) sampling a target person of interview, 2) reducing interview time, 3) inspecting and completing evaluation terms by the date of typical free description and 4) being easier facilitating the interpret evaluation structures. In order to spread the hybrid design for evaluation grid method, it must contain the merits which the researchers can realize directly. From this point of view, 1) is not realized directly but 2), 3) and 4) are implemented directly. The hybrid design for evaluation grid method not only has the merits of 1) but also has the merits of 2), 3) and 4) is expected to benefit researchers.

View full abstract

 In this research, we examined the observation characteristics of the space that are expected to be different depending on the subject and target space. These were examined from the view point of the environmental view that is different from the conventional focus view taking advantage of the features of the whole sky image whose viewing direction and field of view can be freely changed. Specifically, by calculating the observation rate of the components and the viewing direction observed by the subject and calculating the average observation rate obtained by averaging the observation rates of all the subjects at each location, it is possible to grasp elements and directions which are frequently observed at each location. It also became clear that it is possible to compare differences in observation between locations by defining the standardized observation rate by dividing the average observation rate by the solid angle ratio of each component and direction. In addition, by using the standardized observation rate, it was shown that subjects can be classified into several groups with different observation characteristics, and that observation characteristics correspond to the individual characteristics of each group to some extent.

 Following is the knowledge gained from this study.
 · By calculating the area ratio of the observation image, it was shown that it is possible to grasp how the subject observes the space in time series.
 · By determining the average observation rate, it was confirmed that the solid angle ratio at each point had a large influence on how the space was observed. On the other hand, in the analysis by viewing direction, it became clear that there is a tendency to observe the upper side more at any directions.
 · By finding the standardized observation rate, green was attracted more attention as space with less green, and the characteristics of each space could be grasped. In addition, it was found that there are well observed and unobserved directions depending on the space, and it was shown that the spreading direction is observed well.
 · There was a flickering in the manner of observation of the subjects, suggesting that the elements selectively observed by the subjects are different. Based on this fact, we classified the subjects into three groups with different observation tendencies and clarified the characteristics of the observation, thereby clarifying what kind of personal characteristics appear as observation characteristics.

 In this study, the average observation rate and the standardized observation rate are defined as the indicators showing the observation characteristics from the analysis of the spatial observation of the whole sky image, and a part of the usefulness is confirmed. But it has not yet been clarified how the differences in spatial evaluation occurs, due to differences in observation by subjects. We will consider the relation between the data of spatial evaluation acquired at the time of the experiment and observation characteristics, and think about clarifying the features of the proposed average observation rate and standardized observation rate more clearly in the future.

View full abstract

 The problem of sound field from a point source in the static air above an absorptive ground surface has been extensively studied in literature as the setting is typical for outdoor sound propagation. Most of the theoretical models that deal with the problem are classified as either extended reaction models that are considered physically exact, or local reaction models that are considered approximations. Especially, approximations assuming the local reaction are introduced in many models. However, the validity of the assumption is elucidated through comparison with the extended reaction models only in limited cases. This is because the reliability of the extended reaction models are difficult to be assured as the derivation process of the extended reaction models are generally complex and sometimes unintentionally transforms the models to local reaction models. In contrast, with the advancement of numerical simulation techniques, a numerical model based on a finite-difference time-domain method that solves the propagation above and under the ground surface simultaneously by handling the soil under the ground surface as a porous medium has been proposed by Salomons. The numerical model is regarded as an extended reaction model because the model solves the propagation under the ground surface. Hence, the reliability of the extended reaction models can be assured through mutual comparison of the numerical and the extended reaction models. However, the comparison has only been made under limited conditions of low effective flow resistivities and short-range propagations under low frequencies. The applicability to high effective flow resistivities and long-range propagation under medium and high frequencies remains to be an open question.
 In the present study, the validity and applicability of an extended reaction model by Di, a local reaction model by Di, an asymptotic local reaction model by Kawai and the aforementioned finite-difference time-domain numerical model are tested. Main variables are the frequency, the effective flow resistivity under the ground surface, the source height and the source-receiver horizontal distance, which are chosen to be in ranges of 125 Hz–4 kHz, 75–20 000 kPa·s/m², 0.3–2.4 m and 5–80 m, respectively. The validity of two-dimensional modeling is tested and the two-dimensional modeling is applied for the numerical model because vast domain sizes are required. From the results, the followings are found.
 1. The validity of the tested extended reaction model is confirmed under low effective flow resistivity conditions from a good match between the extended reaction and the numerical models.
 2. The local reaction is considered as a valid assumption within the tested variable ranges because the maximum difference between the extended and local models are 1.2 dB.
 3. The asymptotic local reaction model is applicable within the tested variable ranges because the two local reaction models are excellent match.
 4. The numerical model differs from the extended and the local reaction models under low source height, long range and high effective flow resistivity conditions. From a further investigation, it is found that the difference is possibly due to the handling of the medium interface in the numerical model. Using a local reaction boundary condition that takes the frequency characteristics of the boundary into account can be a potential solution.

View full abstract

 This purpose of this report is to develop methods of introducing fuel cells to households of apartments. We proposed a method of sharing one fuel cell between two households and estimated the effects by a simulation. The goal of this technique is to level the load, to sum up two households' loads, and to increase generation efficiency and waste heat efficiency. This technique of sharing a fuel cell between two households could provide considerable merits of the following:
 · Households of apartments tending to consume less energy than households of detached houses.
 · The initial cost would be half if one fuel cell could cover the load of two households.
 · This method does not require large scale renewal constructions or rebuilding.
 · This system can utilize control systems which have already been used for existing products. No new control logics need to be developed.
 Firstly, we developed simulation programs of SOFC·PEFC based on actual measurement data, product catalogs and results of previous studies. This program calculated electric power generation, gas usage and waste heating usage of fuel cells, using input information of electricity usage and hot water usage by households as well as weather conditions. Calculation interval was one minute. It was written in Visual Basic. We reproduced, with calculation results of this report, the latest model of fuel cell. Characteristic points are shown below:
 · The volumes of the tanks were smaller in comparison with assumptions in previous studies. The volume of the PEFC tank was one hundred and forty liters and the volume of the SOFC tank was twenty-eight liters.
 · Waste heat collected from the power generating unit was not used for the hot water floor heating system. The number of waste heat users was lower than previous products.
 This content is shown in the second chapter.
 In the next step, we performed a questionnaire survey of households living in apartments in Fukuoka City and made data of quantity of electricity and hot water to input to simulation. We replicated the life of households living in apartments in Fukuoka City. The virtual households for simulation included households consisting of one person and households consisting of one couple. This content is shown in the third chapter.
 Lastly, using constructed simulation programs and input data, we examined two cases: one fuel cell used by one household and one fuel cell shared by two households.
 We estimated the effects of saving energy. We verified from the calculation results that sharing system was more competent in saving energy in comparison with the case of one fuel cell used by one household. It was proved that SOFC shared by small-sized households was especially effective in saving energy. This was because the load factor of power generation increased in summing up the loads of two households. These content and future tasks are shown in the fifth chapter.

View full abstract

 Daylight control system is one of the most effective strategies for saving energy and creating a comfortable environment. The gradation blind which has been developed by the authors is a kind of Venetian blind in which each slat has a different angle due to the different intervals of the slats between the window and the interior. Each slat reflects the direct sunlight to the ceiling to reduce electricity consumption for lighting. In addition, reflected sunlight from the slats do not reach workers' eye positions directly, so that the workers are not disturbed by glare. In this study, three algorithms have been added to the original algorithm to reduce lighting energy, obtain the outside view and balance electricity consumption of lighting and cooling load.
 In the new algorithm which controls the gradation blind, the date, time, solar radiation, window orientation, outside temperature, surrounding buildings and external solar shading area are necessary as input variables. The optimal blind setting is calculated in three algorithms; judgment of the presence of direct sunlight on the blind (algorithm 1), optimal slat angle for introducing daylight (algorithm 2), and energy efficiency optimization (algorithm 3).
 In algorithm 1, the blind control system judges if the weather is clear or cloudy and calculates the area of the shadow of the surrounding buildings and the external solar shading. In algorithm 2, depending on the results of algorithm 1, the blind control system selects “viewing mode” or “daylight mode”. For viewing mode, the slat angle at eye level is set to 0 degrees. For “daylight mode”, the target slat is determined and the angle of the target slat is optimized to cut direct sunlight and to introduce reflected sunlight. Algorithm 3, "energy optimization algorithm", decides whether the blind is in "closed mode" or in "daylight mode". The algorithm weighs the amount of power saved by reduced electric lighting against the increase in power consumption by the rise in air conditioning load and determines whether "daylighting mode" or "closed mode" is more efficient. By applying these three algorithms, optimal human comfort and energy saving can be achieved.
 In order to evaluate the performance of the control algorithms on energy-saving and indoor environment, these algorithms are applied to an office building. The three control algorithms were applied on the 18th floor of the building and two on the 16th floor where the “energy optimization algorithm” only was not applied. The results of the measurements on the 18th floor were compared with the results on the 16th floor, such that the difference between the results on these two floors can be explained as the effect of the “energy optimization algorithm”. It appears that the “energy optimization algorithm” can reduce energy consumption by 4.0% compared to the 16th floor. As for visual environment, it is evident from the luminance images that glare was suppressed and the visual environment was bright enough. Furthermore, the PMV value improved to a neutral value. Then it is concluded that the “energy optimization algorithm” is able to not only reduce energy but also improve the visual and thermal environment.
 In order to understand the influence on personal comfort, questionnaire survey was conducted. The occupants on the 18th floor were more satisfied with the visual environment than the occupants on the other floors on the following three points of view: satisfaction with the visual environment; window glare; and brightness. Thus it is concluded that the Gradation blind with the new control system can achieve better human comfort and energy saving.

View full abstract

 In the 23 wards of Tokyo, air-conditioners have been set up in all classrooms of public elementary and junior high schools since 2014. In Japan, the proportion of installing air conditioners in public classrooms of public elementary and junior high school is 49.6%, which is rapidly increasing. There is concern that energy consumption of elementary and junior high school will increase even further in the future. However, in Japan, the "Building Energy Efficiency Act" came into effect in 2016, and the thermal performance of the building's envelope and the method of calculating the primary energy consumption were determined. According to the specified method of calculation, two indices, Building Perimeter Index (BPI) and Building Energy Index (BEI) are obtained.
 The purpose of this investigation is to comprehend the energy consumption situation of elementary schools in the Tokyo S ward, which is equipped with air conditioning facilities in all classrooms. First, we calculate the thermal performance of the envelope and the primary energy consumption according to the method prescribed in the "Building Energy Efficiency Act" and examine the correlation. Next, we compare the calculation result obtained by this calculation method with the actual measurement value. The following conclusions were obtained.
 1) The average primary energy consumption of the primary school in S ward is 498 MJ /m² per year. This significantly exceeded the primary energy consumption average of elementary and middle schools, 356 MJ /m² per year nationwide and 305 MJ /m² per year in the 6th climate zone including Tokyo.
 2) The primary energy consumption of the elementary schools in S ward are classified into two categories based on the completion year. For these two model schools, the calculations were conducted based on the "Building Energy Efficiency Act". BPI and BEI for both school A of the new specification and school B of the conventional specification were less than 1.0, and satisfactory results were obtained. The BPI was lower in school A than that in school B, and the difference in thermal performance of the envelope appeared to be remarkable. The BEI of school B was lower than that of school A.
 3) In addition, we calculated the energy consumption based on the type of building. The school building shows substantial air- conditioned energy consumption, and the gymnasium building shows significant lighting energy consumption. The consumption equipment ratio of the school building and the gymnasium were exceedingly different.
 4) The energy consumption of the air-conditioning equipment accounts for 60% of the total consumption. The air conditioning energy consumption per floor area of school A exceeds that of school B. Converting to the calculation per air-conditioning floor area, the value for school A becomes lower than that of school B.
 5) The design values of the primary energy consumption calculated from the "Building Energy Efficiency Act" were 454 MJ /m² per year for school A and 341 MJ /m² per year for school B. However the measured value of the primary energy consumption of the entire school was 585 MJ /m² per year in case of school A and 449 MJ /m² per year in case of school B. The design value was estimated to be approximately 3/4 of the measured value of the entire school, and the primary reason behind this difference is the use of kitchen equipment not being included in the calculation earlier

View full abstract

 It is critical to understand the facility managing system and the actual condition of indoor environment in order to improve quality of life such as health and comfort, and to prevent infectious diseases in care welfare facilities for the elderly. Although the related facilities are in high demand, the actual situation of indoor environment has not been clear since there have not been a regulation and control law at all. Moreover, there are many residents who need a high degree of nursing care in those facilities and inevitably odours arisen out of excretion help and human body have been a persistent problem.
 The mid and long term goal of our research is to suggest the proper planning and operational management to improve the indoor air environment in those facilities. The field surveys and the questionnaire on special nursing homes all over the country have been conducted to clarify the actual condition and the maintenance of indoor environment such as temperature, humidity, air quality and ventilation situation.
 In this study to clarify the odour environment and problems, the questionnaire items related to the odour environment were extracted and analyzed statistically.

 The followings were reported in this article.
 1) Questionnaire results on odour perceptions and measures for odour control
 2) Bivariate analysis between odour perceptions and facility environmental / behavioral factors
 3) Elucidation of influential factors on odour environment by multivariate analysis

 As a result, it was obvious that the feces and body odour perceived at rooms and corridors were the major problem. Although a large majority of respondents reported the discomfort come from the feces odour, most of replies to acceptability were on neutral and acceptable side.
 The facilities taking a measure for odour were likely to declare a higher degree of discomfort. It was reasonable, however, to interpret that the odour measures such as ventilation, fragrance and deodorant did not work as factors increasing the degree of discomfort, but rather that those were desired in the facilities with poor odour environment. The same explanation could also be made for odour intensity.
 The bivariate analysis derived 19 variables as significant effect factors for hedonic tone, 18 variables for odour intensity and 11 variables for acceptability. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis derived the four factors of nursing care type, odorous bedroom, feces odour and ventilation by fan as the decisive candidates for perceived air quality. Conclusively feces odour and odorous bedroom were defined as the most decisive explanatory variables that could simultaneously explain all three objective variables of odour perceptions.
 To control the odour environment indoor can lead to not only improving the working environment for staffs but also reducing the health risk of residents since it is also closely related to ventilation and general indoor air quality.

View full abstract