Analysis of some Physical Parameters under Workers' Optimal Performance in Wet and Hot Tropical Climates; A Literature Review

In this decade, in the hot tropical zone, it is observed a rapid variation of the external climate which acts directly on the thermal comfort and the satisfaction of the occupants inside the buildings. The aim of this article is to analysis the influence of some indoor parameters on workers’ performance. In addition, this work reports the results of the conducted study to assess the effect of indoor environment quality on workers ‘productivity, in 102 offices distributed in 23 buildings in the coastal and central areas of Cameroon (Douala and yaounde). This research was conducted during the dry and rainy seasons, in naturally ventilated buildings using the adaptive approach, in accordance with ASHRAE 55/2004, ISO 7730 and ISO 10551. Wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity and CO2 levels were measured. While, simultaneously, 600 questionnaires were distributed. The results revealed that the temperature, and relative humidity have significant effect on the office workers’ productivity. More than 80% of the participants were working under "no stress" condition, when the Universal Thermal Climate Index varied from 22.9 to 26.3°C". The optimum performance occurred when the thermal sensation was between -0.5 and 0.5. Increasing the air temperature to 28°C and above could reduce workers’ performance by a minimum of 1.5% during both seasons