Thermal Interaction Between a Human Body and a Vehicle Cabin

Abstract

The main functions of a vehicle cabin are to provide a comfortable environment for its occupants and to protect them from vibrations, noise and other adverse influences. Since the conditions inside mobile machinery cabins (agricultural tractors and construction equipment) affect the health, performance and comfort of the operator, this research focuses on these types of cabins. Modern agricultural tractors are complex, highly efficient systems, and the aim of the development of these systems is the reduction of the negative impact they have on the environment. Main goals are achieving higher fuel economy, lower emission and less soil compaction caused by tractor wheels. There is also a tendency to improve the ergonomics of operator enclosures. An operator enclosure can be treated as workspace and the conditions inside a tractor cab have significant impact on the performance of the operator, and in that way on the total efficiency of the operator-tractorenvironment system as well. From the operator's point of view, tractor cab ergonomics is a key factor in ensuring his optimum working performance, which could easily become the weakest link in the working process. While, on the one hand, the tractor cab offers mechanical protection and the protection from adverse ambient conditions, on the other hand, even under moderate outside conditions, a closed tractor cab acts like a greenhouse and its interior could become unpleasant, unbearable and even dangerous.