Chapter 26 Black Globe Temperature Estimate for the WBGT Index

摘要

The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index is used in industry, sports and other areas to indicate the heat stress level for humans and animals. One of the values needed to calculate the WBGT Index is the black globe temperature. The black globe temperature is measured using a Black Globe Temperature Sensor which includes a black globe with a thermometer inserted in the center. However, the Black Globe Temperature Sensor can be costly and many of these instruments may be needed to get measurements in many locations. The lead author has derived a formula to estimate the black globe temperature using readily available data collected by the National Weather Service (NWS). The formula was derived from a formula suggested by Kuehn, which was based on heat transfer theory. The resulting equation was a fourth degree polynomial in terms of the black globe temperature. It was determined that the black globe temperature can be very accurately approximated by taking a fourth degree polynomial in terms of the black globe temperature to create a linear approximation for black globe temperature. Some preliminary tests indicate accuracy within 0.5 °F.