Local thermal responses of male college students of three thermal preference groups

Abstract

This study analyzes the differences in the local thermal responses of three thermal preference groups, namely, the cool preference group (Gcp), the neutral preference group (Gnp), and the warm preference group (Gwp). Eighteen male college students with different thermal preferences (6 in each thermal preference group) were subjected to climate chamber tests in three different thermal environments, at operative temperatures of 21 °C, 19 °C, and 17 °C. The local skin temperature, conductive heat flux, and thermal sensation vote (TSV) of seven body parts were recorded during the tests. Subsequently, the non-uniformity coefficients of skin temperature and conductive heat flux were calculated. The results indicate that there are statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between each group in terms of the local skin temperature, conductive heat flux, and TSV, especially those recorded at the hand. Consequently, the hand is a key body part that can be used to distinguish between Gcp and Gwp. In addition, Gwp had higher non-uniformity coefficients of skin temperature and conductive heat flux than Gnp and Gcp, which indicates that non-uniformity coefficients can be used to evaluate the local physiological parameters of different thermal preference groups. The findings obtained herein provide fundamental knowledge for the evaluation of individual and local thermal comfort.