Assessing the ability of PMV model in predicting thermal sensation in naturally ventilated buildings in UK

A study was conducted to investigate the accuracy of the PMV model for predicting thermal comfort sensations in naturally ventilated residential and office buildings in the UK. Sixteen participants participated in identical thermal comfort studies at both their homes and their offices. Environmental variables affecting thermal comfort were recorded while the participants voted their thermal sensation in both locations. The comparison of reported thermal sensation and those predicted using ISO 7730 showed that in general PMV under predicts the thermal sensation of occupants in both environments. The neutral temperatures found in homes and offices were 23.4ºC and 23.2ºC which were respectively 3ºC and 2.5ºC lower than those predicted using ISO 7730. Together with 0.2ºC difference found between reported neutral temperatures at homes and offices, this suggests that there could be a context influence affecting occupants’ thermal sensations in home and office environments.