Integrating Personalized Thermal Comfort Devices for Energy-Efficient and Occupant-Centric Buildings

Abstract

Personalized thermal comfort (PTC) systems aim to satisfy the individual thermal preferences of occupants rather than relying on average comfort indices. With the growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing energy consumption in buildings, energy efficiency has become a critical factor in the design and selection of PTC systems. While the development of PTC tools has accelerated in the last decade, selecting the most appropriate system remains a challenge due to the dynamic, uncertain, and multi-dimensional nature of the decision-making process. This study introduces a novel application of the KEMIRA-M multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to identify the optimal PTC system for university office buildings-an area with limited prior investigation. A case study is conducted in a naturally ventilated office space located in a temperate climate zone. Eight distinct PTC alternatives are evaluated, including data-driven HVAC systems, wearable devices, and localized conditioning units. Six key criteria are considered: estimated energy consumption, capital cost, indoor and outdoor space requirements, system complexity, mobility, and energy efficiency. The results indicate that wearable wristbands, which condition the occupant's carpus area, offer the most balanced performance across criteria, while radiant ceiling/floor systems perform the poorest. Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in this evaluation, as it directly impacts both the operational cost and the environmental footprint of the system. The study's findings provide a structured and adaptable framework for HVAC engineers and designers to integrate PTC systems into occupant-centric and energy-efficient building designs.