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Entropy generation method to quantify thermal comfort
S C Boregowda1, S N Tiwari, S K Chaturvedi
1Center for Research in Security Prices, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
Human Performance in Extreme Environments : the Journal of the Society for Human Performance in Extreme Environments
|August 17, 2002
Summary
This study introduces an Objective Thermal Comfort Index (OTCI) based on thermodynamic entropy generation to objectively measure human comfort. The model shows promise for human-centered environmental control systems.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics and Human-Environment Interaction
- Biophysics and Environmental Engineering
Background:
- Assessing human thermal comfort traditionally relies on subjective or indirect measures.
- There is a need for an objective, quantifiable method to evaluate the human-thermal environment interaction.
- The Second Law of Thermodynamics offers a framework for analyzing energy transfer and system irreversibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a thermodynamic approach for quantifying thermal comfort.
- To introduce an Objective Thermal Comfort Index (OTCI) based on entropy generation.
- To validate the proposed model against established thermal comfort metrics.
Main Methods:
- Applied the Second Law of Thermodynamics to define an entropy generation term for the human-environment system.
- Developed the Objective Thermal Comfort Index (OTCI) as a function of entropy generation.
- Utilized a validated human thermal model (KSU model) as a 'Computational Environmental Chamber' for simulations.
- Validated OTCI by comparing its output with Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) values derived from simulated environmental conditions.
Main Results:
- The entropy generation term effectively combines human physiological responses and environmental variables.
- The Objective Thermal Comfort Index (OTCI) was successfully defined and calculated.
- Preliminary results show a good correlation between OTCI and PMV values under ideal simulated conditions.
- The KSU human thermal model served effectively as a computational environmental chamber.
Conclusions:
- The thermodynamic approach provides an objective measure of thermal comfort.
- The developed Objective Thermal Comfort Index (OTCI) shows potential for real-time thermal comfort assessment.
- Further experimental validation is required to fully establish the OTCI's accuracy and applicability.
- The OTCI has practical applications in developing human-centered environmental control systems for various transport and building applications.