A Method for Evaluating the Thermal Performance of Passenger Seats

Abstract

In this paper, an experimental method to quantify the capability of an automotive seat to move heat and moisture away from the heat and water source is presented. To test the method, a test apparatus was constructed that generates heat and water vapour. The apparatus was placed on a seat cushion for a fixed time period. At the end of the period, heat and water transported were measured. These integrated values were used to quantify the seat's capability to move heat and moisture and ultimately to compare seats. By the impulse test method, the passenger seat had an effusivity of 94.7 W s^1/2/m² K. A non-ventilated seat transferred 5 W of thermal energy and an average of 0.36 g/min of water in 1800 s. A ventilated seat transferred 13.9 W of thermal energy and 0.70 g/min of water in 1800 s.

Keywords

heat transfer water vapour transfer thermal transport seats

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