Natural cooling solution for thermally conditioning bus stops as urban climate shelters in hot areas: Experimental proof of concept

Abstract

In response to the challenges posed by climate change and the growing heat patterns in cities, this study addresses the design and implementation of climate shelters integrated into public transport stops through the installation of surface radiant cooling modules. The aim is to improve the thermal comfort of short-stay users in cities in hot, dry climates. To this end, a fully sensorized thermal camera was used in a controlled setting to simulate real outdoor climate conditions and evaluate the efficacy of the radiant system. The prototype was modelled and characterized by means of in situ measurements, paying special attention to the temperature and radiant heat flux. The radiant modules maintained a temperature between 18 °C and 20 °C, even under oppressive conditions, with over 50% of the cooling flux due to radiation. The radiative performance of the prototype did not increase proportionally with increased water flow, stabilizing at high flows. The analysis of the thermal comfort index showed a decrease in feelings of discomfort of between 40% and 50% when the modules reached the set point temperature. The study shows that implementing these climate shelters in public transport stops such a bus shelters is feasible in hot, dry climates. This may be an effective strategy for mitigating the effects of climate change in urban areas and can be applied in any city that suffers from recurring heatwaves, thereby improving living conditions for city goers.