Direct measurement of the convective and radiative heat transfer coefficients from the clothed human body to the environment is important in all work requiring knowledge of the human heat balance. Such measurements can be achieved using a specially designed garment that incorporates heat flux sensors. Sensors mounted in pockets were calibrated using guarded hot plate facility. Comparison with the manufacturer’s coefficients confirmed the importance of independent in-situ calibration. The measured heat flux remained linear with the temperature difference for all cloth types. Vapor pressure difference, washing, and cloth type have no significant effect on heat flux output. Investigation with the garment with one male subject was conducted. The measured dry heat loss was in good agreement with that predicted by ISO7730, but the large difference in dry heat loss at various body parts indicated the importance of local heat loss measurement. A suit has therefore been constructed that can be used for the measurement of convective and radiative heat transfer and for the study of the relationship between environmental parameters and thermal comfort response under realistic conditions.

Units: SI