Thermal sensation models: a systematic comparison.

Area of Science:

• Building science
• Human thermal comfort
• Environmental psychology

Background:

• Thermal sensation models predict human perception of indoor environments.
• Existing models vary in inputs, applicability, complexity, and sensation scales.

Purpose of the Study:

• Systematically compare seven thermal sensation models.
• Assess model performance across diverse thermal conditions.
• Investigate the influence of model choice on indoor environment assessment.

Main Methods:

• Compared seven thermal sensation models under varied air temperatures, clothing insulation, and metabolic rates.
• Utilized a mathematical model for human physiological responses to obtain input data.
• Analyzed model applicability ranges and discussed thermal sensation scales.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed between model predictions.
• Prediction discrepancies often exceeded typical intersubject variability.
• Model choice demonstrably influences thermal comfort assessments.

Conclusions:

• The selection of a thermal sensation model critically affects the evaluation of indoor thermal conditions.
• Understanding model limitations and scale differences is crucial for accurate thermal comfort assessment.