A ramp—heated plate method for measuring heat and water vapour transport in seats

Abstract

In this paper, an experimental ramp method is presented which was used to quantify the capability of an automotive seat to move heat and moisture away from its surface. The method involved placing an indenter on a seat cushion for a fixed time period. Average heat and mass transfer rates were measured to compare seats. In addition, an effective effusivity was defined and measured to quantify the seat's thermal property.

The ramp method was used to compare the difference in dry ventilated and dry non—ventilated seats. An increase of 82 per cent in heat transfer was observed. The ventilated and non—ventilated seat effusivities were 440 W s^1/2/m² K and 292 W s^1/2/m² K respectively. In comparing wet ventilated with wet non—ventilated seats, an increase of 60–94 per cent in mass transfer was observed. Also, the method was used to compare the difference in positive—pressure and negative—pressure ventilation systems. The positive—pressure system demonstrated an increase over the negative—pressure system in dry heat transfer rate of 32 per cent. Both were comparable in terms of mass transfer capability.