Integrating a multi-segment occupant thermal model with building simulation and computational fluid dynamics for detailed analysis of human-building thermal interactions and thermal comfort

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Rida, Mohamad and Kelly, Nick (2026) Integrating a multi-segment occupant thermal model with building simulation and computational fluid dynamics for detailed analysis of human-building thermal interactions and thermal comfort. Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 19 (4). pp. 761-779. ISSN 1940-1493 (https://doi.org/10.1080/19401493.2025.2502800)

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Abstract

Ensuring occupant comfort and energy efficiency is central to building design, yet most Building Performance Simulation (BPS) tools lack the detail required for human-centric design and advanced control strategies. This paper addresses that gap by integrating a detailed human thermal model into the ESP-r simulation tool, alongside enhanced coupling with its Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) domain. The model incorporates variable metabolic rates, internal heat gains, and a dynamic clothing system, enabling more accurate whole-building simulations. It balances computational efficiency with localized insights into indoor conditions, allowing better analysis of microclimatic effects on comfort. Validation against an experimental CFD benchmark produced mean absolute errors of 0.2–0.53°C for temperature and 0.012–0.017 m/s for air velocity. The model was applied to a naturally ventilated building to assess how temporal variations in local conditions influence thermal states. This level of analysis is not achievable using CFD, BPS, or thermal models alone, demonstrating the model’s novelty and potential.

ORCID iDs

Rida, Mohamad ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9301-7079 and Kelly, Nick ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6517-5942;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)