Examination of adaptive comfort models for appropriate assessment of thermal comfort in transitory and semiexternal spaces

Abstract: Thermal comfort is a topic that for the last century has interested designers and researchers. European and International standards have given guidelines for assessment of thermal comfort in typical indoor environments for long occupancy, however the transitory spaces and semi-external spaces have not been addressed. Available literature was reviewed and summarize to find appropriate methods for assessment of thermal comfort in transitory and semi-external spaces. A methodology was developed that uses Predicted Mean Vote, Adaptive Model and Universal Thermal Climate Index for assessment of thermal comfort and informs designers on the comfort limits for different environmental parameters. The method uses Predicted Mean Vote and adaptive comfort models for defining comfort boundaries for indoor spaces with specified activity and clothing levels. Standard recommended comfort models (EN 15251; ISO 7730) are used, as well as an extended adaptive model for transitory spaces. For semi-external spaces the Universal Thermal Climate Index was used. Through a case study it was demonstrated that the method is valuable for building designers in understanding thermal comfort and the effect of different environmental parameters as air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air velocity and relative humidity. The method can help designers in finding appropriate measures for avoiding thermal discomfort. Further development is necessary to include standard recommendations for local discomfort in the assessment of design solutions.