Preferred local electrical heating and its effect on overall thermal response

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the distribution of local thermal sensitivity of human body heating and the local preferred heating temperature, and the influence of this sensitive division on thermal response when heating human body in cold environment. Design/methodology/approach Eight subjects were invited to use carbon fiber heating patches in an environment of 5 and RH 50%, and eight body parts were selected to explore the heating sensitivity. By measuring the skin temperature and evaluating the subjective thermal sensation and thermal comfort, the thermal sensitivity of local body segments and the influence of single-zone and double-zone heating on human thermal response were explored. Findings The sensitivity of local heating on overall thermal sensation (OTS) was foot > back > chest > abdomen > waist > elbow > hand > knee. Both single-zone and double-zone heating can improve the OTS, but double-zone heating can reach thermal neutrality and thermal comfort. In order to prevent the high temperature of heating patches from damaging human body, the local skin temperature should be monitored in the design of local heating clothing, and 39.6 should be taken as the upper limit of local skin temperature. Originality/value The results provide a theoretical basis for the selection of heating position in local electric heating clothing (EHC) and the design of intelligent temperature adjustment heating clothing, improve the performance of local EHC and reduce energy consumption.