ThermischeComfort

ThermischeComfort (thermal comfort) is the state of satisfaction with the thermal environment in indoor and outdoor settings. It describes how people perceive temperature, humidity, air movement, and radiant heat, and whether the environment feels neutral, warm, or cool. The concept combines subjective sensation with physiological responses and is relevant to comfort, health, and productivity.

Core factors include environmental conditions such as air temperature (Ta), mean radiant temperature (MRT), air velocity (Va), and relative humidity (RH), as well as personal factors including clothing insulation (Clo) and metabolic rate (Met). Variation in these factors explains why different people may experience different levels of comfort in the same space.

Thermal comfort is commonly assessed with models like Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD), and adaptive comfort approaches used in standards such as ASHRAE 55, ISO 7730, and EN 15251. These frameworks guide the design of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to balance comfort with energy efficiency.

Applications include building design, retrofit projects, and urban planning. Designers use control strategies, zoning, ventilation, shading, and materials to create environments that align with occupants’ comfort needs while reducing energy use. Individual differences and cultural expectations are acknowledged, leading to flexible or adaptive approaches.

The concept continues to evolve with advances in sensor technology, wearable monitoring, and dynamic comfort models that account for activity and acclimatization. ThermischeComfort remains a central consideration in creating humane, productive spaces.