Comparison of residential thermal comfort in two different climates in Australia

Assessment criteria for thermal comfort in residential buildings are often defined on the basis of the adaptive comfort model due to their typical operational characteristics - i.e. mixed-mode or naturally ventilation. However, recent field studies demonstrate that the current adaptive comfort model prescribed in the international standard does not necessarily provide appropriate comfort criteria for residential buildings, since its occupants may be less thermally sensitive due to enhanced adaptability and greater tolerance of temperature variation. This paper examined perception of thermal comfort and behavioural adaptation of residents in two cities on the east coast of Australia - Sydney and Brisbane. With an aim to develop a method of deriving acceptable temperature ranges for different climate characteristics, statistical analyses were performed on two sets of longitudinal field study data collected in the two study regions. The statistical analysis estimates the acceptable temperature range for the two cities at around 11 K, which is 4 K wider than that prescribed by the ASHRAE's adaptive comfort model. The results also indicate that the 80% acceptability range can shift according to the climate, with 1.5 K difference being observed between the two study regions. The findings of this study can help climate-responsive design of houses, hence allowing the design to more closely meet occupants' comfort needs.

Automated summary

This study examines the perception of thermal comfort and behavioral adaptation of residents in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia. The statistical analysis reveals that the current international standard of adaptive comfort model may not be suitable for residential buildings, and suggests expanding the acceptable temperature range to around 11 K. The findings also demonstrate that the climate influences the shifting of the 80% acceptability range.