Development and experimental validation of a female thermal and humidity model for the micro-environment under air ventilation garment

Purpose This paper is devoted to the heat and humidity comfort mechanism of the micro-environment under the air ventilation garment (AVG). Design/methodology/approach A physical model of the air layer of female torso-undergarment was established and the change of the temperature and the humidity of the air layer were monitored in real time. Findings Experiments of subject trials were carried out to investigate the effects of AVGs on thermal comfort. The data from the experiments and the simulation model were compared. Research limitations/implications The uneven thickness of the air layer of the model was neglected, the samples of the dressing experiment were small and the experimental time was limited, etc. Originality/value Results indicate that under the sweating state of the human body, the application of forced ventilation could make the air layer under the garment increase, effectively reduce the contact area between the garment and the human skin and improve the human body's thermal and humidity comfort. These findings validate AVGs' effectiveness and provide crucial insights for designing advanced personal cooling systems in occupational, athletic or protective wear.