Calibração do índice de conforto térmico PET (temperatura fisiológica equivalente) em espaços abertos para a cidade de Cuiabá-MT

Abstract

Studies in open environments and in large cities show that urbanization has influenced the local microclimate and often the thermal comfort and quality of life of the inhabitants. In this context, the present study aimed to calibrate the PET thermal comfort index (Equivalent Physiological Temperature) for the city of Cuiabá-MT. Microclimatic data collection (air temperature, relative humidity, globe temperature, wind speed and direction) was collected in three different situations: arboreal shading (C1), artificial shade with umbrella (C2) and sun exposure (C3). Together, questionnaires were conducted in order to verify the preference, perception and thermal comfort of respondents in different environments. Shelters for dataloggers sensors and globe thermometers (gray color) were made from information found in the literature. The wind speed and direction equipment were developed in the laboratory and some parts were printed in 3D. Data were collected on 2 days of each season, in spring 2018, summer, autumn and winter 2019. By analyzing the microclimatic variables collected in the different scenarios, it was found that the values with the largest differences occurred between scenario 1 (wooded) and scenario 3 (exposed to the sun). It was possible to adapt five categories of PET index, cold, comfortable, warm, warm and very hot. The comfortable range for Cuiabá, in this study, was between 23.01 to 34.64 ° C. When correlating the users' responses regarding the perception and thermal preference in the different scenarios, it was found that in scenario 1 the highest percentage of thermal comfort occurred and in scenario 3, the highest thermal discomfort, reinforcing the influence of afforestation on thermal comfort. In this sense, tree shading can significantly contribute to the improvement of thermal sensation. The results obtained in this research can contribute to the clarification of issues regarding the perception and thermal comfort in open spaces in Cuiabá, and thus can guide public policies in urban projects related to this theme.