Measurements of preferred heated seat temperatures for providing thermal comfort for drivers

Abstract: With global climate change exhibiting drastic temperature changes, drivers will need more robust protections especially within colder climates. Since heated seats are in direct contact with a driver's body, it is the most efficient device in maintaining a driver's body temperature in cold environments. However, because thermal comfort thresholds differ for each person and vary depending on demographic factors (e.g., gender, age, and even ethnicity), the temperature range provided by existing heated seats are insufficient. The goal of this study is to set an effective temperature range by analyzing the relationships between environmental air temperatures/humidities and preferred temperatures of the heated seat for various demographics. In this study, measurements of the preferred heated-seat temperatures, in seated postures, were obtained from various people of four ethnicity groups (Asian, African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian) and two age groups (20-40 vs. 40-60) in three ambient temperature conditions (e.g., -7°C, 0°C, and 7°C). An environmental chamber capable of providing various temperatures and humidity levels was used in conjunction with a specially designed seat that allows participants to precisely control the temperatures of six areas within it (e.g., upper-back, lower-back, seatback bolster). By utilizing the collected datasets, statistical relationships between the air temperatures/humidities in the vehicle and the participants’ selected heated-seat temperatures were quantified. Furthermore, the effects of age, gender, and race on preferred heated-seat temperature will be quantified. The study result will provide the optimal ranges of preferred heated-seat temperatures for automobile manufacturers in designing heated seats.

Keywords: Thermal comfort, heated seat, Gender, Age, Ethnicity, Automobile design

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005778

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