Preliminary exploration of heating room temperature regulation method based on perceived-control predictive thermal sensation model

In an adjustable environment, perceived control is a crucial component for occupants to psychologically perceive and adapt to the thermal environment, directly influencing their subjective evaluations of the environment. However, the psychological effects of perceived control on human thermal responses remain controversial. To address this, the present study has summarized findings from a series of psychological experiments on perceived control conducted by our research team in recent years, further elucidating its mechanism of action. Secondly, based on experimental data, we proposed a perceived-control expectation factor (e) and established a perceived-control predictive thermal sensation model to predict thermal sensations under various expectations in heated environments. Finally, a room temperature regulation method based on this predictive model was developed, along with a real room temperature regulation study. The results indicated that the mean thermal sensation vote was closer to the model-predicted values during periods when perceived control exerted psychological effects. The duration of psychological effects in the office was longer than in the laboratory, which was a novel finding. This study quantified the psychological effects of perceived control and applied them to practice, thereby providing both psychological basis and data support for heating room temperature regulation.