Indoor thermal comfort predictions: Selected issues and trends

Thermal comfort is a complex topic and the methods studied so far are only approximate. Many investigators are likely to face some of the issues addressed in this article. The focus of the review is on selected issues and trends relevant to thermal comfort. Meta-analysis was performed using the ASHRAE RPA-884 database. The aim is to address some of the methodological issues of preliminary data analysis and predictions of comfort temperatures. An examination of how to assess the age factor for thermal comfort consideration in the ASHRAE database was also conducted by using an explicit transparent methodology. A new procedure was developed for predicting and analysing comfort temperature. The suggested procedure goes beyond the obvious need for more research studies to underscore deficiencies in data collection, which will lead to better data analysis. Editors might use the results and recommendations from this investigation before publishing original research on thermal comfort.