Analyzing the Effect of Water Body on the Thermal Environment and Comfort at Indoor and Outdoor Spaces in Tropical University Campus

Farhadur Reza,Wataru Ando,Shoichi Kojima

doi:10.18178/ijesd.2021.12.10.1352

Abstract

Water bodies play a significant role in its surrounding thermal environment. Thermal comfort in university spaces is critical that affects the students’ health and performance as well as the staffs. This study investigated thermal environment and comfort near lakeside and non-lakeside tropical university spaces. Standard Effective Temperature (SET*) have been calculated using recorded air temperature, relative humidity, globe temperature, air velocity, clothing insulation and metabolic rate to evaluate the thermal comfort in outdoor and indoor spaces. The effects of weather parameters have been clearly visible on the comfort index. The calculated SET* values indicate that the outdoor thermal comfort near a lake is much closer to the standard comfort zone than non-lakeside outdoor space. In the case of indoor thermal comfort, however, slightly a different scenario has been observed. To achieve the desirable indoor thermal environment, some design considerations are recommended based on findings.

Highlights

Over the last century, the world is becoming predominantly urban [1]
The current study reveals that lake can contribute in the reduction of outdoor air temperature up to 3.9oC on average compared to the non-lakeside space
The outdoor thermal comfort condition of Lakeside Classroom was found much closer to the standard comfort zone than Non lakeside Classroom

Summary

Introduction

The world is becoming predominantly urban [1]. Increasing urbanization rates are associated with land use and land cover changes, air pollution, and a higher demand for energy consumption [2]. Considering the rapid growth of urban population, the global built-up area is expected to be increased proportionately [3]. The low reflectivity of the urban surface combined with a high density of construction results in an accumulation of heat in the urban environment. This causes a higher temperature that increases discomfort [4]. Numerous studies have been conducted to attenuate discomfort in urban spaces

Methods

Results

Conclusion