Influence of outdoor temperature on thermal adaptation: Annual neutral temperature and thermal sensitivity

Abstract

Building evaluation and guidance for naturally ventilated buildings rely on adaptive comfort models and standards. This study aims to establish an analytical and predictive thermal sensation and adaptation method. The proposed approach is based on the Griffiths method, which reveals a sinusoidal pattern in the neutral temperature and Griffiths coefficient throughout the year. Calculating the daily neutral temperature and evaluating thermal sensitivity through the Griffiths method highlight the delayed response of neutral temperature to outdoor temperature. With the input of operative and outdoor temperature, the Griffiths method predicts adaptive thermal sensation better than the PMV model. The regular fluctuations of neutral temperatures and Griffiths coefficients provide new research ideas and references for designing naturally ventilated buildings. Further research works are still required to check the method’s applicability in the presence of various climate characteristics.