Passengers typically spend much time in commercial zones of terminals for retail

meals

and other services. Enhancing the study of thermal comfort in this local space is necessary. The climate in the Eastern China Region is variable and complex

making it more challenging to maintain the indoor thermal environment. This study conducted field measurements in winter in a commercial zone of one terminal to assess the thermal environment. Numerical simulations and PMV-PPD analyses were performed using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) program The results showed that the overall humidity in the commercial zone was low. There were notable differences in the temperatures and velocities of supply air among different air vents on the commercial island. Based on these initial conditions obtained by measurements

the simulations showed that localized areas under the breathing plane are either too hot (24°C and above) or too cold (18°C and below). The dissatisfaction percentage of the population exceeds 27%. This paper proposed that through enhancements in the air vent dimensions

layout

and air supply conditions

the temperature can be maintained in the range of 20-24°C. Furthermore

the PMV could be controlled within the range of -0.5 to 0.5. PPD was below 10%

reflecting compliance with Class I heating standards. Overall

findings from this study provide a less costly modification for thermal comfort improvement in commercial zones

and serve as a reference for the design and operation of air-conditioning systems to ensure thermal comfort in airport terminals’ commercial zones.