Simulation study of a novel phase change cooling garment for electricians in a high-temperature environment

Abstract

To mitigate the effects of heat stress on electricians during outdoor activities such as inspection, circuit repair, and daily maintenance in high-temperature environments, a novel design for a portable, efficient, and ergonomic phase change cooling garment is presented. First, the optimal phase change material is selected considering economic and environmental factors. Then, based on the heat balance equation of the human body and Fourier's law, the required phase change material mass and the optimal thickness of the retarded heat-absorbing layer are obtained and verified by numerical simulations and experiments. The results indicate that in a high-temperature environment of 38 °C for 2 h, electricians require 2.39 kg of phase change material. To meet the protective duration requirements of electricians' daily tasks, the optimal thickness of the phase change material is 8 mm, and the optimal thickness of the slow-release heat absorption layer is 3 mm. The results of this study have significant implications for the safety and protection of electricians in high-temperature environments. It aims to provide theoretical guidance for the design and innovation of personal cooling garments for electricians.