Past and Recent Developments of Personalized Environmental Control Systems

Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS) condition the immediate surroundings of occupants, and they are expected to provide increased comfort, health, and productivity. Studies have reported on their benefits and limitations in addressing individual Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) factors, especially in terms of thermal comfort and indoor air quality. The COVID-19 pandemic and risks associated to climate change, such as heat waves, highlight the necessity for PECS that can address multiple IEQ factors. The new IEA EBC Annex 87 – Energy and Indoor Environmental Quality Performance of Personalised Environmental Control Systems aims to provide guidelines and frameworks necessary for the further development and deployment of PECS.