Adaptive thermal comfort explained by PMV

Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) is a well known example of a thermal comfort performance indicator. Alternative indicators have gained interest over the last decade. Developments are found in higher resolution indicators, applying, e.g. thermo-physiological models. The adaptive thermal comfort approach (ATC), applying the indoor operative temperature in relation to the outdoor air temperature as the main performance indicator, represents an example of a less complex indicator. A clear advantage of the latter is the relative simple comfort assessment in use and the perceptibility of the indicator. However, the heat balance approach has a larger flexibility and a wider applicability. In this paper the linkage between PMV and ATC is elaborated on by investigating the search space for PMV input parameters in relation to the ATC assessment. The results show that for a moderate maritime outdoor climate as in The Netherlands the PMV-approach is well able to explain the results derived from the ATC approach.