Combining several thermal indices to generate a unique heat comfort assessment methodology
Abstract: The proposed
methodology hopes to provide a systematic multi-disciplinary approach to assess
the thermal environment while minimizing unneeded efforts.
Design/methodology/approach: Different factors affect the perception of
the human thermal experience: metabolic rate (biology), surrounding
temperatures (heat balance and environmental factors) and cognitive treatment
(physiology).This paper proposes a combination of different multidisciplinary
variables to generate a unique heat comfort assessment methodology. The
variables at stake are physiological, biological, and environmental. Our own
heat analysis is thoroughly presented and all relevant equations are described.
Findings: Most companies are oblivious about potential dangers of heat
stress accidents and thus about methods to monitor and prevent them. This
methodology enables the company or the concerned individual to conduct a
preliminary assessment with minimal wasted resources and time in unnecessary steps
whilst providing a guideline for a detailed study with minimal error rates if
needed. More so, thermal comfort is an integral part of sound ergonomics
practices, which in turn are decisive for the success of any lean six sigma
initiative.
Research limitations/implications: This methodology requires several full
implementations to finalize its design.
Originality/value: Most used heat comfort models are inherently uncertain
and tiresome to apply. An extensive literature review confirms the need for a
uniform assessment methodology that combines the different thermal comfort
models such as the Fanger comfort model (PMV, PPD) and WGBT since high error
rates coupled with tiresome calculations often hinder the thermal assessment
process.
Author: Wissam EL Hachem,
Joseph Khoury, Ramy Harik
Journal Code: jptindustrigg150093
