Heat Loss and Exergy Flow through Respiration of the Human Body under Different Meteorological Conditions

Mehmet Bi̇lgi̇li̇,Erdoğan Şi̇mşek,Abdulkadir Yaşar,Beşir Şahi̇n,Arif Özbek

doi:10.26701/ems.531702

Abstract

In this study, monthly total heat loss (evaporative and convective heat losses) and exergy flow that occur as a result of respiration were determined for human bodies in states of light and heavy activity levels, and comparisons of the results obtained were made according to different meteorological conditions and regions. For this purpose, seven different climate zones (CZ-1, CZ-2, CZ-3, CZ-4, CZ-5, CZ-6 and CZ-7) in Turkey were selected. Meteorological parameters such as atmospheric temperature, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity were used for energy and exergy analyses. According to the obtained results, total heat loss and exergy flow through respiration of the human body demonstrated considerable variations seasonally depending on the climate zones. The highest heat loss and exergy flow values were determined in the region of Continental climate (CZ-2), while the lowest heat loss and exergy flow values were obtained in the region of Mediterranean climate (CZ-5). For a human body engaging in light activity in a hot climate zone, the exhaled air temperature, specific humidity and relative humidity values were determined as 35.11 oC, 0.0333 kg H2O/kg dry air and 91.3%, respectively.

Highlights

The human body can produce heat within the range of 100 W and 1000 W, depending on the activity level of the body
As the human body is very sensitive to the ambient temperature, body temperature must be preserved within a narrow temperature range in order to provide comfort; in other words, within a somewhat wider range of ambient temperatures, a person feels uncomfortable under thermal stress
Environmental factors, such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, specific humidity, wind speed and atmospheric pressure, are among the most important factors used for determining the thermal equilibrium of the human body

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The human body can produce heat within the range of 100 W and 1000 W, depending on the activity level of the body. Given the influence a decrease in evaporative heat loss through respiratory has on temperature gradients between the cranium and thorax, the hyperthermia-induced heat loss from the upper airways could have an impact on brain temperatures For this reason, analysis of heat loss and exergy flow occurring through respiration of the human body is a vital concern in terms of thermal comfort and health [9]. As the human body is very sensitive to the ambient temperature, body temperature must be preserved within a narrow temperature range in order to provide comfort; in other words, within a somewhat wider range of ambient temperatures, a person feels uncomfortable under thermal stress. The total (convective and evaporative) heat loss and exergy flow that occur by inhalation were calculated for individuals performing light and heavy activity levels in different meteorological conditions and regions. The results obtained from this present study may be used as a reference for a detailed study of climatization applications

Energy Balance Model of the Human Body

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSIONS