Experimental comparison of thermal comfort measurement techniques

Kurzfassung

We report on the comparison of three measurement techniques for recording thermal comfort in the vicinity of thermal passenger dummies (TPD). These TPD are required to ensure a realistic simulation of the heat release and the obstruction of seated passengers in ventilated densely occupied spaces such as passenger trains or aircraft cabins. The first system measures the fluid velocity and temperature (Dantec Dynamics Comfort Sense) near the TPDs solitary. It allows to calculate the predicted mean vote (PMV) and the predicted percentage dissatisfaction (PPD) using additional humidity and operative temperature probes. The system also calculates the draft rate (DR), based on the local temperature, the velocity as well as the turbulence intensity, which indicates the probability of passengers complaining about unpleasant drafts. Secondly, the thermal comfort of individual body segments was recorded and evaluated using an equivalent temperature probe sensor system (Comlogo, Equites System). It enables a body-segment wise assessment of the objective thermal comfort and an evaluation in accordance with the stipulations of equivalent temperature international standards (EN ISO 14505-2) and the local mean vote (LMV) ranging from too cold to too warm via neutral comparable to the whole-body PMV index. Thirdly, a thermal-comfort mannequin system (PT Teknik Climate Comfort) for the precise and reproducible assessment of a person's thermal comfort in realistic environments was investigated. 27 body zones were operated with independent measurement of skin temperature and heat flux density. An automated analysis of the equivalent temperature, PMV index as well as local sensation indices was performed. At the conference, we will present a comparison of the measurement techniques, performed in the Dornier 728 passenger aircraft cabin located at DLR Göttingen, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system with regard to thermal comfort assessment.