Abstract
A summer field study was conducted in two university dormitories in the Tokai region of Central Japan. The study aimed at understanding the correlation between subjective thermal responses as well as whether nationality was affecting the responses. It was observed that nationality significantly affected thermal sensitivity and preference. The occupants’ acceptance for thermal stress was invariably above 90%. Despite the high levels of humidity observed, the multiple regression model showed that only the indoor air temperature was significant for explaining the variability of thermal sensation for both Japanese and non-Japanese students. The highest probability of voting neutral for university students in dormitory buildings in the Tokai region of Japan was estimated within 24~26.5 °C (by probit analysis). Japanese students were more sensitive to their indoor environment as opposed to the international students. The adjusted linear regression coefficient yielded from the room-wise day-wise averages were 0.48/K and 0.35/K for Japanese sensitivity and international sensitivity, respectively. In our study, the Griffiths’ model of estimating comfort temperature (or thermal neutrality) showed weak predictability and notable differences from the actually voted comfort. The neutral and comfort temperature observed and estimated in the study remained invariably below the recommended temperature threshold for Japan in summer leading to believe that that threshold is worth reevaluating.
Highlights
Research about indoor thermal comfort—its physical, psychological and physiological aspects, as well as its influence on architectural design—has been continuously conducted since the 1970s [1,2]
Results and Discussion compared to the3. voted comfort temperature
Non-Japanese subjects certainly have different prior climate experience and, the current study aims at understanding whether it affects their subjective thermal sensation while in Japan
Summary
Research about indoor thermal comfort—its physical, psychological and physiological aspects, as well as its influence on architectural design—has been continuously conducted since the 1970s [1,2]. Researchers appeal for further analyses on thermal comfort and occupant behavior for the effective implementation of energy saving programs [8,9] and developing a Japanese adaptive model for offices [7,10] and dwellings [13]. Started.,the thenew newbuildings buildingsmust mustperform performatatan an university elevatedlevel levelforfor unprecedented combination of factors–accommodating multinaelevated an an unprecedented combination of factors–accommodating multinational tional occupants, providing and emotionally stimulating environment for effecoccupants, providing healthy healthy and emotionally stimulating environment for effective and tive andstudies, creativefor studies, for the optimum rest and socialization, well as the limiting the creative the optimum rest and socialization, as well asaslimiting energy energy consumption without compromising comfort This and conducting a field survey in the summer of 2017 in in two university dormitory buildings.
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