Abstract
Continuing demand for greater energy efficiency requires optimization of a vehicle’s passenger compartment HVAC system. Testing the performance of the HVAC system in a climate chamber can be time-consuming and expensive, especially when human subjects are involved. Alternatively, simulation techniques can be employed to predict the vehicle’s thermal behaviour - including the thermo-physiological response of the occupants. The performance of the HVAC system can be quantified in terms of human thermal comfort by inputting the predicted thermo-physiological response into established thermal comfort metrics. Consequently, development of an accurate thermal model of the vehicle and its occupants can be a valuable tool for parametric case study analysis. In this paper, we describe a comprehensive process that provides a low-cost, repeatable, and accurate approach to vehicle passenger compartment design and evaluation, while minimizing the expense and difficulties inherent in human subject testing.
KEYWORDS – Testing, Simulation, Human Thermal Comfort, Thermoregulation, Manikin