Title: Development of artificial neural network models for predicting thermal comfort evaluation in urban parks in summer and winter
Authors: Chan, SY 
Chau, CK 
Issue Date: 15-Oct-2019
Source: Building and environment, 15 Oct. 2019, v. 164, 106364, p. 1-17
Abstract: This study has successfully formulated artificial neural network models to predict thermal comfort evaluation in outdoor urban parks in Hong Kong, a sub-tropical city, for both summer and winter periods. The artificial neural network models embracing two-hidden layers outperformed other types of commonly adopted thermal comfort models. The model prediction performance was considerably improved by including perceptions of microclimate, perceptions of environmental features and personal traits as additional predictor variables. Sensitivity analysis determined that thermal sensation is the most important factor influencing thermal comfort evaluation in outdoor urban parks, followed by air temperature for both summer and winter. Solar radiation is another important factor immediately following air temperature for winter. In contrast, perceived density of trees and perceived number of water bodies in a park were found to be more important than solar radiation for summer. The findings arising from this study should provide valuable insights for formulating effective strategies for improving the thermal environment in urban parks in different seasons.
Keywords: Artificial neural networks
Outdoor thermal comfort
Urban park design
Publisher: Pergamon Press
Journal: Building and environment 
ISSN: 0360-1323
EISSN: 1873-684X
DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.106364
Appears in Collections:Journal/Magazine Article

Access
View full-text via PolyU eLinks SFX Query
Show full item record

Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.