Human body area view factors for radiative heat transfer: Influence of body region, shape, and posture

The study investigates the radiative heat transfer properties of the human body by analysing its whole-body and local area view factors. At the same time, the influence of body shape (slim, regular, overweight) and posture (standing, sitting, sitting on a chair with bent elbows) is considered. Using the Radiance software, detailed simulations were conducted to derive area view factors for the whole body and specific body segments. The validation of the method was performed using an instrumented passive manikin, and the results showed a difference of less than 4% between the measured and simulated values. The results indicated that area view factors vary over body regions and change meaningfully with body posture. The body shape, in turn, had only a minor effect on both whole-body and local area view factors. The study highlights the importance of accurate area view factor determination for predicting human radiative heat exchange, and hence thermal comfort, and optimising HVAC systems and the design of indoor spaces in built environments. The findings provide a comprehensive dataset for modelling human-environment thermal interactions, essential for applications in medicine, ergonomics, sports, and environmental engineering.