Comparative study on thermal comfort of sports buildings in hot and humid climates from the perspective of exercisers and non-exercisers

Abstract

In this study, a thermal comfort evaluation of sports buildings in hot and humid climates from the perspective of exercisers and non-exercisers was conducted. The objective was to improve their indoor environment in terms of public use. Thermal environmental indicators, individual data and 294 valid responses form exercisers and non-exercisers to a subjective survey questionnaire were examined. The results indicated that exercisers and non-exercises performed differently in terms of physiological characteristics and subjective perception. The average values of subjective sensation in the thermal environment were different between exercisers and non-exercisers, which corresponded to their subjective preference. However, the average values of their subjective acceptability were generally within the “slightly acceptable”. In terms of the relationship between thermal environment and subjective perception, the thermal sensation of exercisers was more hot-oriented than that of non-exercisers at the same operative temperature, while their thermal acceptability was higher than that of non-exercisers since exercisers focused on sports rather than the thermal environment, making them less sensitive and more tolerant than non-exercisers. In addition, affected by the skin wetness from sweating and air velocity generated by exercise, the humidity sensation and draft sensation of exercisers were stronger than those of non-exercisers. Finally, the neutral temperature (28.3 °C and 28.7 °C), satisfactory temperature range (26.3oC–31.2 °C and 26.3oC–32.2 °C), and acceptable temperature range (27.1oC–35.9 °C and 26.3oC–34.1 °C) for exercisers and non-exercisers were derived. This study provides knowledge regarding the thermal comfort of exercisers and non-exercisers in sports buildings as well as guidance to improve the control and regulation of indoor environments.