A new simulation system to predict human-environment thermal interactions in naturally ventilated buildings

This paper describes the development of computational thermal manikins (CTMs) to be used in a coupled simulation envrionment to simulate the human thermoregulary response in buildings. 3D graphic design and engineering tools have been used to create CTMs with different postures and clothing insultation levels. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of a nude CTM in a space with displacement ventilation has shown good agreement with experimental data of measured convective and radiative heat transfer coefficients. Investigations of a clothed CTM in a space with natural ventilation has also been conducted and compared with published experimental data.