An investigation of college students on metabolic rate considering activity intensity, ambient temperature and clothing insulation

Abstract

The metabolic rate (MET) is a fundamental parameter influencing thermal comfort, which further affects the well-being and productivity of the occupants. Here, the impacts of activity intensity, ambient temperature and clothing insulation on MET are studied through climate chamber experiments. The results indicate that MET is always positive to the activity intensity at various conditions of ambient temperature and clothing insulation. However, the impacts of ambient temperature and clothing insulation on MET are changing, and there are interactions between them. In addition, the measured MET and that calculated with the heart rate (HR) is compared, and the results reveal that the neutral ambient temperature range in ISO 8996–2021 can be extended from 9 to 24 °C with the human clothing regulation. The results not only provide data support for developing regional and global MET database, but also are significant in laying the groundwork for elucidating the relationship between MET and the thermal environment, clothing insulation as well as activity intensity.