Impact of geometry of a sedentary occupant simulator on the generated thermal plume: Experimental investigation

Abstract

The characteristics of the thermal plume generated by a sitting person were experimentally studied using four human body simulators with different complexities of geometry but equal surface area and heat generation: a vertical cylinder, a rectangular box, a dummy, and a thermal manikin. The experiments were performed in a climate chamber with an air temperature and mean radiant temperature of 23°C (73.4°F) and an upward airflow with a velocity of less than 0.05 m/s (0.164 ft/s). Distributions of air temperature excess and air speed were measured in the thermal plume 0.70 m (2.30 ft) above each of the simulators. The results show that the thermal plume generated by the dummy comprising head, torso, and legs has a similar shape of the cross-section and integral characteristics to the manikin plume; therefore, the dummy can successfully be used as a simulator of a sitting person. Simple shaped models of a sitting human without a clear indication of legs, such as a cylinder and a rectangular box, are not recommended for use. The plume of the cylinder is symmetrical and concentrated, while the plume above the rectangular box is sensitive to the surroundings and can have two maximums of air speed distribution.