Analysis of Thermal and Humidity Sensations in Educational Buildings in Eastern European Climate Conditions

Abstract

Perception of temperature and relative humidity has an important influence on feelings of thermal comfort or discomfort. The aim of this study is to analyse the thermal sensations of 222 people aged 19 - 30 years, taking into account air temperature and relative humidity in four educational buildings at Kielce University of Technology. Two methods were used to conduct the study, indirect (use of an environmental meter) and direct (use of questionnaires). Air temperature ranged from 20oC - 27.5oC and humidity from 18.16% - 50.9%. Approximately 60% of the students rated the humidity as pleasant, nevertheless 32% would prefer it to be more humid.  Furthermore, thermal comfort was declared by 69% of the students, while 31% rated their feelings as uncomfortable. In addition, a correlation analysis was carried out for temperature and humidity.  In the overall assessment of the students, the buildings created good conditions for feeling comfortable.

Keywords

• thermal comfort
• indoor environment
• indoor air
• thermal sensations
• relative humidity
• humidity sensations