title: Evaluation of thermal comfort in university classrooms through objective approach and subjective preference analysis.
abstract: Assessing thermal comfort becomes more relevant when the aim is to maximise learning and productivity performances, as typically occurs in offices and schools. However, if, in the offices, the Fanger model well represents the thermal occupant response, then on the contrary, in schools, adaptive mechanisms significantly influence the occupants' thermal preference. In this study, an experimental approach was performed in the Polytechnic University of Bari, during the first days of March, in free running conditions. First, the results of questionnaires were compared according to the application of the Fanger model and the adaptive model; second, using a subjective scale, a complete analysis was performed on thermal preference in terms of acceptability, neutrality and preference, with particular focus on the influence of gender. The user possibility to control the indoor plant system produced a significant impact on the thermal sensation and the acceptability of the thermal environment. Gender was also demonstrated to greatly influence the thermal judgement of the thermal environment when an outdoor cold climate occurs.
authors: Polytechnic University of Bari, via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy.
authors: Maria Anna
authors: MA
authors: Nico
authors: Polytechnic University of Bari, via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy.
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Liuzzi
authors: Polytechnic University of Bari, via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy. Electronic address: pietro.stefanizzi@poliba.it.
authors: Pietro
authors: P
authors: Stefanizzi
mesh_terms: D002980:Climate; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013696:Temperature; D014495:Universities / Q000592:standards
keywords: Adaptive model; Fanger's model; Thermal comfort