Influences of the PCM Microcapsules on Thermal Properties of the Garment

Abstract

To study the influences of phase change material (PCM) microcapsules in the garment on human thermal responses, a mathematical model is developed. The improved Stolwijk's model is used to simulate human thermo-regulatory process, and the coupled heat and moisture transfer including the moisture sorption /desorption of fibers and effects of the PCM is considered in garment model. Meanwhile, the theoretical predictions were validated by experimental data. Then, the interactions between human body thermal responses and the heat and moisture transfer in clothing are discussed by comparing the prediction results with PCMs and without PCMs. The conclusion shows that the clothing with PCMs microcapsules can delay the human temperature variations, decrease the sweat accumulation rate on the skin surface and heat loss during changing of ambient conditions.