| Keywords |
Thermal Sensation Variability; Thermal Response; Physiological Data; Wearable Sensors; Mixed-effects Model |
| Abstract |
Thermal comfort is a subjective response shaped by physical, physiological, and psychological factors, yet conventional air-conditioning systems do not account for inter-individual variability, resulting in energy inefficiency and reduced occupant satisfaction. This study investigates variability in thermal sensation using physiological data collected from non-invasive wearable sensors. Field experiments were conducted during the heating season in a university classroom in South Korea, involving 15 participants under repeated conditions. Environmental, subjective, and physiological data were collected at 1-minute intervals. Mixed-effects modeling was employed to examine the relationship between thermal sensation and physiological responses. The results show substantial inter-individual differences in thermal sensation under identical indoor conditions. Thermal response patterns were classified into four types based on variation characteristics, and differences were primarily associated with skin temperature. Skin temperature also exhibited distinct temporal patterns across response types. These findings suggest the need to consider time-lagged relationships among thermal environment, thermal sensation, and physiological responses. The results provide a basis for interpreting the relationship between individual thermal sensation and physiological data. |