A framework for an adaptive thermal heat balance model (ATHB)

• A framework to combine adaptive and heat balance approaches is developed.
• CLO and MET are modified through equations for three adaptive processes.
• Coefficients for equations are exemplarily derived from empirical data.
• The exemplary model shows a tight fit to the adaptive comfort model.
• Predictions of thermal sensation and thermal comfort votes improve.

This paper presents a framework for an adaptive thermal heat balance model (ATHB), which combines the adaptive comfort approach with existing heat balance models. This is done by setting up equations for each of the three adaptive processes (behavioural, physiological, and psychological) individually to modify the input values for the clothing level and metabolic rate of the PMV calculation. The coefficients for these equations are exemplarily derived from empirical data and the exemplary model is evaluated on own data and subsets of the ASHRAE RP884 database. Through the implementation of the three adaptive processes to modify the input variables of the PMV model, the output of the PMV model shows a tight fit to the neutral comfort line of the adaptive comfort model. Beyond the ability of the adaptive and the PMV model, the ATHB allows to compute predicted sensation votes with respect to variations of indoor environmental parameters and the running mean outdoor temperature. The evaluation shows, that the ATHB-model is performing in the same magnitude or better than PMV and adaptive model for naturally ventilated and air conditioned buildings. Future work needs to verify the values for the coefficients and explore the applicability of the model.

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