THERMAL COMFORT EVALUATION WITH VIRTUAL MANIKIN METHODS

摘要

Computational fluid dynamics has become an increasingly important tool in the prediction of thermal comfort in occupied spaces. Despite an ability to predict temperature and velocity fields, is it more difficult to evaluate the degree of thermal comfort experienced by an occupant. This paper describes the construction of a new numerical thermal manikin, with methods based on data from thermal manikin measurements as well as results from several hundred subject experiments. The level of thermal comfort is highly dependent on the local environment. Human beings respond differently to local heat transfer in different parts of their bodies. It is therefore suggested that local results from manikins should be presented in newly developed clothing independent comfort zone diagrams. The research presented in here is intended to be used to evaluate system solutions that provide improved thermal climate in many different everyday situations, e.g. in homes, work places and all types of transportation.