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Sky View Factor (SVF) is commonly used to describe the impact of urban geometry on the urban thermal environment. Shading effects from plants and buildings also exert a considerable influence. To investigate the influence of view factors on outdoor thermal comfort in residential areas, we employed the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and view factors (SVF, TVF, BVF) as indicators to determine outdoor thermal comfort and the quantity of shaded spaces. Thermal measurements collected from 13 points in Guangzhou, China, Our findings revealed that high TVF points exhibited more stable air temperature throughout the daytime, with average temperature differentials ranging 0.4–1.9 °C lower than other points. Air temperature demonstrated a positive correlation with SVF (R2 = 0.53), while exhibiting a negative correlation with TVF (R2 = 0.45). Additionally, shading provided by plants and buildings manifests heterogeneity. At similar SVF levels, points predominantly shaded by plants (TVF > BVF) showcased lower Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and PET compared to points shaded mainly by buildings (BVF > TVF). The maximum reduction in air temperature and PET reached 1.1 °C and 1.2 °C, respectively. BVF exerted greater influence earlier in the morning, as solar altitude angle rises, the average thermal parameters of sites with BVF > TVF escalated rapidly until eventually surpassing sites with TVF > BVF. Last, superior thermal conditions were only ensured under high shading conditions. When the effective shading ratio of plants and buildings diminished (SVF > 0.3), the microclimate of measurement points might be impacted by the long-wave radiation from the underlying surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate and thermal comfort of а destination greatly influence the tourism industry. Therefore, this study was focused on researching thermal comfort changes and their impacts on visitors in four highly visited coastal destinations along the eastern Adriatic coast (Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik) from 1996 to 2020, using the modified physiologically equivalent temperature index (mPET). The specific objective was to assess how the thermal comfort conditions are distributed spatially and temporally and how they are suitable for beach and sightseeing tourism. Results showed that monthly mean mPET values have increased, except in May. In the summer season, tourists were often exposed to uncomfortable heat stress, especially in the middle of the day. Strong and extreme heat stress frequency significantly increased in all sites except in Pula, particularly in July and August. Prevailing neutral and slightly warm/cold conditions were concentrated in two periods, between April and June and in September and October. The maximum occurrence of optimal climatic conditions for enjoying the beach was in the summer, with a decreasing tendency from May to August. The occurrence of favorable conditions for sightseeing significantly increased in April and November while it decreased from July to September. Although the eastern Adriatic coast is primarily a summer tourist area, a relatively small number of tourists take advantage of the period with optimal thermal comfort. Despite the fact that the number of tourists in the shoulder seasons has increased significantly in the past 25 years, the increasing favorable thermal comfort in the changing climate conditions will make these seasons even more appealing in the future, especially for sightseeing activities. New strategies for adapting to a changing climate are therefore needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of outdoor green spaces is influenced by diverse sensory perceptions. Traffic noise and thermal conditions significantly impact greenway-walking satisfaction; their optimization is vital for improving user experience and encouraging outdoor engagement. The study examines a typical Beijing greenway during autumn, focusing on strategies to enhance the walking experience under the combined effects of noise and thermal environments through mobile measurements and surveys. The results show that: 1) The interplay between noise and thermal factors varies depending on the walking state. Upon arrival, an increase in noise significantly worsens thermal comfort; higher sound levels intensify warm thermal sensations, though this effect is not consciously perceived. Upon departure, the effect of noise on thermal perception is not obvious. In both walking states, thermal sensation significantly affects subjective noise perception, yet the trends of influence differ. Subjective noise loudness increases as thermal comfort worsens, showing significant correlation only upon departure. 2) During autumn greenway walks, acoustic factors exert a greater impact on Overall Environmental Satisfaction (OES), with subjective noise loudness being more influential than noise level, followed by air temperature (Ta). Greater noise decreases OES, while OES increases initially with Ta and then decreases. The integrated effects of noise-thermal factors on OES show significant changes. 3) To enhance the autumn greenway-walking experience, the advised parameters are A-weighted Sound Level (ASL) ≤ 59.12 dBA and 15.17 °C ≤ Ta ≤ 18.75 °C. Finally, three design strategies are proposed: reducing subjective noise loudness, differentiating design based on walking status and balancing acoustic-thermal perceptual preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problem of thermal discomfort caused by the lack of cooling facilities on the Ferris wheel and to investigate the effect of the coupling effect of thermoelectric modules on the thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system, this paper proposes a two-module thermoelectric cooling and air-conditioning system that can be applied to the Ferris wheel. Firstly, the experimental platform was established to test the performance parameters of the TEC system and reveal the influence of the thermoelectric module (TEM) coupling effect on the system performance. Then, the thermal environment inside the Ferris wheel was simulated using the CFD method and human thermal comfort was evaluated. The results show that when the voltage of TEM1 and TEM2 is 10 V and 6 V respectively, the thermoelectric cooling and air-conditioning system has the best working performance, and the coefficient of performance (COP) is 0.43. And the human thermal comfort deviation A EQT is 0.29, which is in a comfortable state under the action of the air-conditioning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The environmental and economic benefits of applying smart approaches for the control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings have been extensively investigated and documented in the literature. However, considering the paradigm shift from environmental and economic concerns towards broader sustainability considerations, as well as the lack of studies covering the social pillar, this study presents a scoping review to identify the social impacts attributed to the use phase of smart HVAC control systems in commercial buildings. Methods: The relevant literature, originating from both academic and grey literature sources, were identified and reviewed through a meticulous search, data charting and analysis process, in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)'s Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The inclusion criteria, categorised into 'participants', 'concept', 'context' and 'types of evidence sources', were first determined. A search strategy and a three-stage screening process were then applied to locate and analyse the relevant records. Results and discussions: In total, 133 records were included in this study. From this review, five main social themes were identified, namely, thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), privacy, security and employment. Both consumers and workers emerged as the stakeholder groups that were related to the use of smart HVAC control systems. The social impacts related to thermal comfort were measured by means of a wide range of indicators, but only a limited number of suitable indicators have been identified for other social themes. In general, the deployment of smart HVAC control systems resulted in positive outcomes for thermal comfort, IAQ and employment. Conversely, for both privacy and security, the users of buildings were reported to be negatively impacted. Conclusions: Measures to alleviate negative social repercussions, as well as potential indicators to measure the use phase social impacts related to smart HVAC control systems, have been proposed and discussed. Further research is needed to evaluate how existing and prospective indicators can be used for assessing these use phase social impacts of smart HVAC control systems in a manner that is consistent with the social life cycle assessment methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to rising temperature extremes, workplaces are seeking new solutions, such as using personal cooling garments (PCG) to mitigate and manage workplace heat exposure. This systematic review sought to assess the physiological and perceptual effects of PCGs on workers in standard work clothing performing moderate‐to‐heavy intensity tasks in hot environments. Methods: A peer‐reviewed search strategy was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Global Health, and Business Source Complete with no language or time limits. A meta‐analysis using a realist evaluation framework was then performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the PCGs. Results: Thirty‐three studies with 764 participants (98% male; average 21 ± 34 participants per study), conducted primarily in a laboratory setting (76%) were included. The studies were 193 ± 190 min in duration and consisted of a moderate‐to‐heavy work effort of 3.3 ± 1.0 METs in hot ambient conditions (temperature: 35.9 ± 3.3°C, 51.4 ± 12.1% relative humidity, wet bulb globe temperature [WBGT] 31.2 ± 2.6°C). The PCGs (n = 67) facilitated heat exchange through conduction (n = 39), evaporation (n = 4), convection (n = 2), radiation (n = 2), or hybrid combinations (n = 20). Conductive and hybrid PCGs offered the greatest thermoregulatory benefit, whereby core temperature (Tc) and heart rate (HR) reductions were consistently observed (Conductive: Tc: −0.3°C, HR: −12 bpm; Hybrid: Tc:−0.2°C, HR: −10 bpm), while PCGs directed at enhancing evaporative and radiative heat exchange had no or minimal effect on the physiological outcomes assessed (i.e., TC < 0.1°C, HR: < 0.7 bpm). Conclusion: While the PCGs had a positive overall effect, conductive options offered the most consistent benefit to workers. WBGT, clothing insulation, and duration of wear significantly affected some physiological and perceptual outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernacular architecture, optimized over centuries to create comfortable thermal environments using sustainable design strategies and local materials, can offer valuable insights for contemporary eco-friendly architectural design. This research investigates the sustainable design strategies of vernacular architecture in southwest Hubei, focusing on the First Granary of Xuan'en County as a representative case study. Through field investigations of indoor environments, this study explores how traditional architectural practices have addressed the region's complex mountainous terrain and hot, humid climate. Major sustainable design strategies include rational site selection and layout adapted to the terrain, building forms and spatial organizations tailored to the environmental conditions, and the use of a "double-skin" envelope structure to enhance thermal insulation and ventilation. The results demonstrate that the average temperature of the grain depot does not exceed 25°C without active means, meeting the quasi-low temperature storage standard. Through comprehensive field research and analysis, this study demonstrates how these traditional design strategies not only improve indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency but also align with local economic levels and modern living requirements. By leveraging passive design techniques rooted in local cultural and environmental contexts, this research provides a framework for integrating these strategies into contemporary sustainable architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The albedo and solar reflectance of surrounding surfaces, such as roads, pavements, and building façades, influence urban microclimate and outdoor thermal comfort. This study investigates the cumulative effect of pavements and facades’ albedo on the microclimate and outdoor thermal comfort in hot climates, trying to find the correlation between the urban surface albedo ratios and their thermal effects. Using the ENVI-Met software, nine scenarios with different albedo values (0.2 to 0.8) for pavements and buildings’ façades were simulated to encounter concrete in three colours. The clustering technique for the results was performed using the K-Means clustering method and correlation analysis using the orange data mining tool. The results indicate strong correlations between façade-pavement albedo ratio (FPR), air temperature, and UTCI values in both seasons, as well as a greater effect of the pavement on thermal conditions compared to the façade. Furthermore, the impact of high-albedo materials on air temperature and outdoor thermal comfort is the opposite, as the L-L scenario presents the highest UTCI values and the lowest air temperature in summer. Overall, the results indicate complex correlations between FPR, air temperature, and UTCI values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hot and humid regions, many classrooms depend on air conditioning systems equipped with mixing ventilation to maintain acceptable indoor temperatures. However, this method often proves inadequate in delivering satisfactory thermal comfort due to elevated temperature and poor air distribution. This research explores the potential of zonal air supply strategies to enhance thermal comfort in a classroom situated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During July 2024, field data—including measurements of airflow velocity, air temperature, relative humidity, and globe temperature—were collected to find key thermal comfort indices: Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD). In addition, a survey was administered to assess students' thermal perceptions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were utilized to predict air temperature, velocity, and humidity distribution, evaluating the impact of zonal air supply designs on thermal comfort within the classroom. Parametric analysis was used to identify the most effective zonal air supply configuration for reducing PMV and PPD values. The findings show that, under existing ventilation conditions, PMV and PPD indices at different heights exceed the recommended limits established by ASHRAE Standard-55, indicating thermal discomfort during peak temperature periods. Further investigation demonstrated that introducing a 4-zonal air supply system could reduce PMV by 16–32% and PPD by 32–36%, thereby significantly improving thermal comfort in the classroom. Article Highlights: Thermal indices and surveys showed that the existing ventilation failed to ensure classroom summer comfort. Field measurements and CFD simulations show strong agreement with ± 5% deviation. The four-zonal air supply system with mixing ventilation improved the thermal comfort inside the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental heat influx often limits the effectiveness of radiative cooling materials, particularly in wearable applications where thermal comfort is paramount. This study introduces an innovative solution for personal thermal management through radiative cooling phase change (RC‐PC) fiber membranes. Fabricated by coaxial electrospinning, these membranes combine a poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) composite shell, encapsulating n‐octadecane as the core phase change material. The membranes demonstrate exceptional optical performance, with a solar reflectivity of 95.0% and an emissivity of 88.6% within the atmospheric window, effectively minimizing ambient heat absorption. The n‐octadecane‐infused fibers (0.3 mL h−1 C18@TEOS/PHBV) exhibit a phase change enthalpy of 88.3 J g−1, reducing heating rates and improving cooling by ≈1 °C at dawn. Under typical solar radiation (939.5 W m−2), the membranes provide an average cooling power of 89.0 W m−2, peaking at 95.3 W m−2. Notably, they achieve a cooling reduction of 5.1 °C under 550.2 W m−2, maintaining temperatures significantly lower than conventional fabrics, with a differential of 4.4 °C compared to medical protective clothing. These findings underscore the potential of RC‐PC fiber membranes for sustainable, efficient personal thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events due to climate change, heat‐related diseases or even mortality have become more prevalent. An efficient personal cooling strategy can mitigate heat stress by regulating the skin temperature within the thermal comfort zone. However, lightweight, wearable, and sustainable cooling garments are unavailable today. Here, the study develops a thermoelectric device (TED)‐based cooling garment and demonstrates its effectiveness in active personal cooling. The garment is shown to maintain the skin temperature within its thermal comfort zone in a hot environment of up to 40 °C under mild forced convection conditions (air flow speed of 2.2 m s−1). Furthermore, the study demonstrates a portable cooling system with less than 700 grams of total weight, which includes the TED‐based garment, a battery pack, and a temperature controller. The system showed long‐term cooling on the skin with varying ambient temperatures from 35 to 40 °C. With the advantages of lightweight, flexible, controllable, and long‐term effective cooling, the TED cooling garments described in this work can contribute to enhanced health and comfort in an increasingly hotter climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wicking performance of fabrics is crucial for the thermal comfort of the human body and significantly affects the fabric's overall moisture management properties. This study aims to illustrate the impact of varying liquid temperatures on the wicking performance of Plant-Cool knitted fabric from experimentally and numerically. Experimental results indicate that as the liquid temperature increases (from 5°C to 65°C), the wicking height in the fabrics consistently increases. However, different fabric compositions exhibit varying sensitivities to temperature changes. The fabric with the best wicking performance (Fabric A) shows the least sensitivity to temperature changes, with wicking curves at different temperatures being very close to each other. The fabric with moderate wicking performance (Fabric B) has a moderate sensitivity to temperature changes but shows insensitivity under low-temperature conditions. The fabric with the poorest wicking performance (Fabric C) is the most sensitive to temperature changes, although its sensitivity is less pronounced under high-temperature conditions. The Laughlin-Davies model has proven to be successful in describing the wicking process of fabrics. Additionally, simulations conducted using COMSOL have been effective, offering a deeper understanding of the wicking process in fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the concept of energy poverty (EP) by examining its definition, dimensions, determinants, and impacts on households. The study underscores the necessity of comprehending the multifaceted subjective and objective nature of energy poverty, as evidenced by the proposal of a comprehensive tool for measuring energy poverty from a broad perspective. The concept of energy poverty comprises seven principal dimensions, namely, political, economic, health, infrastructure, social, energy transfer, and climate and environmental. Each of these dimensions operates as both a cause and a consequence of energy poverty, thereby creating a cyclical relationship between the various determinants. A significant aspect of the study is the utilization of objective and subjective indicators. These include measures of the relationship between expenditure and income, the technical condition of buildings, thermal comfort, debt, and initiatives taken to prevent this phenomenon at the household level. The concept posits a novel attribute of EP, namely, "transitional state", which signifies that energy poverty can concurrently serve as a catalyst and a consequence of adverse socio-economic phenomena in certain instances affecting the overall quality of life. The recommendations encompass using a holistic method that considers not only the analysis of the energy poverty index but also detailed and subjective indicators. The proposed tool will enable a more effective formulation of public policy at the European Union level, providing a unified direction to research this phenomenon at multiple precision levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating environmental threat of indoor overheating, exacerbated by global climate change, urbanisation, and population growth, poses a severe risk to public health worldwide, specifically to those regions which are exposed to extreme heat events, such as Australia. This study delves into the critical issue of overheating within residential buildings, examining the existing state of knowledge on overheating criteria and reviewing overheating guidelines embedded in (a) international standards and (b) national building codes. Each regulatory document is analysed based on its underlying thermal comfort model, metric, and indices. The advantages and limitations of each document are practically discussed and for each legislative document and standard, and the quantitative measures have been reviewed, analysed, and summarised. The findings illuminate a global reliance on simplistic indices, such as indoor air temperature and operative temperature, in the existing regulatory documents. However, other critical environmental parameters, such as relative humidity, indoor air velocity, and physiological parameters including metabolic heat production and clothing insulation, are often not included. The absence of mandatory regulations for overheating criteria in residential buildings in some countries, such as in Australian homes, prompts the call for a holistic approach based on a thermal index inclusive of relevant environmental and physiological parameters to quantify heat stress exposure based on human thermal regulation. Gaps and limitations within existing guidelines are identified, and recommendations are proposed to strengthen the regulatory framework for overheating risk assessment in residential buildings. The findings hold significance for policymakers, building energy assessors, architects, and public health professionals, providing direction for the improvement of existing, and development of new, guidelines that aim to enhance indoor thermal condition and population health while ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability in the building stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the issue of air cooling in outdoor areas of human habitation. An analysis of air parameters during the summer season was carried out to determine the thermal comfort zone for a part of the northern platform of the local station in Rzeszow (Poland). The cooling capacity required for thermal comfort was calculated using outdoor air parameters and heat gains in the vicinity of the research object. Ten potential air-cooling systems were proposed for the outdoor zones. The systems differed in terms of cooling equipment, primary energy source, cooling medium, and recipients. They were divided into three categories: compressor, adsorption, and evaporative cooling. The electricity yield of the existing photovoltaic installation at the research facility was evaluated to identify potential synergies between the cooling demand and solar energy. An analysis assessed the energy, economic, and environmental impact of each proposed option. The best option for cooling the outdoor areas was found to be an evaporative cooling system with a PV system. Solar radiation can be effectively used for cooling outdoor zones in Poland in the summer. The optimal solution for the research facility is an evaporative cooling system based on direct evaporation combined with a photovoltaic system. The subject matter covered can be used as an effective tool for the optimal selection of outdoor air-cooling systems to ensure the thermal comfort of the occupants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in electricity costs for households over the past year has driven significant changes in energy usage patterns, with many residents adopting smarter energy-efficient practices, such as improved indoor insulation and advanced home energy management systems powered by IoT and Digital Twin technologies. These measures not only mitigate rising bills but also ensure optimized thermal comfort and sustainability in typical residential settings. This paper proposes an innovative framework to facilitate the adoption of energy-efficient practices in households by leveraging the integration of Internet of Things technologies with Digital Twins. It introduces a novel approach that exploits standardized parametric 3D models, enabling the efficient simulation and optimization of home energy systems. This design significantly reduces deployment complexity, enhances scalability, and empowers users with real-time insights into energy consumption, indoor conditions, and actionable strategies for sustainable energy management. The results showcase that the proposed method significantly outperforms traditional approaches, achieving a 94% reduction in deployment time and a 98% decrease in memory usage through the use of standardized parametric models and plug-and-play IoT integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study concentrates on the thermal comfort in dwellings occupied by people above 45 years old in buildings constructed of prefabricated large-scale concrete plates. The buildings underwent many thermal modernisations, and nowadays, with growing external temperatures and solar irradiation, their properties may not be sufficient to ensure comfortable internal conditions. The issue is all the more important because the population of residents is growing older, so the occupants are becoming more vulnerable and more prone to the negative effects of overheating. This research included the monitoring of ten apartments located in five- or twelve-storey buildings, situated in Lublin, a city in southeastern Poland. The monitoring took place in July and August 2023, when internal temperature, solar radiation intensity, window opening, and shading strategies were measured and observed. External conditions were registered by meteorological posts belonging to the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. Additional information about the inhabitants' behaviour and internal gains was collected through a questionnaire. In most cases, dwellings located in prefabricated residential buildings could be maintained in a comfortable temperature range, even by the ageing self-sufficient occupants. Still, when particular negative factors related to the building's construction appeared, overheating could be noticeably longer and more troubling, exceeding the elderly's capabilities to handle it. This showed the necessity of further analyses, especially in the context of the global warming effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the multifaceted aspects of indoor environmental sciences, this review paper critically investigates the optimization of thermal comfort and the development of heat-resilient indoor environments. Drawing on knowledge from a wide range of disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, public health, psychology, epidemiology, engineering, and toxicology, among others, it provides an extensive overview of recent study findings. The paper examines solutions targeted at reducing the negative impacts of heat stress while improving thermal comfort levels indoors, highlighting the complex link between indoor environment, human health, and comfort. Using both theoretical frameworks and actual data, the study assesses a variety of cutting-edge methods, such as behavioral interventions, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, passive design strategies, and adaptable building materials. The statement underscores the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in tackling the intricate problems related to interior thermal comfort and resistance to heat waves. The review attempts to offer practical insights for practitioners and researchers looking to optimize interior settings for human health and well-being by looking at the synergistic impacts of several treatments. Additionally, the research emphasizes how crucial it is to consider the larger context of climate change and its effects on interior spaces. To improve our understanding of thermal comfort optimization and heat-resilient design techniques, it suggests new research directions and knowledge gaps and advocates for ongoing interdisciplinary inquiry. In the end, the review adds to the continuing conversation about designing livable, sustainable, and healthful interior spaces in the face of changing weather patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor thermal comfort is a crucial factor for occupant productivity and energy-related behavior in workspaces. Recent studies have shown that non-thermal factors, such as interior design elements, can also affect human thermal perception. A novel experimental methodology is introduced to identify these factors, consisting of two steps: (i) representing an office environment using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools and (ii) evaluating users' perceptions in the reproduced virtual environment. Indeed, VR enables the creation of fully customizable and immersive scenarios, allowing individuals to experience lifelike sensations and provide real-time feedback on their comfort level. One hundred subjects were interviewed about their comfort and productivity perception in 12 different VR scenes with specific design parameters. Results show that natural lighting and windows with tall and narrow proportions improve occupants' thermal comfort and perceived productivity. Multilevel regression analysis shows that these predictors have a bigger impact on productivity than on thermal sensation. Implementing this methodology in the early-stage design of workspaces may lead to effective strategies for increasing employee satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, retrofitting buildings based on occupants' thermal perceptions can optimize energy use by reducing the demand on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This approach allows for reduced runtimes without compromising occupant comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routines for assessing body temperature and thermal comfort are not included in official animal welfare controls although European legislation consider it important. This study investigated time consumption and feasibility of using handheld skin temperature sensors in a dairy farm and the correlation of the recordings with indoor and rectal temperature. Skin temperatures in 21 dairy cows of two breeds were recorded monthly during one year at the neck, hip and vulva, using two techniques (infrared radiation (IR) and conduction). Rectal and indoor ambient temperature were recorded on the same occasion. Time spent recording temperature was ∼2 s/cow with IR and >1 min/cow with conduction technique. Skin temperatures did not correlate well with rectal temperature but correlated strongly with indoor temperature. Neck temperature recorded by IR best reflected indoor temperature, with no difference between breeds, and could be a tool for quick monitoring of ambient conditions in individual cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals are easily threatened by heat stress or hypothermia in outdoor environments. Therefore, there is a pressing necessity for thermal regulation materials capable of adapting to temperature shocks. Herein, an aerogel‐functionalized textile as a passive thermal regulator (AT‐PTR) is designed and demonstrated, comprising a heating side composed of carbon nanotube‐modified cotton fabric and a cooling side built of silica aerogel‐functionalized poly(vinylidene‐co‐hexafluoropropene) P(VdF‐HFP) nanofibers. The AT‐PTR demonstrates exceptional solar absorption on the heating side, achieving a warming performance of 23.2 °C in cold winter. On the cooling side, its high solar reflectance and infrared emissivity facilitate a sub‐ambient cooling effect of 12.7 °C during hot summer. Moreover, outdoor field tests of the AT‐PTR conducted across various regions and seasons demonstrate an all‐seasonal outdoor human thermal management capability. Additionally, the AT‐PTR exhibits outstanding wind‐proof and moisture permeability, and heat flow can be simply attained by flipping the AT‐PTR, ensuring sustained thermal comfort for individuals across various environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using efficient building materials with high thermal inertia maintains indoor thermal comfort while reducing energy demand and energy savings. In this study, we developed and characterized the thermophysical and chemical properties of a novel Biosourced Composite Phase Change Material prepared using the shape-stabilized method for energy storage and improving the energy efficiency of buildings in arid climates. The physico-chemical compatibility between RT28 HC and the selected matrix was verified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction techniques and observed with Scanning Electron Microscope. The Differential Scanning Calorimeter results indicated that the composite material including 50 wt. % RT28 HC has a melting temperature and latent heat property of 31.5 °C and 128.3 J⋅g−1, respectively. Thermogravimetric measurements confirmed the thermal reliability of the biosourced composite material for building applications. The thermal conductivity of RT28 HC incorporated into the biosourced composite material, including 10 wt. % of graphite, was improved by 305 %. Thermal performance tests the potential of the composite material to improve the thermal performance of walls subjected to the thermal conditions of the arid zone climates were implemented using a trombe wall. Thermal performance results revealed that integrating composite material plates reduced the internal and external faces of the trombe wall temperatures by 7 °C and 14 °C, respectively. Integrating the biosourced composite material into the wall increases its thermal inertia and stabilizes the interior temperature within the comfort temperature range. Thermal performance tests confirm the biosourced composite material's efficacy in improving thermal comfort, as well as its potential application for thermal energy storage in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses significant challenges for the renovation of historic buildings, requiring a careful balance between preservation and energy efficiency, particularly considering the forecasted rise in temperatures. This study focuses on a medieval building undergoing renovation, examining thermal behaviors based on future climate settings, with particular attention to the rooms housing a book collection. Books require controlled microclimatic conditions that must be ensured for their preservation; hence, the energy use for air conditioning control must be considered during the renovation planning phase. Through on-site monitoring of the thermophysical properties of the building envelope and indoor microclimate, along with energy model software simulations, both historic climate and global warming scenarios were evaluated for their potential impact on thermal behavior and consequently on energy consumption. This study aims at contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of historic buildings, as well as proposing best practices for planning interventions involving sensitive cultural heritage materials, considering the effects of climate change in the renovation process. The results show strategies to address the climatic changes through a methodology optimizing renovation interventions. The sizing of air conditioning systems coupled with a less stringent microclimate control mitigates energy requirements, in line with the sustainable management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of poultry houses with enhanced control over environmental variables represents a solution to the growing demands for production and animal welfare. This study assessed the internal environment of dark-house poultry houses for broilers on a weekly basis throughout a production cycle. Data were collected over six weeks, from March to April 2016 involving 40,000 Cobb500TM broilers. A Hobo® datalogger continuously monitored the temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), dew point temperature (°C), and black globe temperature (°C) at 15 min intervals. The indices analyzed included the temperature and humidity index (THI), the black globe and humidity index (BGHI), and enthalpy (H). In the first week, both the THI and BGHI indicated favorable conditions for the birds, with the THI ranging from 72.4 to 80 and the BGHI from 77 to 81.6. Between the second and fifth weeks, the THI conditions varied between thermal comfort and discomfort, from 56.6 to 72. In the sixth week, all indices indicated discomfort, reflecting increased metabolism and population density. The dark-house system demonstrated a feed efficiency of 51%, an accumulated mortality rate of 1.97%, and a total production of 99,873 kg of meat. The study highlights the importance of continuously monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions to optimize production and enhance bird welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding the balance between CO2 concentration and thermal comfort is very important during the heating season in a daycare classroom due to the impact it has on children's health. Air treatment systems together with outdoor hygrothermal conditions are decisive in finding this balance. The objective of this work is to evaluate the impact that three air treatment systems, ventilation, conditioning, and air cleaning, have on thermal comfort and CO2 concentration in the two breathing planes defined by the occupants of a daycare classroom. Eight experimental tests were carried out, using different combinations of air systems. Temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration are measured at eight points in the classroom: four in the children's breathing plane (0.75 m) and the other four in that of an adult (1.7 m). The results show, on the one hand, that the ventilation or conditioning systems improve the indoor CO2 concentration in the two planes, equalizing it in the two planes and, on the other hand, that the sensation of cold is greater in the children's breathing plane than in the adult's breathing plane in all the experimental tests studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the cooling effects of small-scale water features and fog systems in Sangju Namsan Park, South Korea, focusing on their impact on thermal comfort. While previous studies have demonstrated the potential of urban parks in reducing temperatures, studies on small-scale interventions that examine their effects on thermal comfort and analyze microclimate data collected in specific areas are limited. This study collected and analyzed microclimate data using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and physiological equivalent temperature (PET) to assess the effectiveness of a small water path and a cooling fog system. The results indicate that surface temperature reductions reached up to 1.1 °C, with the pergola area showing the most significant cooling effect, lowering PET values to an average of 36.2 °C. In contrast, the small water path recorded the highest PET values, peaking at nearly 50.2 °C, likely due to radiant heat from the surrounding surfaces. While these interventions provided localized cooling, their overall effect on urban temperature reduction remained modest. This study suggests that small-scale water features are effective in enhancing thermal comfort in neighborhood parks but must be integrated into broader urban cooling strategies to maximize their impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change materials have been studied for many applications aiming at enhancing energy efficiency and economy. Nevertheless, in order to select the right phase change material (PCM) to meet the required standards, a trade-off between competing quantitative and qualitative criteria (also referred to as attributes) is usually required. The PCM selection literature analysis reveals that researchers employed many multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods. However, these MADM methods have their merits as well as demerits. Hence, this study offers a simple and efficient MADM method named"Best Holistic Adaptable Ranking of Attributes Technique (BHARAT)" to select the optimal PCM for various energy storage applications. The BHARAT method is illustrated with three case studies. In the first case study, the best PCM for a thermal energy storage unit with a solar box cooker is chosen by considering 5 PCMs and 8 attributes; in the second case study, the best PCM for a ground source heat pump integrated with a phase change thermal storage system is chosen by considering 8 PCMs and 13 attributes; In the third case study, 20 PCMs and 5 attributes are considered in order to determine which PCM is optimal for energy storage and thermal comfort in a vehicle. Comparisons are made between the results of the BHARAT method and those of other popular MADM methods. The BHARAT method's potential has been thoroughly proved and validated by the results of the three PCM selection case studies. It has been demonstrated that the BHARAT methodis straightforward, simple to implement, free of fuzzy logic requirements, provides a logical method for assigning attributes' weights, and is adaptable to PCM selection problems in various scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the cockpit, minimising the pilots' thermal discomfort due to solar exposure while ensuring clear visibility is essential. This study numerically examined the solar radiation effect on thermal fields of an Airbus A320 cockpit and assessed global and local thermal comfort of three aircrews using the Fanger model and the Equivalent Homogeneous Temperature (EHT) model. The productivity of aircrews based on thermal comfort was further estimated. A total of 27 cases, encompassing a combination of environmental and HVAC parameters were performed. This dataset was used for data analysis, employing an explainable machine, XGBoost, to highlight the significance of each variable on the pilot's thermal satisfaction. Outcomes proved that solar radiation penetrating the cockpit domain facilitated a non-homogeneous temperature distribution and thermal stratification. With strong solar exposure, it was recommended to set cockpit's maximum supply temperature smaller than 19 $ ^{\circ } $ ∘ C, maintaining RH between 10–20% for appropriate global thermal environment. Aircrew productivity loss was estimated to decline by 2.7% to 5.6% due to solar intensity variation, with pilot being the most affected. Without solar radiation, the local comfort of lower body segments was compromised. Rising solar radiation resulted in significant EHT gradient changes in the upper torso compared to the lower body, highlighting the predominance of radiative heat transfer at the upper level. Analysis via XGBoost revealed that mean radiant temperature had the most substantial impact on thermal satisfaction in the cockpit, underscoring the efficiency of optimising cockpit materials for better absorption and reflection of radiative heat for enhanced thermal environment control. Highlights: Cockpit thermal environment considering solar radiation was investigated Global thermal field control of cockpit ventilation was assessed by Fanger model In-cabin aircrews' local thermal sensation was assessed by ET model Estimated productivity loss of aircrews reveals pilot as the most affected one XGBoost interpreted the MRT had the most significant impact on thermal satisfaction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the poor thermal conductivity of microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs), a strategy was designed with effective combinations between graphene nanosheets (GNs) and shells to prepare thermally conductive MPCMs–GNs by using cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) to assist GN dispersion. The experiments and theoretical calculations both illustrated that CNFs effectively prevented GNs from aggregating due to the strong Van der Walls interactions between CNFs and GNs. The morphologies and structures of MPCMs with and without GNs were characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD. The thermal properties of MPCMs were evaluated by DSC, TG, and a thermal conductivity test. The MPCMs with 10 wt.% GNs exhibited a melting enthalpy as high as 187.2 J/g and a thermal conductivity as high as 1.214 (W/m⋅K). The results indicate that the prepared MPCMs possessed a good thermal stability. In addition, MPCMs–GNs exhibited outstanding mechanical properties using a nano-indentation test. With an excellent melting enthalpy and thermal conductivity, the prepared MPCMs–GNs/textile showed a potential ability to be used for comfort thermal regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal comfort is crucial for indoor environmental quality, impacting occupant well-being and intellectual productivity. Despite the widespread use of HVAC technologies in residential and commercial buildings, there is growing awareness of thermal comfort, leading to more studies on this issue. According to international publication indexes nearly 60% of publications belongs to the categories of construction building technology, energy fuels, and civil engineering. It should also be noted that 40% of world energy consumption pertains to construction sector. In this context, radiant cooling and heating systems come forward with their low exergy destruction rates pointing out the potential to be energy-efficient due to their higher and lower operation temperatures. Displacement ventilation, with its low heating and cooling capacity, has not gained widespread preference. However, the increasing consciousness of global warming and energy efficiency, along with the fear of airborne virus contamination, views stand-alone or hybrid applications of radiant heating/cooling and displacement ventilation as potential future solutions. This review study investigates the impact of radiant heating/cooling and ventilation types, mixing, and displacement on thermal comfort performance, focusing on factors affecting thermal comfort in trending radiant cooling and heating applications like radiant walls, ceilings, and floors. The study emphasizes the importance of considering occupant preferences, building characteristics, and energy efficiency when choosing the most suitable heating and cooling systems for different indoor environments. Stand-alone and hybrid applications of radiant heating/cooling and displacement systems can enhance thermal comfort performance, with the exception of specific cases requiring a high thermal load or ventilation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigating Urban Heat Island (UHI) intensity in cities through adaptative strategies has become an urgent need, as UHI are also exacerbated by climate change impacts imputable to anthropogenic actions. This study addresses the need for reliable simulation models to analyze outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) in future or alternative scenarios. The aim of the present study is to contribute to the validation of CFD urban microclimate simulations by employing intra-urban canyon transects as an alternative or a complementary approach to fixed stations. To accomplish this, we developed a cost-effective monitoring unit to carry out transects on a pre-defined route (1), devised the area of interest (2), elaborated a simulation model in ENVI-met (3), and proposed different validation methods for comparative analyses (4). Results indicate that temporal validated simulation tended to underestimate thermal indices in the morning and night and overestimate them in the afternoon, while spatio-temporal validation under a human-centric comfort approach via wearable sensing notably improved accuracy. Moderate to very strong agreement between simulation and measurement data in summer (Willmot's d ~ 0.70, d ~ 0.81) and very strong agreement in winter (d ~ 0.79, d ~ 0.96), with low error magnitudes in summer (RMSE ~ 0.91℃ and 9.59%, MBE ~ 0.23℃ and 9.10%) have been found. In winter, such figures were RMSE ~ 0.71℃ and 3.51%, MBE ~ 0.00℃ and 0.98%, for the spatio-temporal validated model. This research contributes to enhancing the reliability of relatively affordable CFD urban microclimate simulations, supporting its scale up for policymakers in implementing effective strategies for OTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure time to heat is increasing with climate change. Heat exposure thresholds are important to inform heat early warning systems, and legislation and guidance for safety in the workplace. It has already been stated that thresholds can be lower for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions due to their reduced ability to thermoregulate their temperature or apply cooling strategies. However, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) proposed by the international standard organisation (ISO 7243:2017), only takes into account thresholds based on acclimatization status. Therefore in this study we carried out a PRISMA systematic keyword search of "Wet Bulb Globe Temperature" of the Scopus abstract and citation database in August 2023 and a meta-analysis of text extracted from the identified 913 international studies published between December 1957 and July 2023, to investigate heat stress thresholds for different population groups. We find that different thresholds are considered as an indication of heat stress for different population groups. However, critical gaps were identified for the most vulnerable populations, and there are lower numbers of studies on women. Most studies researched adult populations between the ages of 18 and 55 (n = 491), failing to include the youngest and oldest members of society. Based on these findings, we call for targeted investigations to inform effective heat action policies and set early warning thresholds to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the entire population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an improved Ski Climate Index (SCI) designed to assess skiing suitability in China by applying fuzzy logic. Using daily meteorological data from 733 weather stations for the periods 1961–1990 and 1991–2020, the study identifies significant changes in SCI distribution over time. Additionally, a coupled analysis is performed, integrating the SCI results with the distribution and spatial vitality of 389 ski resorts in China. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between actual ski resources and the ongoing evolution of the skiing industry in China and three significant results:1) The snow module has a major impact on SCI distribution, while other non-snow natural elements, such as sunshine duration, wind speed, and thermal comfort, influence the overall SCI assessment less; 2) High SCI values are concentrated in Northwestern and Northeastern China, with increased ski climate resources being observed in Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia, Southwest Tibet, and Sichuan due to climate change and noticeable declines in the Southern regions of Northeast China.; 3) In terms of the distribution and vitality of ski resorts, the SCI also partially reflects the development of ski resorts. This skiing suitability model uses climate resources to offer valuable insights for key decision-making in resort development and operation, thereby supporting advancement of the ice-snow economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to design a local ventilation system (LVS) to help reduce the moisture content of a Scalder hall, evaluate its comfort and thermal stress before and after implementation of LVS and introduce an appropriate index to evaluate warm and humid workplaces. The design of the LVS was performed according to the ACGIH standard (VS-30-01). Heat stress and thermal comfort assessment were performed before and after LVS using humidity index (Humidex), discomfort index (DI), heat index (HI), wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and predicted mean vote index (PMV) indices and the results were compared with predicted mean vote index-predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PMV-PPD) subjective indices. The results of heat stress parameters showed that LVS was able to reduce relative humidity (RH) and wet temperature (tnw) by 47% and 7 ° C, respectively. This has caused subjects to feel the heat from hot and very RH hot to warm and the hot and percentage of dissatisfaction has dropped by more than 70%. Design and implementation of a LVS reduced the ambient tnw by decreasing RH. Results also showed in warm and humid workplaces, DI index are highly correlated with subjective evaluation of thermal comfort and this index can be used to evaluate the thermal conditions of the workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Heat stress (HS) is one of the pivotal causes of economic losses in dairy industries and affects welfare and performance, but its effect on milk microbiota remains elusive. It is also unclear if and how different breeds may cope with HS in sustaining productive performance. The objectives of this study were to compare (1) the performance of 2 dairy breeds, namely Holstein and Brown Swiss, subjected to HS and (2) the different effects of HS on the milk microbiota of the 2 breeds in thermal comfort conditions and HS. The study was carried out on 36 dairy cows, 18 per breed. The HS was induced by switching off the cooling system during a natural heat wave for 4 d. In addition to the temperature-humidity index, animal stress was confirmed by measuring respiratory frequency and rectal temperature twice daily at 0400 h and 1500 h. The HS affected the 2 breeds differently. The rectal temperature increased with HS in both breeds. Milk yield recording and sampling were performed during the morning milking of d 1 (at 0400 h) and afternoon milking of d 4 (at 1700 h). Productive parameters were also different: milk yield, FCM, ECM, protein and casein content, and renneting parameters were decreased in Holstein cows but remained unaffected in Brown Swiss cows. The HS also modified the milk microbiota of the 2 breeds differently. During HS, the Brown Swiss cows had milk microbiota that was richer (α diversity) than that of the Holstein cows. Comparing the time points before and during HS within breeds showed that Brown Swiss cow milk microbiota was less affected by HS than Holstein cow milk microbiota. Under the same thermal comfort condition, milk microbiota did not discriminate between Brown Swiss and Holstein. Consistently with α and β diversity, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTU) at the genus level that changed their abundance during HS was higher in Holstein (74 OTU) than in Brown Swiss (only 20 OTU). The most significant changes in abundance affected Acinetobacter , Chryseobacterium , Cutibacterium , Enterococcus , Lactococcus , Prevotella-9 , Serratia , and Streptococcus. In conclusion, the present report confirms and extends previous studies by demonstrating that Brown Swiss cows regulate their body temperature better than the Holstein breed. The relative thermal tolerance to HS compared with Holstein cows is also confirmed by changes in milk uncultured microbiota, which were more evident in Holstein cows than in Brown Swiss cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate and climatic factors influence live creatures and their activities. Climatic design is a method for coping with challenging climatic conditions and creating comfort. Indeed, architectural design can be done by utilizing data related to climatic conditions and the thermal needs of the desired location. Hence, the current study presented strategies for architectural design based on climatic zoning and indices of thermal comfort in Qazvin city. The study data were obtained through library research and documents, analyzing and combining the data, and by applying an experimental-analytical method. Some compatible climate strategies and measuring thermal comfort indices were presented (based on data from Qazvin Meteorological Organization until 2017). TCIC software was used to calculate thermal comfort indices. Considering that Qazvin climate is cold-arid and according to the analysis of thermal comfort indices in different months, building heating has been paid more attention to rather than cooling in architectural design. Different strategies in this area and methods to gain maximum benefit from climatic facilities (in Qazvin) in other parts of a building have been presented in the suggested tables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sleepwear and bedding materials can affect sleep quality by influencing the skin and body temperature and thermal comfort. This review systematically evaluates the impact of sleepwear or bedding of different fibre types on sleep quality. A systematic search was conducted in six data bases plus Google Scholar and manual searches. Original articles that compared human sleep quality between at least two fibre types of bedding or sleepwear were included, resulting in nine eligible articles included in the review. The fibre types included cotton, polyester, wool, and blended materials for sleepwear; cotton, duck down, goose down, polyester and wool for duvet; and linen and a combination of cotton and polyester for bedding. The interplay between fibre materials and sleep quality is complex. Blended sleepwear demonstrated potential benefits for specific populations. Wool sleepwear showed benefits for sleep onset in adults (cool conditions) and in older adults (warm conditions). Linen bedsheets improved sleep quality under warm conditions in young adults. Goose down‐filled duvets increased slow‐wave sleep under cool conditions in young adults. However, a systematic comparison of fibre types is challenging due to the diverse nature of the studies evaluating sleep quality. Further research employing standardised methodologies with standard fibre samples in different populations and in different temperature conditions is imperative to elucidate comprehensively the effects of fibre choices on sleep quality. Despite the limitations and heterogeneity of the included studies, this analysis offers valuable insights for individuals seeking to optimise their sleep experiences and for manufacturers developing sleep‐related products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the impact of cold and heat conditions on manual performance during maneuverability exercises in powerchair football players. Ten volunteers with heterogeneous pathologies engaged in FIPFA competitions participated in the study. The assessments consisted of answering a survey, carrying out a computer maneuverability path before and after immersion of upper limb in cold water (8 °C); before and after exposure to heat (hair-dryer). The skin temperature (hand and forearm) perceptive scales (thermal sensation and comfort, effort, pain) were also measured. Conditions did not significantly impact mean test result (Heat = +5.3 boxes; Cold = −6.3 boxes; NS) but some subject were highly impacted with cold condition. A slight downward trend was observed for the cold and a slight upward for the heat. The cold and heat influenced the both hand and forearm skin temperature, the thermal sensation and the thermal comfort of the players in contrast to the perception of effort and pain (hand after Heat = +5.9°3.9 °C, hand after Cold = −11°1.4 °C; forearm after Heat = +1.9°1.0 °C, forearm after Cold = −0.6°0.7 °C; P < 0.05). The results suggest that individually, cold condition might affect negatively manual dexterity and performance of some powerchair football players. To put athletes in best playing environment conditions, the instance of powerchair football need to legislate for a minimal ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uneven heating of the human body in the cabin is one of the main reasons for poor thermal comfort. In this study, five small thermoelectric cooling devices were used to build the automobile localized air conditioning system to improve body temperature uniformity by the method of multi-point air supply. The cooling capacity of each thermoelectric cooling device can be changed independently so the localized air conditioning could work with a non-isothermal jet air supply method to optimize each thermoelectric cooling device outlet temperature based on thermal simulation analysis results aimed at better body heat flux balance and lower power consumption. The air temperature and skin temperature test were done to verify the simulation as well. The maximum deviation of the predicted stable air temperature was 0.82 ℃. The maximum deviation of the predicted skin temperature was 1.83 ℃. The subjective evaluation experiment of human thermal comfort was carried out, and the average overall thermal comfort vote of the volunteers was changed from 1.02 to − 0.44 after the localized air condition turning on, which showed that the temperature adjustment had a good effect on improving the heat balance and the thermal comfort of the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the prevailing subjective pricing paradigms for high-rise apartments in India, this paper advocates for a paradigm shift toward thermal comfort–based differential pricing, recognizing its pivotal role in influencing residents' well-being in hot and humid climates and energy savings. Understanding the correlation between thermal comfort, floor level, and orientation can lead to implementing such pricing strategies. Three models are proposed through market surveys and simulations, incorporating thermal comfort and other existing market preferences using Hedonic regression and two models using the analytic hierarchy process. The comparison reveals that Model 1, based on buyers' preferences, yields a 0.72% mean improvement in the total sale price, Model 2, focused on thermal comfort, sees a mean increase of 0.86%, and Model 3, incorporating both thermal comfort and buyer preferences, results in a mean increase of 2.22%. The study emphasizes the significance of a multicriteria-based pricing model for high-rise apartments with thermal comfort as the focus, highlighting its flexibility to accommodate diverse criteria and determine suitable differential prices by adjusting percentage priorities based on specific requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on schools due to their significant energy consumption. It explores the use of well-designed unshaded courtyards as a passive design strategy in hot climate regions, an area that has received limited attention. The research methodology combines a qualitative approach, case study, and computer simulations through ENVI-met and Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IESve) software. The case study involves an existing school building in the hot arid climate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ENVI-met software evaluates changes in the school's microclimate and building temperature resulting from modifications to the courtyard's design, encompassing five phases. Moreover, the research employs the predicted mean vote (PMV) metric to assess outdoor thermal comfort within school courtyards, correlating with the five design phases. The IESve software assesses the reduction in cooling sensible load achieved through improved courtyard design in the case study. The simulation results demonstrate that the optimal courtyard design lowers the school building's temperature by 1.9°C and 1.7°C on September 21 and March 21, respectively, compared with the base case. Furthermore, it enhances PMV within the courtyard, providing students with a more comfortable outdoor environment during breaks, with maximum PMV reductions of 1.2 and 1.1 on September 21 and March 21. In addition, the optimal courtyard design achieves a significant reduction in cooling sensible load, showing a 19% decrease on September 21 and a 27% decrease on March 21, compared with the basic case. These findings underscore the potential of well-designed courtyards to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency in schools within hot arid climates, contributing to sustainable architectural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To highlight the essential role of lighting in higher education buildings, this field survey was conducted to explore students' subjective assessments of daylight utilization within the drawing halls in the architectural departments of higher educational buildings that located in Cairo, Egypt, and the surrounding areas. With 854 participants, the primary objective was to explore the participants' evaluation of the lighting source impact on students' satisfaction, preferences, moods, wellbeing and behavioral states. Additionally, it sought to measure the significance of daylight as a design factor. The research findings reveal that the importance of the provision of daylight is equal to that of achieving thermal comfort, an imperative consideration in Egypt's hot climatic context. It was found that daylight significantly enhances students' satisfaction within drawing halls. Moreover, it exerts a positive impact on students' moods, and behaviors, notably reducing the occurrence of psychological and physiological symptoms, such as stress and headaches, while promoting greater cooperation and interaction among students. This study highlights the fundamental role of daylight in the design of drawing halls, not only for its aesthetic qualities or energy conversation potential, but also for its profound impact on the well-being and students' satisfaction. It advocates for the strategic integration of daylight in educational facilities to create environments that are conducive to learning and holistic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One key ecosystem service widely known and attributed to trees in the urban environment is their ability to provide shade through their canopies and undertake evapotranspiration cooling. These in turn contribute to reduced atmospheric temperatures. A lesser-known aspect with little quantitative data is the heterogeneous temperature environment beneath the canopies at pedestrian or street level where the cooling will benefit thermal comfort. This study was conducted throughout 2022. It collected data where air temperature was measured under the canopies of two urban tropical tree species, Samanea saman and Peltophotum pterocarpum, at three different heights, which were 1, 3 and 5 m, respectively, from the ground. This was to investigate whether crown architectures and the associated shade and cooling effects via transpiration can have a significant change in the surrounding temperature. The study observed surface and air temperatures coupled with meteorological data across cool, warm, and hot periods of the year. It was observed that soil temperature increased alongside increases in atmospheric temperatures with a more significant rise observed for P. pterocarpum despite the observation of greater wind speeds for both night and day at the site where this species was situated. The soil moisture potential data indicated the reverse where S. saman showed more negative values with the greatest increase under warm conditions. Interestingly, sap flow rates also indicated that P. pterocarpum had more efficient rates whether conditions were cool, warm, or hot, suggestive of more active transpirational cooling. This was despite a lower leaf area index, smaller crown volume and sap wood area for this species. Relationship analyses between sap flow and air temperatures at different heights under the canopies showed a positive correlation. This demonstrates that apart from shade provided by the canopies, transpiration is also an important parameter for cooling. The mean daytime air temperature indicated that the greatest cooling effect was experienced at the lowest level from the ground (at 1 m), and this was consistent for both species across cool, warm, and hot conditions with a significant cooling effect of between 2.3 and 4°C. Temperature data under the canopy (1 to 5 m from the ground) compared to the air temperature of the grass that was shaded indicated temperature differences of between 2.3 and 7.9°C at 5 m and between 1.9 and 5.6°C at 1 m (for both species) with a bigger reduction attributed to S. saman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stepwell is one of the unique medieval groundwater resource structures distributed across most of all the states in India. The main purpose of constructing stepped wells was to get access to the groundwater, but was also used for the storage of food, and as a summer shelter in medieval times. In tropical regions such as India, temperature is a major problem that causes thermal distress. Traditional architectural concepts were incorporated in the medieval Indian structures to achieve thermal comfort. Traditional architecture is optimization of building design to climate, adaptive crafts, and building techniques learnt over time and experience. The objective of this study is to interpret and evaluate the architectural and engineering aspects of stepwells pertaining to passive cooling techniques used in stepwells and the shelters associated with them. This paper reviews technical aspects pertaining to passive cooling in the design of stepwells, which has identified fundamental principles that can adopted for the building of various structures presently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to examine energy consumption efficiency strategies with respect to the type of dwelling unit, cooling load, and thermal comfort. This can be evaluated through the study of the hotel building air system, with the aim of ensuring the thermal comfort of its occupants. This research employs a quantitative methodology, using observation, measurement, and experimental techniques. The case study is situated within the context of hotels in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The subject of this study is the Swissbel Hotel building, located in the coastal area of Makassar City. The data are analyzed in order to determine the Energy Consumption Intensity (ECI), Room Energy Intensity (REI), and occupancy rate based on the heat load inside and outside the building. The data are then processed using a parametric statistical approach. Subsequently, the building envelope is analyzed through the calculation of the Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) in accordance with the standards set out in SNI 6390: 2011. The cooling load and a thermal comfort assessment, in line with the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index, Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfaction (PPD) index, and effective temperature according to the ASHRAE 55-2022 standard, are then calculated, and a simulation is performed to determine the most efficient strategy for the use of air conditioning energy. The findings indicated that alterations in the dimensions of the facade (sun shading) resulted in a 16% reduction in the cooling load, with the incorporation of horizontal and vertical shading sizes of 4 m × 2.5 m, square glass openings, and 8 mm heat-absorbing glass. This led to a PMV value of 0.40, a PPD of 8%, and an effective temperature value of 26.8°C. The modification resulted in a percentage gain of 20.08%, at 10-60% occupancy load with a cooling load reduction rate of 1,912.07 kW and a thermal comfort index within the comfortable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this research is to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of climate parameters in Shiraz's urban design and architecture with a focus on energy management. For this purpose, Climate Consultant software was used; this software can display and graphically examine climatic features and uses a strong and documented database called EPW in the time step of long-term hourly averages for radiation data, dry temperature, soil temperature at different depths, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction. Determining the level of comfort and providing energy-saving strategies in different climate zones are among the important capabilities of this tool. The results showed that the months of January, February, and December are completely outside the range of thermal comfort, and the most comfortable conditions are in the radiation range of 800 to 900 W/m2 with a temperature range of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. According to the psychometric chart, 10.1% of the hours of the year are in complete comfort conditions, and reaching comfort conditions in other hours and days of the year requires the use of different strategies. The ideal thickness for the mass of the walls is estimated to be 4 to 5 inches with optimal materials (brick, concrete, and stone), and it is better for the mass of the inner wall to be denser than the outer wall. It is very convenient to use massive structures with small holes that perform night ventilation. Ceiling fans can reduce indoor temperature by at least 2.8 degrees Celsius. Flat roofs with light colors are the most suitable option, and in designs with courtyards, the presence of small ponds is very effective in cooling the adjacent rooms. Interior spaces and doors can be used to promote natural cross-ventilation. Also, to protect privacy, the design of air-flow jump channels can be used. By shading the windows in line with the direction of the prevailing wind, natural ventilation can reduce or even eliminate the need for cooling facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal environment may affect sleep quality and sleeping thermal comfort at the same time. Up to now, there is no direct evidence or physiological theory can prove the idea that thermal comfort equal to good sleep quality, but how to balance the relationship between them is often ignored when designing thermal environment. This review took body temperature distribution as a bridge for the connection of sleep quality and sleeping thermal comfort. At first, we reviewed the quantitative relationships among thermal environment, body temperature, sleep quality and sleeping thermal comfort, and then based on the idea of reverse derivation, a recommended design process for bedroom thermal environment was proposed. Each step of the process corresponded to the impact mechanism described above. The review results showed that, body temperature distribution was closely related to both sleep quality and thermal comfort, and thus it was suitable to be used as a bridge between them; body temperatures fluctuated dynamically during sleep, and thus heat transfer and thermal regulation models should be used to describe them; most current sleep researches regarded skin temperature as the representative value of body temperature distribution, yet core body temperature needs to be paid more attention on in the future because it was more closely related to sleep rhythm; furthermore, in addition to young people, subjects of more age groups should be tested to enrich China's sleep research database. In general, it's theoretically possible to guarantee both sleep quality and sleeping thermal comfort, and this review can be used as a reliable reference for bedroom thermal environment design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal comfort is critical for ensuring the health and productivity of occupants and knowing their thermal demand could help creat a satisfying environment with the least energy waste. Theory of thermal comfort is built based on experimental studies in uniform and stable environments, while there is still a gap when applying in evaluating human thermal comfort in non-uniform thermal environments. Therefore, an insight into human thermal comfort in non-uniform thermal environments is taken. The fundamental studies of thermal comfort in non-uniform thermal environments are explicated, including thermal comfort theory applied in non-uniform thermal environments, types of non-uniform thermal environments and corresponding studies, physiological and psychological thermal responses in the environments. Besides, the evaluation indices of non-uniform thermal environments are classified according to their definitions and the comfort models are reviewed. Finally, future works in this research field are discussed. In general, the overall thermal comfort and local thermal comfort should be both taken into account in non-uniform thermal environments where skin temperatures and psychological thermal responses of occupants are different among local body segments. Moreover, as studies of local thermal comfort are mainly conducted in thermally neutral condition, the limits considering the state deviating thermal neutrality (slightly warm or cool), which is frequently found in reality, are encouraged to be studied. Finally, a well-defined comprehensive index should be proposed considering heat exchange of human body with their microenvironments and thus the comfort range of the index could be provided for designing of non-uniform thermal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]