An adaptive thermal comfort model for hot humid South-East Asia

The present paper presents a full procedure to develop an adaptive comfort model for South-East Asia. Meta-analysis on large number of observations from field surveys which were conducted in this region was employed. Standardization and bias control of the database were fully reported. Statistical tests of significance and weighted regression method applied in the analyses strengthened the reliability of the findings. This paper found a great influence of 'Griffiths constant' on the establishment of adaptive comfort equation and proposed an appropriate 'value. The adaptive comfort model generated is applicable to naturally ventilated building under hot and humid conditions of South-East Asia. The mean neutral comfort temperature (operative temperature, effective temperature, standard effective temperature) in naturally ventilated and air-conditioned l building was compared and the differences have been discussed. The similar neutral standard effective temperature in both naturally ventilated and air-conditioned building proposes a new idea to implement SET* into building simulation tools to assess thermal comfort without the attention of building classification. Through the analysis, the effectiveness of behavioral adaptive actions on occupant's thermal perception has been argued. The extended PMV-PPD model for hot humid conditions was examined and its applicability was recommended. Other comfort-related issues, the differences and similarities between various adaptive comfort models were also addressed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.