Tang, Yin; Yu, Hang; Geng, Jing; Zhang, Kege; Mao, Huice; Wang, Meng; Li, Chaoen; (2026) Evaluation and improvement of the Berkeley local thermal sensation model. Building and Environment , 289 , Article 114065. 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114065.

Text Evaluation and improvement of the Berkeley local thermal sensation model.pdf - Accepted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 29 November 2026. Download (2MB)

Abstract

Accurate evaluation of local thermal sensation is essential for achieving precise indoor thermal environment control and for preventing local thermal discomfort. However, predicting local thermal sensation under non-uniform conditions remains challenging, as existing models lack extensive validation. In this study, the performance of the Berkeley local thermal sensation model was assessed for different body parts across a range of environmental conditions. Predictions from the original Berkeley model were compared with experimental data obtained from subjects exposed to both uniform environments and local thermal stimuli. The results show that the original Berkeley model yielded substantial discrepancies. Across almost all body parts, more than 20% of predictions deviated by over ±1.0 unit under both steady-state and dynamic conditions. To address these limitations, the model was refined by adjusting the neutral skin temperature setpoints, recalibrating the model coefficients, and incorporating a revised dynamic formulation. The improved model significantly reduced prediction bias, thereby enabling a more reliable and accurate assessment of local thermal sensation across diverse thermal environments. These findings provide a foundation for the application of local thermal sensation models in advanced indoor environments control strategies.

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