Role of Air Conditioning Systems in Indoor Thermal Comfort

Shivendra Singh; Dileep Kumar Jigyasi; N.K. Sagar

doi:10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2515-523

Authors

Shivendra Singh Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal
Dileep Kumar Jigyasi Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal
N.K. Sagar Head of Department, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2515-523

Keywords:

Thermal Comfort, Air Conditioning Systems, HVAC Optimization, Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy Efficiency

Abstract

Thermal comfort is a fundamental aspect of IEQ that has a direct impact on the health, well-being, satisfaction, and productivity of occupants. With the rise of urbanization and building occupancy, the demand for efficient air conditioning systems that can provide a comfortable indoor environment has grown more significant. The basic fundamentals that affect thermal comfort, such as clothing insulation, metabolic rate, air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and mean radiant temperature are discussed. The study also examines the advanced enhancement methods for air conditioning systems such as optimized supply and return air configurations, Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, demand controlled ventilation, smart thermostats, adaptive control, and zonal cooling systems. The use of computational fluid dynamics, artificial intelligence, smart sensors and personal cooling technologies is gaining prominence in recent literature to enhance thermal comfort and decrease energy use. The results suggest that the intelligent and adaptive HVAC systems can have a substantial impact on the indoor environmental quality, the satisfaction felt by occupants, and the energy efficiency of buildings. The review provides valuable insights into current developments and future directions for achieving sustainable and occupant-centered thermal comfort management in modern buildings.

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