Thermal personality mapping for personal comfort system

Individual differences in thermal comfort perception present a major challenge for centralized indoor climate control systems. This study introduces the concept of thermal personality to describe consistent individual differences in thermal perception and response patterns. Based on experimental data from 100 participants exposed to a series of controlled thermal environments (21°C to 31°C) in a climate chamber, four distinct thermal personality groups were identified through clustering analysis of subjective thermal responses. Significant differences were observed among groups in thermal sensation, comfort, preference, and physiological responses (skin temperature and electrodermal activity). Each group exhibited distinct thermal response patterns and comfort preferences across operative temperature conditions, offering insights into the diversity of thermal characteristics among individuals. These findings support the need for personalized thermal strategies and contribute to the development of more adaptive and user-centered thermal environments.