Flexible Coated Conductive Textiles as Ohmic Heaters in Car Seats

Pleasant interior conditions within cars, as well as a comfortable feeling, are primary needs of car drivers to perform vital body functions during driving. In a cooler outer environment, a warming system within seats can quite feasibly maintain a realistic thermal balance in the body. An inbuilt heating system in car seats can not only provide adequate heat to the driver but is also relevant to minimizing the energy consumption within the vehicle interior. In order to evenly distribute the heat over the body contact area of the automotive seats, conductive textiles are proposed. In fact, these textiles behave as a semiconductor (as an electrical conductor and also creating resistance, which in turn creates heat). Flexible textile ohmic heaters present great advantages due to their ability to bend, stretch, and stitch. These properties make them valuable to ensure uniform heaters for irregular geometries. The present review highlights the use of different textile-based ohmic heaters, their fabrication methods, range of heating, and durability. Moreover, this review also focuses on the comparative mechanical performance and comfort properties of the presented fabrics (used in car seats). This study is beneficial for future trends of minimizing energy consumption and providing an effective way to reduce the carbon emissions and air pollution produced by vehicles.

Automated summary

Pleasant interior conditions and comfort are essential for drivers to maintain vital body functions during driving. Inbuilt heating systems in car seats not only provide sufficient heat but also minimize energy consumption. Conductive textiles are proposed to evenly distribute heat, and this study is important for future trends of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.