Thermal Comfort

P.Kalubowila

1
 Best Definition
• Condition of mind that expresses satisfaction
with thermal environment
• Conscious mind concludes Thermal Comfort by
- Temperature sensation from skin
- Moisture sensation from skin
- Deep body temperatures
- Efforts necessary to regulate body temperature

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 Metabolic activities
• Heat must be completely dissipated &
regulated to maintain normal body
temperature
• Skin temperatures associated with comfort
when seated are 33 to 34°C
• The temperature regulatory center in the
brain is about 36.8°C at rest in comfort and
increases to about 37.4°C when walking and
37.9°C when jogging
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 Metabolic activities
• An internal temperature less than about 28°C
can lead to serious cardiac problems and death
• A temperature greater than 43°C can cause
irreversible brain damage
• Hence, careful regulation of body temperature
is critical to comfort and health.
• A resting adult produces about 100 W of heat
(58 W/m2 and is called 1 met)

4
 Primary factors affecting comfort
• Environmental factors
- temperature,
- air speed,
- humidity,
- Mean radiant temperature
• Personal factors
- metabolism
- clothing insulation
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 Secondary factors affecting comfort
• Age
• Adaptation (physiologically & behaviourally)
• Sex differences
• Individual sensitivity
• Seasonal Rhythms

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Safe comfort zone

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Universally accepted comfort zones