Modelling personal control over indoor climate 1

Conference paper (2012)

Authors

A.C. Boerstra Eindhoven University of Technology, BBA Indoor Environmental Consultancy
Marcel G.L.C. Loomans Eindhoven University of Technology
Jan L.M. Hensen Eindhoven University of Technology
Affiliation
External organisation
Thermal comfort Environmental psychology Environmental control Feedback loop Psychophysiological model
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Published Date

2012

Language

English

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External organisation

Abstract

Field and laboratory studies are based on some general assumptions on how indoor climate affects people. These assumptions can be depicted in conceptual models that describe manenvironment relations. The scientific literature was scanned for psycho-physiological models with feedback-loops to address occupant behaviour and personal control actions. More traditional models that do not take user (re)actions into account were ignored. The objective of this study was: i. to indentify important (historic) examples of psychophysiological models and ii. to find out what the key ingredients are for an ideal psychophysiological model that correctly addresses occupant behaviour. A total of 6 suitable models (graphical schemes) were identified. A key ingredient that we found is: separation of autonomic and behavioural regulation. Also distinction between stimulus perception and stimulus interpretation appeared to be important as is separation between available, exercised and perceived control. Other important aspects that were identified are expectation (memory) effects and (internal/external) coping. The outcomes of this literature study will be used to construct a new conceptual model. This new model will be used by the authors as fundament for a field study on Personal Control over Indoor Climate in Dutch office buildings.