Experimental study on comparison of indoor and multiple outdoor thermal environments excluding visual and acoustic interference

To make holistic assessment of the urban environment, it is important to consider both indoor and outdoor thermal environment. Outdoor thermal parameters play key roles in high quality urban life. This study concentrates on differences between indoor and outdoor thermal comfort excluding visual and acoustic interference. An experiment was carried out in indoor climate chamber and three types of outdoor spaces to explore subjective evaluation and physiological parameters of personnel. Subjects can achieve higher thermal comfort and are less sensitive to the change of thermal parameters outdoors. In a wide range of operative temperature and wind speed in outdoor thermal environment, subjects can be more inclined to stay outdoors. With VR glasses on between 27.5 and 33.5 celcius under direct sunlight, people feel significantly cooler. In this study, VR glasses and noisecancelling earphones were used in a pioneering way to exclude the influence of visual and auditory factors and comprehensively compare indoor and outdoor thermal comfort. According to the results, outdoor thermal environment can bring more comfort than indoor air conditioning environment, which highlights the importance of improving outdoor thermal environment. The benefits of comfortable outdoor thermal environments compared with indoor neutral environments can be further explored.

Automated summary

To holistically assess the urban environment, consideration of both indoor and outdoor thermal environments is crucial. Outdoor thermal parameters have a significant impact on the quality of urban life. This study focuses on the differences between indoor and outdoor thermal comfort, excluding visual and acoustic interference. Through an experiment conducted in an indoor climate chamber and three types of outdoor spaces, subjective evaluations and physiological parameters of participants were explored. The findings indicate that individuals experience higher thermal comfort and are less sensitive to changes in thermal parameters outdoors. Subjects tend to prefer staying outdoors in a wide range of outdoor thermal environments. Furthermore, the use of VR glasses between 27.5 and 33.5 degrees Celsius under direct sunlight provides a significantly cooler sensation. This study pioneers the use of VR glasses and noise-canceling earphones to comprehensively compare indoor and outdoor thermal comfort while excluding the influence of visual and auditory factors. The results highlight the greater comfort brought by outdoor thermal environment compared to indoor air conditioning, emphasizing the importance of improving outdoor thermal environments. The potential benefits of comfortable outdoor thermal environments in comparison to neutral indoor environments can be further explored.