Personal Comfort Systems (PCSs) in offices: Efficient utilization threshold based on energy consumption

Personal Comfort Systems (PCSs) have emerged as a solution to customize thermal conditions at individual workstations, potentially reducing overall energy consumption. This study investigates the optimal utilization of PCSs in office environments extending beyond their thermal comfort provision to delve into their overall energy performance, considering various HVAC systems, building insulation levels, and occupancy patterns. Building dynamic Energy Simulations (BES) were conducted for an openplan office in London, utilizing heating desks. The evaluation method involves comparing scenarios with and without PCSs across various indices, including energy cost and Primary Energy consumption. Results highlight the year-round adaptability of PCSs, offering insights into their efficacy, efficiency, and potential impacts in both new and existing buildings. The absolute savings vary between non-insulated and highly insulated buildings and the study suggests integrating PCSs into building design for optimized energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.