Presents an experimental and numerical study that quantifies the effects of both direct and diffuse transmitted solar radiation on thermal comfort in terms of globe temperature, and shows the need for including this parameter in the comfort estimation for buildings with large solar gains. A linear model is used to predict the effect on the globe temperature of solar radiation transmitted through the window. The experimental and numerical results obtained are in good agreement with those given in the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Guide. Furthermore, it is also shown that diffuse solar radiation can have a significant effect on the thermal comfort of occupants of buildings with large windows.

KEYWORDS: solar radiation, indoor, thermal comfort, temperature, experiment, calculating, diffuse solar radiation, direct solar radiation, buildings, solar heat gain, windows, occupiers