Effect of long-term indoor thermal history on human physiological and psychological responses: A pilot study in university dormitory buildings

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the effect of long-term indoor thermal history on the psychological and physiological responses of occupants. Based on a field study, 465 and 345 data sets were obtained from healthy students in naturally ventilated (NV) and split air-conditioned (SAC) dormitory buildings, respectively. The physiological and psychological responses were explored. Physical variables were measured by calibrated instruments; the psychological response was rated by occupants through questionnaires; physiological measurement included four upper extremity skin temperatures (i.e., finger, wrist, hand and forearm), heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. The results indicated that indoor thermal history had no significant effect on physiological response (i.e., upper extremity skin temperatures, blood pressure, and heart rate), and induced psychological adaptation. The neutral temperature of the NV group was 26.2 °C, 0.7 °C higher than that of the SAC group (25.7 °C). The upper limit of 90% acceptable temperature range was 28 °C for the NV group, 0.7 °C higher than that of the SAC group (27.3 °C). Compared to the SAC group, a warm long-term indoor thermal history of the NV group produced a shift to higher neutral temperature and higher acceptable temperature. The clothing adjustment of NV group was more sensitive to indoor temperature than the SAC group.