Predictive thermal comfort model: Are current field studies measuring the most influential variables?

1 January 2012

Thermal comfort has widespread implications, including health and energy consumption, yet little is known about the interrelation between thermal-discomfort response and physical dependencies. Empirical research on occupants’ interaction with their home environment calls for a holistic socio-technical approach. The aim of this paper is to report on an evaluation of the sensitivity of the predictive thermal-comfort model, as described in the BS EN ISO 7730 standard. In light of the results of this analysis, this paper presents a methodological framework to measure the occupants’ activity levels. One of the key aims is to gather accurate measurement while using ‘discreet’ observatory systems to have minimum impact on the occupants’ behaviour. With recent emergence of, and advancements in, more accurate and affordable sensing technologies, this problem can potentially be overcome.