Avaliação das condições de desconforto térmico no Centro de Convivência do Campus Central da UFRN

Abstract

The Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) social hub is a space that hosts various daily activities, such as craft fairs and economic services (banks, restaurants, among others), characterized by a high flow of people throughout the day. Located in the city of Natal, known for its high temperatures during most of the year, the UFRN social hub reflects these climatic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate thermal discomfort at two specific points within this location. Data collection was conducted from December 6 to 14, 2023, during three time intervals: 9:00–9:30, 12:00–12:30, and 17:00–17:30, with measurements taken every 5 minutes. KR825 thermo-hygrometer-anemometers, previously calibrated at UFRN's main climatological station, were used. The analyzed variables included air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, and the indices evaluated were Thom's Thermal Discomfort (TDI), Temperature and Relative Humidity Index (ITU) and Effective Temperature Index as a Function of Wind (TEv). Results showed that the IDT indicated a predominantly uncomfortable environment, with 29.5% of measurements in front of Banco do Brasil pointing to very high discomfort. The TEv highlighted significant differences, with 26.7% of measurements at the Banco do Brasil point classified as "slightly hot" and 84.6% at the bookstore point classified as "moderately hot." Despite these variations, thermal amplitudes were below 3°C, indicating relative homogeneity in thermal discomfort conditions. The study revealed that the UFRN social hub is predominantly thermally uncomfortable, especially at the Banco do Brasil point. The index analysis emphasizes the need for strategies to mitigate thermal discomfort in these environments.