Abstract
Thermal adaptation characteristics and thermal comfort zone were investigated in urban semi-outdoor environment by seasonal field measurements. Four urban spaces with different levels of environmental control were selected in Tokyo, Japan. Occupants in urban semi-outdoor environment were adjusting themselves within a certain range of SET* under various environmental conditions. MRT and air velocity of the occupied environment were not necessarily selected to satisfy thermal comfort. Clothing adjustments showed higher correlation with outdoor temperature, not the immediate environment. Occupants in non-HVAC spaces were more responsive to their environment and chose not to stay when the surrounding temperature became lower. The comfort zone in SET* was found to be 19 - 30°C for HVAC spaces and 15 - 32°C for non-HVAC spaces. Occupants in semi-outdoor environment were tolerant of thermal environment 2 to 3 times wider in range than the PPD prediction. Maximum number of occupants was confirmed at 24 °C in SET* when the perceived thermal environment was evaluated to be most comfortable.
Highlights
Semi-outdoor environments refer to built environments where natural outdoor elements, such as daylight and fresh air, are designedly introduced
Most of the occupied air temperature readings within HVAC spaces were kept within the range of 19–29◦C due to environmental control by air conditioning
Thermal adaptation characteristics and thermal comfort zone were investigated in urban semi-outdoor environment
Summary
Semi-outdoor environments refer to built environments where natural outdoor elements, such as daylight and fresh air, are designedly introduced. A semi-outdoor environment falls in between the environmental engineering categories of indoor and outdoor environments; an indoor environment refers to a thermal environment that is controlled for the thermal comfort of its. The degree of environmental control may range from simple shading to moderate air conditioning. Examples of such environments can be found in various urban spaces such as open cafes, terraces, arcades, atriums, train stations, and so forth. Application of an indoor thermal comfort zone for air-conditioned spaces as defined in the ASHRAE 55 standard (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers [ASHRAE], 2017) would lead to excessive energy consumption due to excessive environmental control. A failure to have an environment within an acceptable range may discourage people from using such a space
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
