Different methods for estimating the mean radiant temperature in an outdoor urban setting

Abstract The mean radiant temperature (T mrt ) is one of the most important meteorological parameters governing human energy balance. In this paper, three different methods of obtaining the T mrt in an outdoor urban setting are compared. Method A is based on integral radiation measurements and angular factors, method B is based on measurements with a 38‐mm flat grey globe thermometer and in method C makes use of the Rayman 1.2 software is used. Measurements were performed in a large open square in a high latitude city—Göteborg, Sweden—during clear to overcast weather conditions in October 2005 and in July and August 2006. Results show that the difference between Method A and Method B was generally relatively…