Seasonal thermal comfort and adaptive behaviours for the occupants of residential buildings: Shaoxing as a case study: Fid-Bau Portal

Seasonal thermal comfort and adaptive behaviours for the occupants of residential buildings: Shaoxing as a case study

Yue, Lyu / Zhongqing, Chen

Highlights • Thermal comfort requirements in residential buildings were investigated. • An adaptive thermal comfort model was established. • Thermal comfort zone ranges and residents’ thermal adaptation models are seasonal. • Seasonal models reflect residents’ thermal adaptation status accurately. • The study results can improve energy efficiency and meet future comfort needs.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the thermal comfort requirements in residential buildings and establish an adaptive thermal comfort model. A two-year field study was conducted on residential buildings in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 172 apartments (187 people) were surveyed, and 2400 valid questionnaires on thermal sensation from residents were obtained in two years. The results showed that the thermal comfort requirements of residents change with the seasons: Different seasons lead to changes in the range of thermal comfort zones and the residents’ thermal adaptation models, which are related to the climatic characteristics of each season. Compared with the traditional year-round adaptive thermal comfort model, seasonal models could reflect the status of the residents’ thermal adaptation caused by the characteristics of dynamic climate change more comprehensively and accurately. In addition, this study determined the residents’ psychological and behavioural adaptability to the seasons and found the characteristics of thermal sensation and requirements for thermal comfort in different seasons. In conclusion, this study provides people in the study area with basic knowledge of their thermal comfort requirements. The results could be used as a basis to improve energy efficiency and meet comfort needs in the future.