Understanding the adaptive approach to thermal comfort
- Oxford Univ. (United Kingdom). Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture
- Oxford Brookes Univ. (United Kingdom). School of Architecture
This paper explains the adaptive approach to thermal comfort, and an adaptive model for thermal comfort is presented. The model is an example of a complex adaptive system (Casti 1996) whose equilibria are determined by the restrictions acting upon it. People`s adaptive actions are generally effective in securing comfort, which occurs at a wide variety of indoor temperatures. These comfort temperatures depend upon the circumstances in which people live, such as the climate and the heating or cooling regime. The temperatures may be estimated from the mean outdoor temperature and the availability of a heating or cooling plant. The evaluation of the parameters of the adaptive model requires cross-sectional surveys to establish current norms and sequential surveys (with and without intervention) to evaluate the rapidity of people`s adaptive actions. Standards for thermal comfort will need revision in the light of the adaptive approach. Implications of the adaptive model for the HVAC industry are noted.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- United Kingdom Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (United Kingdom)
- OSTI ID:
- 649430
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980123-; TRN: IM9825%%43
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1998 ASHRAE winter meeting, San Francisco, CA (United States), 17-21 Jan 1998; Other Information: PBD: 1998; Related Information: Is Part Of ASHRAE transactions 1998. Volume 104, Part 1B: Symposium papers; PB: 1162 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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