Title
Drivers of diversity in human thermal perception – A review for holistic comfort models
Author
Schweiker, M.
Huebner, G.M.
Kingma, B.R.M.
Kramer, R.
Pallubinsky, H.
Publication year
2018
Abstract
Understanding the drivers leading to individual differences in human thermal perception has become increasingly important, amongst other things due to challenges such as climate change and an ageing society. This review summarizes existing knowledge related to physiological, psychological, and context-related drivers of diversity in thermal perception. Furthermore, the current state of knowledge is discussed in terms of its applicability in thermal comfort models, by combining modelling approaches of the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) and adaptive thermal heat balance model (ATHB). In conclusion, the results of this review show the clear contribution of some physiological and psychological factors, such as body composition, metabolic rate, adaptation to certain thermal environments and perceived control, to differences in thermal perception. However, the role of other potential diversity-causing parameters, such as age and sex, remain uncertain. Further research is suggested, especially regarding the interaction of different diversity-driving factors with each other, both physiological and psychological, to help establishing a holistic picture.
Subject
ELSS - Earth, Life and Social Sciences
Human & Operational Modelling
Thermal comfort
Age
Sex
Body composition
Metabolic rate
Perceived control
Psychology
Non-uniform environments
Transient effects
Comfort model
TPI - Training & Performance Innovations
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:dbb354fd-816d-4646-a11b-65befbac0148
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2018.1534490
TNO identifier
843058
Source
Journal of Temperature, 5 (5), 308-342
Document type
article