Field Study and Adaptive Equation of Thermal Comfort in University Classrooms in the Subtropics in Winter

Abstract

In order to study the indoor thermal comfort in the winter of subtropics region in which there is no heat supply system, field study of indoor thermal comfort was carried out in classrooms of a university in Xiamen. Data both from field measurements and questionnaire survey were collected and analyzed. Consequently, the neutral and preferred temperatures in the winter of Xiamen were obtained, which show slightly difference with previous studies across China. On the other hand, predicted mean vote (PMV), which was calculated by Thermal Comfort Program software, shows some deviations from the mean thermal sensation (MTS) summarized from questionnaires statistics. Finally, by using multivariate nonlinear regression model based on MATLAB, a new adaptive equation was developed, which could be used to predict the thermal response in classrooms in subtropics region. In addition, it was found that the predicted equation fits very well with the collected data, which reflects variation of thermal sensation in winter. Results from this study provide guidance for the measurement and prediction of thermal comfort in winter of the subtropics region.

Comfort temperature and preferred adaptive behaviour in various classroom types in the UK higher learning environments

“…In contrast, studies conducted in residential buildings in the hot climate of Indonesia [66,69] and the warm and tropical climate of Singapore [33], with a mean indoor air temperature of 27°C and 29°C, respectively, evidence that people usually prefer to gain comfort through environmental actions before any personal adjustments. Creating higher air movement through applying air conditioning systems, fans and opening windows are the most preferred actions during the day in residential buildings in both locations [66,69].…”

Thermal comfort models and pupils’ perception in free-running school buildings of a mild climate country

“…Adaptive models are particularly interesting for situations of free running spaces as the ones in this research since occupants' capacity for adaption is crucial. The applicability of current adaptive models in the school environment has been discussed previously [18,[37][38][39][40][41].…”