New statistical deterministic method for estimating human thermal load and sensation - application in the Carpathian region

A new statistical deterministic model is presented for estimating human thermal load and sensation. Human thermal load is simulated in terms of clothing resistance (r(cl)) and operative temperature (T-o). The model's input data are wind speed, air temperature, mass of the human body, body length, sex, age, and the latitude of the site. T-o is statistically linked to potential evapotranspiration, whilst human thermal perception to r(cl). The model has been validated in the Carpathian Mountains region for the period 1971-2000 comparing it with the original deterministic r(cl) model. Thermal perceptions of the representative Hungarian male and female are estimated by using individual thermal perception-r(cl) point clouds. Metabolic heat flux density differences between persons are less than 15 Wm(-2). Human thermal perception area distribution has a topography-based configuration. The prevailing annual perception of Hungarians (for both men and women) in lowland and hilly areas is cool, although neutral may also occur; in mountains, perception is mostly cool or cold, with very cold being also possible. In the month of July, the perception type in mountains is neutral or cool depending on the person. In lowland areas, the methodology cannot be applied since the energy balance is not met. The model can also be applied in other heat-deficient regions if the region-specific operative temperature-potential evapotranspiration and the human-specific thermal perception-r(cl) statistical relationships are determined for the new region.

Automated summary

A statistical deterministic model is proposed to estimate human thermal load and sensation based on clothing resistance and operative temperature. The model uses input data such as wind speed, air temperature, body characteristics, and location latitude. The validation of the model in the Carpathian Mountains region shows its effectiveness for estimating human thermal perception. The model's applicability in other regions depends on the determination of region-specific relationships between operative temperature and potential evapotranspiration, as well as human-specific relationships between thermal perception and clothing resistance.