Comparison of thermal comfort and sensation scales : a case study

Michal Vesely, Wim Zeiler, Rongling Li

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Thermal sensation is a conscious feeling that grades the thermal environment, while thermal comfort expresses satisfaction with this feeling. Multiple scales to quantify thermal sensation and comfort have been developed throughout the history of research on thermal comfort. In this paper, the most important scales for measuring thermal sensation are compared and evaluated. Of all scales, the ASHRAE 7-point scale (from cold, through neutral, to hot) is the most common. To measure comfort these scales are often presented together with an acceptability or a comfort scale. Another widely used scale, the Bedford scale uses also 7 points, but combines thermal comfort and sensation by coding from much too cool to much too warm with comfortable in the middle. The preference scale is to use to express whether the respondent would prefer warmer or cooler thermal environment. To compare difference between different thermal comfort scales a case study was conducted, in which a number of respondents were asked to report their thermal comfort. Different scales were presented to the respondents under same thermal environmental parameters. The responses on different scales have been compared. The findings of this study can give a guidance to compare thermal comfort studies using different scales.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Conference on Healthy Buildings Europe 2015, 18-20 May 2015, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
EditorsM.G.L.C. Loomans, M. te Kulve
Place of PublicationEindhoven
PublisherTechnische Universiteit Eindhoven
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)978-90-386-3889-8
Publication statusPublished - 18 May 2015
EventHealthy Buildings Europe 2015, HB 2015 - Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Duration: 18 May 201520 May 2015
http://hb2015-europe.org/

Conference

ConferenceHealthy Buildings Europe 2015, HB 2015
Abbreviated titleHB 2015 Europe
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityEindhoven
Period18/05/1520/05/15
Internet address

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