PREDICTED VS. RECORDED SUMMER THERMAL RESPONSES IN AIR-CONDITIONED AND NATURALLY VENTILATED DWELLINGS IN ISRAEL

摘要

A summer field study conducted in 117 air-conditioned and naturally ventilated dwellings included detailed physical measurements and documentation of actual thermal conditions, occupant responses and behavior patterns. Predicted mean thermal sensation votes were found to be lower than those reported, especially for the air-conditioned sample. Predicted percentage of satisfied respondents for the naturally ventilated sample exceeded the percentage of reported comfortable responses. In the air-conditioned sample, the computed percentage fell short of the recorded one, with predicted dissatisfaction stemming from colder than slightly cool sensations instead of, as reported, from overly warm sensations. The discrepancies between predicted and recorded responses highlight the role of contextual variables (local climate, occupants' expectations, available control) in thermal adaptation in real world settings. Thermal comfort models should therefore allow for statistical adjustments that would enable them to reflect the environmental context for which they are intended.