Characteristic analysis and improvement methods of the indoor thermal environment in post-disaster temporary residential buildings: A systematic review

The provision of housing for displaced victims is fundamental to their survival. Although many studies have detailed reasonable techniques for improving the indoor thermal environment in certain types of post-disaster temporary residential buildings (PDTRB), comprehensive and in-depth insight into PDTRB has been lacking to date. In this study, the characteristics, influencing factors, and improvement measures for the indoor thermal environment of PDTRB were comprehensively reviewed using 74 papers and 15 reports. The enclosure structure, indoor environmental characteristics, thermal comfort study methods, and active and passive cooling and heating measures of PDTRB were assessed and improvements were suggested. The findings show that the insulation performance of selected enclosure structure materials is the main current research direction and sustainable materials are the future trend. The indoor temperature and humidity showed extreme data in most cases. Based on existing standards and models, the thermal comfort level was 26.47%. Victims’ thermal adaptation and psychological subjective factors exhibited a strong influence, and more precise methods are required to be urgently established for evaluating thermal comfort. Passive technologies can partly resolve extreme discomfort. The concept of self-sufficient passive housing is worth trying, and the development of available active technologies is also essential. This review may help to improve the practicality of PDTRB globally, and also advance the related technologies.