Metabolic Rate and Clothing Estimation for Thermal Comfort Inference

Indoor thermal comfort modelling introduces a field of research closely related to the occupants’ well-being, attendance and cognitive performance [1]. The regulation of the thermal conditions is conducted trying to eliminate any negative effects on the occupants’ feeling or execution of activities [2]. Thermal comfort is defined as «the condition of mind in which satisfaction is expressed with the thermal environment» [3]. Two key parameters that have a strong impact on thermal comfort are metabolic rate (M) and clothing insulation (Icl). Those parameters are usually estimated according to certain tables provided by Ashrae [3]. In this work, M and Icl are predicted utilizing feedback provided by the building occupants regarding their thermal sensation, measured on the ASHRAE 7-point range (Table 1).