Thermal comfort and energy performance of personal comfort systems (PCS): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Personal comfort systems (PCSs) that are energy efficient have been widely used indoors to improve occupant thermal comfort and acceptability under a variety of indoor temperatures. Although numerous studies have shown that the use of PCSs has beneficial effects, definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of PCSs on thermal comfort enhancement have yet to be drawn. Furthermore, detailed analyses of specific indoor conditions that may be the most promising are lacking. As a result, a comprehensive meta-analysis review was conducted to summarize, analyze, and compare findings from eligible documented studies on the effects of various PCSs on occupants’ perceptual responses. Besides, the energy performance of various PCSs was examined. The effects of total cooling or heating area as well as types of PCSs, on occupants’ perceptual responses were specifically addressed. This meta-analysis and systematic review serve as a foundational reference source for the selection of highly energy-efficient and effective personal comfort systems to improve thermal comfort of indoor occupants.