Thermodynamic analysis of the human body in different climate regions of Turkey to determine the comfort conditions with exergy method

Abstract

Thermodynamic analysis of human body is studied to determine the thermal comfort conditions. In this context, exergy and energy analysis in the air conditioning of buildings is necessary for efficient use of energy. Thermodynamic analysis of human body is carried out for seven different climate regions of Turkey based on the use of meteorological parameters such as minimum and maximum and average monthly temperatures, atmospheric pressure and average relative humidity by implementing energy and exergy analysis. Human body, which is the subject of this study, was in the light activity level quantified as 58.2 W/m2. Analysis results have indicated that the major energy loss with 39.28 W/m2 is due to heat transfer with radiation, convection and conduction. Furthermore, the energy loss rates by water vapour diffusion from the skin, respiration, temperature difference and sweating were determined as 11.13 W/m2, 4.29 W/m2, 0.73 W/m2 and 0.02 W/m2, respectively. The maximum exergy consumption rate by the human body was 2.33 W/m2 for the cold and semi dry - less humid climate region (CR-7), while the minimum exergy consumption rate was obtained as 0.91 W/m2 for the hot and semi dry climate region (CR-1). Information presented in this study is expected to contribute to the design of air conditioning systems in order to choose more efficient energy systems.