Thermal Comfort: Challenges, Analysis and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The concept of thermal comfort is subjective in nature and its assessment, therefore, complex. The challenge is to respond appropriately to the needs and preferences of the users of spaces. The concept of thermal comfort, although requiring adaptations, is applicable in various contexts, such as indoor and outdoor spaces or even transition areas.

Despite the enormous developments observed in the last 25 years, research in the field of thermal comfort currently faces several new and exciting challenges. This Special Issue aims at stimulating the exchange of ideas and knowledge on thermal comfort. To this purpose, original contributions containing theoretical and experimental research, case studies or comprehensive state-of-the-art discussions are welcome for possible publication.

Relevant topics to this Special Issue include but are not limited to the following:

• Physical and deterministic models versus adaptive and probabilistic models;
• Thermal comfort towards zero energy buildings;
• Thermal comfort in the context of smart buildings and IoT;
• Thermal comfort and buildings digitalization;
• Thermal comfort and free-running buildings;
• The role of natural ventilation and of air movement;
• Compatibility of global thermal comfort with localized discomfort;
• Relationship between thermal comfort and productivity and work performance;
• Outdoor comfort;
• Thermal comfort in transition areas.

Dr. Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida
Dr. Eva Barreira
Guest Editors

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