Thermal Sensation Variability Using Wearable Sensor-based Physiological Data

Jiwon Kim; Naekyung Kim; Younghoon Kwak; Sunhye Mun

doi:10.21086/ksles.2026.4.33.2.204

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2026 Vol.33, Issue 2 Preview Page Next Page

Research Article

Thermal Sensation Variability Using Wearable Sensor-based Physiological Data 웨어러블 센서 기반 생체 데이터를 활용한 재실자 간 열감각 편차 분석

30 April 2026. pp. 204-215

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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.

Keywords

Thermal Sensation Variability

Thermal Response

Physiological Data

Wearable Sensors

Mixed-effects Model

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Publisher(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Journal Title :Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Journal Title(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Volume : 33
No :2
Pages :204-215
Received Date : 2026-04-03
Revised Date : 2026-04-17
Accepted Date : 2026-04-24
DOI :https://doi.org/10.21086/ksles.2026.4.33.2.204

Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System ISSN:1226-1289(Print) 한국생활환경학회

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