Technical Paper
Standard Procedures for Assessing Vehicle Climate with a Thermal Manikin
1989-02-01
890049
This paper defines a “human requirements envelope” for the thermal environment in vehicles, based on a method of assessment that has evolved during 5 years of vehicle R&D with a thermal manikin. VOLTMAN is a clothed, full-size, articulated model of a seated adult male. The entire skin surface is divided into 19 sections, each section heated subcutaneously under multi-channel process-computer control to maintain a skin temperature distribution typical for sedentary comfort (Mean value 32.8°C). Total heat loss and the distribution of heat flow over the body surface can be accurately measured on-line. Total heat loss affects driver performance, and therefore safety, while sectional heat loss determines comfort, draught sensation, and the risk of cold-related muscular injury.