A case study to improve the winter thermal comfort of an existing bus station

Abstract

The thermal comfort retrofitting of existing transport stations is an opportunity to increase the interest in the use of public transportation while improving the performance of the building, and consequently reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study is to implement an innovative methodology to evaluate and improve the thermal comfort of an existing semi-outdoor bus station in the winter season through the application of retrofit solutions. Some research was recently published concerning the evaluation of the thermal environment in semi-outdoor spaces showing that thermal comfort is achievable. The thermal environment of the station was evaluated through an experimental campaign involving the measurement of physical parameters and the application of questionnaires to the passengers. The results of the questionnaires indicate a colder sensation in the morning period and a lower percentage of dissatisfied people when compared to the application of the thermal comfort models. However, the preference of the passengers for a warmer environment was also identified. A realistic thermal comfort target, adapted to this semi-outdoor space, could, therefore, be defined. An innovative integrated methodology articulated in a BIM2BEM approach was applied in this work. The methodology included the joint application of Building Information Modeling and Building Energy Modeling, allowing the simulation of different retrofitting alternatives. The decision-making process was completed with an economic analysis of the alternatives, using the Savings-to-Investment Ratio (SIR) as an indicator. In order to improve the passengers’ thermal comfort, the option to create an enclosed heated waiting area was technically supported by the results of the study.