Methods of thermal load reduction by usage of innovative phase change compounds (PCM) implemented in protective clothing.

Project manager: Magdalena Zwolińska M.Sc. (Eng.)

Project summary:

The aim of the project was to develop a method of thermal load reduction by usage of innovative phase change compounds (PCM) implemented in protective clothing designed for workers employed in hot environment. Based on the properties, which PCM should be characterized with, four commercial available PCM were selected likely to be used in clothing. Guidelines for the creation of a new change compound in a form of ionic liquid were and a vest construction intended to test the effectiveness of PCM was developed. The efficiency of cooling vests filled with PCM was studied using a new test method. This method is based on a use of a thermal dummy for quantitative determination of thermal effect of PCM products in various thermal environment conditions and to determine the most favorable temperature conditions, in which it should be applied in practice. Then a comparative study of body cooling vests was performed, ie. Vest A - filled with commercially available PCM and vest B - filled with innovative ionic liquid.

Unit: Department of Ergonomics

Duration: 01.01.2011 – 31.12.2013