Integration of the Adaptive Approach in HVAC System Operation: A Case Study

Although different investigations have been carried out on the analysis of adaptive thermal comfort in naturally ventilated buildings, fewer have focused on mixed mode operation. Moreover, there is limited research as for the implementation of adaptive comfort models into the control system of buildings. Therefore, this paper investigates how the application of a setpoint based on adaptive comfort control (ACC) would affect occupants' comfort considering mixed mode operation and based on the results of a longitudinal field study in an academic office building of a tertiary educational institution in southern Spain. The manuscript analyses the Thermal Preference Vote over 12 months in a mixed mode room with an HVAC system whose setpoint is adjusted with a previously calculated adaptive algorithm for the building. For that, a thorough analysis was conducted in which users identified situations regarding thermal comfort and the operation of the conditioning system was collected. The results indicate that it is possible to develop adaptive comfort models that ensure the thermal well-being of occupants. Moreover, this study highlights the need for further research to assess the implications of ACC in terms of comfort and energy consumption as well as addressing the future improvements and the limitations of the work carried out.