Implementation of the equivalent temperature measurement system as a part of the vehicle Heating, ventilation and Air-conditioning unit

Abstract

Thermal comfort evaluation based on the Comfort zone diagram is relatively new and promising method [1] developed by Hkan O. Nilsson [2]. The method was developed mainly for non uniform indoor environments [3] such as vehicle cabins [4]. Mean thermal vote (MTV) is correlated with equivalent temperature, which is typically measured by a thermal manikin with clothing or by a sensor with heated surface. This fact is the advantage of this method because prediction of thermal comfort is based on a measurable physical phenomenon which is called dry heat loss. The essence of this method inspired us to develop a measurement system that will be based on miniaturised and cost effective equivalent temperature sensors. Such sensors could be easily integrated into the surroundings of seated human and could provide data about local thermal comfort as feedback information for HVAC control unit. Our project, which started last year, is called Innovative control for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems, iHVAC.

Thermal comfort evaluation based on the Comfort zone diagram is relatively new and promising method [1] developed by Hkan O. Nilsson [2]. The method was developed mainly for non uniform indoor environments [3] such as vehicle cabins [4]. Mean thermal vote (MTV) is correlated with equivalent temperature, which is typically measured by a thermal manikin with clothing or by a sensor with heated surface. This fact is the advantage of this method because prediction of thermal comfort is based on a measurable physical phenomenon which is called dry heat loss. The essence of this method inspired us to develop a measurement system that will be based on miniaturised and cost effective equivalent temperature sensors. Such sensors could be easily integrated into the surroundings of seated human and could provide data about local thermal comfort as feedback information for HVAC control unit. Our project, which started last year, is called Innovative control for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems, iHVAC.