Thermal environment research of north closing balconies in Xi’an

Measures thermal environment parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and dew point temperature during the summer of 2004. The results show that the temperature in closing balcony is above 26 ℃ in daytime, and less differs with the outdoor temperature except night. Thermal environment in closing balcony is worse. Calculates and compares the cooling loads for test objects with seven kinds of envelope. Considers that the energysaving effect is notable using heat insulating wall and twolayer window in closing balcony. Provides some schemes and methods to improve the thermal environment in closing balconies.