Performance of hybrid PCM-Fan vest with deferred fan operation in transient heat flows from active human in hot dry environment

摘要

Hybrid cooling vests containing phase change material (PCM) and ventilation fans cool the human trunk while permitting the evaporation of the accumulated sweat in hot dry climates. However, during the period before enough sweat is captured by the inner clothing, introducing hot ambient air to the vest causes heating of the body and faster melting of the PCM, thus decreasing its cooling duration.