PALMEIRAS - ATENUAÇÃO SOLAR E CONFORTO TÉRMICO

Abstract

Several studies on the thermal comfort provided by tree species in the urban microclimate have demonstrated their effects on temperature cooling, thus promoting higher environmental quality in tropical regions. It was observed, however, that there are few studies about the thermal attenuation and the quantification of the mitigation of heat provided by species of palm trees. In this context, the objective of this research is to evaluate the behavior of palm trees, regarding solar attenuation and its influence on thermal comfort in urban areas. This is a quantitative research, for which three species of palm trees were selected: "Rabo de Raposa" (Wodyetia bifurcata Irvine), "Tamareira" (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and "Washingtônia” (Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl). The trees were planted isolated from each other. A fourth species, "Livistona" (Livistona saribus (Loureiro) Merril ex A. Chevalier planted in cluster was also analysed. The study area is located at the campus of the State University of Campinas, in São Paulo State, Brazil. The measurements of incident solar radiation, air and globe temperature, relative humidity and air speed were carried out in the spring of 2016, in the summer 2016/2017, in the fall and winter of 2017, in both situations: sun exposed and in trees shade. Mean Radiant Temperature (Trm) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) were calculated. The results show expressive difference the two situations. The obtained results will provide subsidies to urban planners and landscapers on the use of palm trees, taking into account their thermal effect.