Design of Phase Change Material Integrated Firefighters’ Turnout Gear Considering Moisture Content Effects in Heat and Post-Heat Exposure

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) have been widely used for thermal management due to their ability to absorb, store, and release heat during phase transitions (typically between solid and liquid states). This study explores the enhanced thermal protection of turnout gear with integrated PCMs in various moisture conditions. A unique 3D turnout-gear-equipped manikin thermal model was developed, and heat and moisture transfer simulations were conducted under both heat and post-heat exposure scenarios. The effects of moisture concentration (MC) levels (ranging from 0% to 100% water added) in turnout gear fabrics were simulated. Results showed that MC impacted thermal protection during heat exposure, with the shortest protection times occurring for PCM-integrated gear at MC levels between 30% and 60% compared to MC from 0% to 100%. However, MC had minimal impact on thermal performance during post-heat exposure. A 2-mm-thick PCM segment was found to be the optimal choice, balancing both thermal protection during heat exposure and efficient cooling during post-heat exposure.

Keywords: 3D Human Thermal Model, Firefighters’ Turnout Gear, Moisture Concentrations, Phase Change Material, Optimum PCM Thickness, Heat And Post-heat Exposures

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007810