Estimation of Expected Temperature Using Heat Balance Model and Observation Data

Abstract

This study considers mean skin temperature to calculate expected temperature using the new heat balance model because the skin temperature is the most important element affecting the heat balance outdoors. For this, we measured the skin temperature in high temperature condition of Korea and applied it to calculate the expected temperature. The calculated expected temperature is compared with the result calculated using previous models which use the estimated mean skin temperature by considering metabolic rate only. Results show that the expected temperatures are higher when measured mean skin temperature is applied to the model, compared to the expected temperature calculated by applying mean skin temperature data calculated using metabolic rate like previous models. The observed mean skin temperature was more suitable for outside conditions and expected temperature is underestimated when mean skin temperature calculated by the equation using metabolic rate is used. The model proposed in this study has a few limitations yet, but it can be applied in various ways to facilitate practical responses to extreme heat.