Thermal adaptation of occupants in an atrium with environmental preference

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the thermal comfort of occupants in an atrium using spot cooling. In semi-outdoor environments, a comfortable environment cannot be efficiently created using the same means as for indoors. Thus, energy-saving method is becoming popular such as spot cooling. For this study, a field survey was carried out between July 2013 and January 2015 in the atrium of D- University. Air temperature, relative humidity, globe temperature, and air velocity were measured. Additionally, the occupants were given a questionnaire, and lastly a occupancy conditions survey was carried out. The results showed that in summer, there was a difference in air temperature distribution after operating the spot cooling. Regarding thermal environmental characteristics, it was shown that by placing furniture and air-conditioning facilities in term with different purposes, occupants have wider variety of adaptive opportunities. When it comes to thermal comfort, occupants’ demand for controlling their thermal environment was stronger within the D- University atrium compared to either a non-air-conditioned or air-conditioned atrium. On the other hand, fewer occupants reported feeling uncomfortable. Thus, the occupants widely accepted their thermal environment by adapting themselves to their current conditions according to the type of air-conditioning system.