Measurement Technology NeWs Newton used for automotive comfort tests Our latest installations, and more 4211 - 24th Avenue West Seattle, WA 98199 USA 206-634-1308 Measurement Technology NW manufactures a wide range of precision instruments to measure and evaluate the thermal comfort of textiles, garments, and protective apparel. Our advanced Thermal Manikins, Dry and Sweating Guarded Hotplates, and Radiant/Flame Test systems are designed to support all current industry test standards for thermal insulation, moisture permeability, and burn injury prediction. Newsletter published by Measurement Technology NW Measurement Technology NW’s popular “Newton” thermal manikin can be operated under several different control modes: Temperature control, Heat flux control, Comfort mode (Madsen) control, a Programmable control mode to replicate work cycles, and a new Physiological control mode. The Physiological control mode is a relatively new feature that utilizes ManikinPC2 software as a closed-loop feedback control package that mimics the human thermoregulatory system and provides metrics for thermal comfort and sensation. Metabolic activity levels can be set to simulate a human while sleeping, resting, working, or exercising. Any activity level can be input and the appropriate wattages will be imposed on the manikin. In response to a metabolic rate setpoint defined by the user, Newton is regulated dynamically by a physiological model which incorporates passive heat transfer in tissue, vasodilation, vaso- constriction responses, and much more. By responding in real time with appropriate thermal response to inputs, Newton can accurately replicate the transient behavior of the human body. But how accurately? This system was put to the test in a recent series of automotive climate control trials where Newton teamed up with a human subject in side-by-side experiments assessing occupant comfort in vehicle heat-up and cool-down tests. The experiments were conducted in late 2011 using a climate- controlled wind tunnel, with the goal of correlating a human subject’s response to Newton’s thermal manikin response in two common automotive test scenarios: 1) Hot-soak vehicle cool-down tests (one each @ 43°C, 32°C, and 28°C) 2) Cold-soak vehicle heat-up tests (one each @ -5°C and -18°C) Two identical vehicles were used, one for the heat-up tests and one for the cool-down tests. A single trained human evaluator was used as the driver, and the driver’s skin temperature was monitored at four locations. The driver’s core temperature was also monitored. Our 26-zone Newton thermal manikin was seated alongside as the vehicle passenger. Analysis of the test data, a portion of which is shown graphically in the two charts below, showed good correlation. Quite good, really… but it could be better. More results from this study will be presented at 9I3M (Tokyo Japan – August 2012). A future automotive test being planned now will incorporate revised physiology (ManikinPC2 Version 10.2), which is expected to further improve overall correlation rates and response reaction times. ManikinPC2 (Manikin Physiology Control & Predictive Comfort) software by ThermoAnalytics, Inc. Centro Richero Fiat - a tale of two STAN’s Summer/Fall 2012 European sales representative: Mesdan S.p.A. -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 25 27 29 31 33 35 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 Ambient Temeprature (°C) Skin Temperature (°C) Test Time (minutes) Heatup Results From -18°C Ambient Conditions 50/100/idle kph Vehicle Speed, 5 min occupant pre-soak time, Max Htr Performance Driver Forehead Manikin Face Avg T (C) Driver L. Forearm Manikin R Forearm Avg T (C) Avg Interior Temp Idle in Park 50 kph 100 kph Heater On 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 Temperature (°C) Test Time (min) Cooldown Results From 43°C Ambient Conditions Max A/C Performance Driver Forehead Manikin Face Avg T (C) Driver Lower Back Manikin Back Avg T (C) Driver L. Forearm Manikin R Forearm Avg T (C) Avg Ambient Temp
Transcript
Measurement Technology NeWs Newton used for automotive comfort tests
Our latest installations, and more
4211 - 24th Avenue WestSeattle, WA 98199 USA
206-634-1308
Measurement Technology NW manufactures a wide range of precision instruments to measure and evaluate the thermal comfort of textiles, garments, and protective apparel. Our advanced Thermal Manikins, Dry and Sweating Guarded Hotplates, and Radiant/Flame Test systems are designed to support all current industry test standards for thermal insulation, moisture permeability, and burn injury prediction.
Newsletter published by Measurement Technology NW
Measurement Technology NW’s popular “Newton” thermal manikin can be operated under several different control modes:
Temperature control, Heat flux control, Comfort mode (Madsen) control, a Programmable control mode to replicate work cycles,and a new Physiological control mode.
The Physiological control mode is a relatively new feature that utilizes ManikinPC2 software as a closed-loop feedback control package that mimics the human thermoregulatory system and provides metrics for thermal comfort and sensation. Metabolic activity levels can be set to simulate a human while sleeping, resting, working, or exercising. Any activity level can be input and the appropriate wattages will be imposed on the manikin.
In response to a metabolic rate setpoint defined by the user, Newton is regulated dynamically by a physiological model which incorporates passive heat transfer in tissue, vasodilation, vaso-constriction responses, and much more. By responding in real time with appropriate thermal response to inputs, Newton can accurately replicate the transient behavior of the human body.
But how accurately? This system was put to the test in a recent series of automotive climate control trials where Newton teamed up with a human subject in side-by-side experiments assessing occupant comfort in vehicle heat-up and cool-down tests.
The experiments were conducted in late 2011 using a climate-controlled wind tunnel, with the goal of correlating a human subject’s response to Newton’s thermal manikin response in two common automotive test scenarios:
1) Hot-soak vehicle cool-down tests (one each @ 43°C, 32°C, and 28°C) 2) Cold-soak vehicle heat-up tests (one each @ -5°C and -18°C)
Two identical vehicles were used, one for the heat-up tests and one for the cool-down tests. A single trained human evaluator was used as the driver, and the driver’s skin temperature was monitored at four locations. The driver’s core temperature was also monitored. Our 26-zone Newton thermal manikin was seated alongside as the vehicle passenger. Analysis of the test data, a portion of which is shown graphically in the two charts below, showed good correlation. Quite good, really… but it could be better.
More results from this study will be presented at 9I3M (Tokyo Japan – August 2012). A future automotive test being planned now will incorporate revised physiology (ManikinPC2 Version 10.2), which is expected to further improve overall correlation rates and response reaction times.
ManikinPC2 (Manikin Physiology Control & Predictive Comfort) software by ThermoAnalytics, Inc.
Heatup Results From -18°C Ambient Conditions 50/100/idle kph Vehicle Speed, 5 min occupant pre-soak time, Max Htr Performance
Driver Forehead
Manikin Face Avg T (C)
Driver L. Forearm
Manikin R Forearm Avg T (C)
Avg Interior Temp
Idle in Park
50 kph
100 kph
Heater On
Idle in Park
50 kph
100 kph
Heater On 20
30
40
50
60
70
80
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
-5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Tem
pera
ture
(°C
)
Test Time (min)
Cooldown Results From 43°C Ambient Conditions Max A/C Performance
Driver Forehead Manikin Face Avg T (C)
Driver Lower Back Manikin Back Avg T (C)
Driver L. Forearm Manikin R Forearm Avg T (C)
Avg Ambient Temp
MTNW partners with Mesdan S.p.A. for sales representation in Western Europe (and beyond!)
If you have a research need which cannot be addressed by one of our standard instrument packages, please let us know. MTNW is always interested in custom engineered systems that make use of our core competencies and serve to advance our in-house expertise, open new markets, or offer a simply irresistible challenge.
www.mtnw-usa.com
MESDAN S.p.A. was founded in 1952 in Salò, a small Northern Italy town that, at the time, was located in a region with strong textile activity. Initially the company specialized in producing textile hand knotters but soon expanded into automatic and semi-automatic yarn knotters. By the late 1970’s MESDAN was the primary supplier of yarn knotters to almost all manufacturers of automatic winding machines throughout the world. The 1980’s ushered in the era of knot-free yarn joining technology (yarn splicing) and MESDAN responded with an innovative and popular range of yarn splicing devices sold under the names “Jointair” and “Aquasplicer”.
In the 1990’s, MESDAN saw the opportunity to diversify into textile testing equipment, opening a new department known as MESDAN-LAB in order to meet the growing demand for textile quality control. The MESDAN-LAB product line included a wide range of equipment used for textile testing and QC of fibres, yarns, fabrics, garments, nonwovens, and leather used in both traditional textiles as well as technical applications such as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), automotive, sporting and outdoor apparel.
With a decline in traditional textile production throughout Europe and Western countries, major textile mills and R&D centers shifted their focus to technical high-value textiles, developing new fabrics with advanced properties for thermal protection and thermal comfort. MESDAN responded to this market evolution by entering into an agreement with Measurement Technology Northwest to offer our specialized test instruments (including sweating guarded hotplates, Newton thermal manikins, and TPP/RPP systems) capable of measuring the thermal properties and physiological comfort values of fabrics and garments.
Mesdan also brought to the partnership the capability and resources to provide local technical support throughout Western and Central Europe, with highly trained technicians able to offer installation and start-up assistance, operator training, equipment calibration and repairs, and preventative maintenance services. Mesdan stocks consumables and spare parts for most MTNW products, for prompt delivery at local currency pricing.
Now celebrating their 60th anniversary, MESDAN continues to invest its resources for the benefit of customers and to support the introduction of new, technologically advanced products for the textile industry. MESDAN is the exclusive distributor for MTNW products in Western Europe, representing us in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Yugoslavia, Albania, Macedonia, and Greece.
Measurement Technology NW has established relationships with top thermal instrumentation companies around the world. These representatives help us provide ongoing consultation, project coordination, installation assistance and service support. In South Korea: Technox, Inc., (Mr. Her, Young-Chul), E-mail: [email protected] In Taiwan: Tien Shiang Scientific Instruments Company LTD, (Mr. C. S. Yao), E-mail: [email protected] Japan: IDS-ENV, (Mr. Masahiro Kajioka), E-mail: [email protected] China: Test International, (Mr. David Pan), Email: [email protected] Western & Central Europe: Mesdan S.p.A., (Mr. Claudio Bertolotti), Email: [email protected] Eastern Europe: Romegatest SRL, (Mr. Florin Dumitrache), Email: [email protected]
Recent thermal installations and other good news.
New products, and continuous product improvement are major driving forces here at MTNW, and we take great pride in the development of new features and quality enhancements for all our manikin and hotplate models. MTNW thermal manikin and guarded hotplate systems can be found across the globe, with new installations regularly springing up in Europe, North & South America, Asia, and Australia.
As always, there have been several custom or semi-custom projects that cannot be mentioned here due to non disclosure agreements, but among the installations that can be mentioned there are a number of exciting projects, including:
CDC-NIOSH (USA), CIOP-PIB (Poland), Brno University (Czech Republic), and Suzhou University (China) are now the proud owners of advanced 34-zone Newton thermal manikin systems. Different features and accessories of course, as appropriate for the research each of these organizations is conducting, but in each case we are honored that Newton was selected as the best/right solution for their research needs.
Our flame and radiant test products continue to attract attention from labs working to advance the science of protective clothing, and toward that goal Underwriters Laboratories (USA) added a Stored Energy Test device and RPP, while DSTO (Australia) added a TPP, RPP and a Stored Energy Test device.
Both AWTA (Australia) and NanoSonic (USA) received active cold-plate accessory devices for the SGHP-8.2 and SGHP-10.5 hotplates. This new add-on device features a sensorized and temperature controlled cold plate for thermal conduction tests. Use of the cold plate accessory lets operators review and characterize samples and generate approximate ISO 8302 test results. The cold plate uses thermoelectric coolers and sensors mounted to an aluminum plate to control and measure plate temperature and generate a sufficient temperature delta to permit thermal conduction tests. Sensor data is integrated to our ThermDAC software, yielding an exciting new SGHP accessory device that lets operators switch between standard hotplate tests and hot plate-cold plate conduction tests. Use the SGHP-8.2 or SGHP-10.5 as-is to fully meet sweating guarded hotplate standards ASTM F1868 and ISO 11092, and add the new cold plate accessory to generate test values (within the device’s temperature range) for ISO 8302!
9I3M - 9th International Meeting for Manikins and ModelingAugust 21-24, 2012Waseda University Tokyo, Japan
The 9I3M conference provides an opportunity for international experts to share experiences and research studies using thermal manikins and thermal modeling. Measurement Technology NW engineers will have a display booth and will be presenting two papers. One paper will expand on previous research using our Newton thermal manikin coupled with ManikinPC2 (see story on Page 1) and the second paper will explore the effect of airflow rates on garment values as measured by a thermal manikin.
IFAI ExpoNovember 22-29, 2012Boston MA, USA
Measurement Technology NW returns to the annual IFAI Expo (Booth 1854) with a display that will include a 26-zone Newton sweating thermal manikin with physiological model control, our new SGHP with Integrated Chamber, and a compact RPP (Radiant Protective Performance) test device. Look for us!
A Tale of two STAN’sCentro Richero Fiat, in early 2001, was the first automobile manufacturer (and second user overall, after Delphi in 1998) to purchase Measurement Technology NW’s STAN Seat Test Manikin system. For 10+ years, STAN’s hot, sweaty backside was a fixture in the Fiat testing lab - ably and accurately measuring the thermal comfort characteristics of automobile seats and seat materials. But when a lab accident in 2011 led to STAN’s untimely and premature demise, Fiat’s researchers contacted MTNW to explore the pros and cons of repair vs purchase of a new STAN. After MTNW engineers determined that damage to Fiat’s old STAN was extensive, to the point that repairing the manikin was not an option, the conversation quickly shifted to reviewing the capabilities of our current STAN manikin system..... and what a difference 10 years makes!
MTNW’s current STAN sweating thermal manikin has evolved to include a wide range of impressive capabilities, including articulation of the lumbar seat-back region, an integrated cooling capability for testing heated seats, an integrated seat compression/weighting system, and a body contour design that’s fully compatible with existing industry standards and automotive seat positioning methods.
STAN is now the one comprehensive tool that automotive testing labs need for testing passive seats, heated seats, and cooled/ventilated seats! To accomplish this remarkable feat, 11 independently heated thermal zones, including 6 porous metal sweating zones, have been incorporated into STAN’s back and buttocks regions. All zones are fit with heaters to simulate human metabolic heat output rates while high accuracy sensors in each zone measure and monitor real-time temperatures.
Sweating zones fitted into the manikin skin surface are supplied with fluid by a micro-metering pump and valving system.
Each thermal zone on STAN is also equipped with an integrated cooling function that operates in a way similar to blood flow in a human. This internal circulation system carries away excess heat from zones exposed to elevated temperatures, such as with a heated seat. In addition to maintaining accurate skin temperatures while in use, STAN’s innovative cooling system allows the energy transfer rates from a heated seat to be measured. Advanced STAN manikin technology lets researchers characterize the insulative and moisture exchange values of passive, ventilated, and heated seats. Properties such as thermal resistance, evaporation limit, maximum heating power, and transient heatup time can be accurately evaluated. By providing benchmarking capability for seat specifications, STAN offers researchers a path toward standardization and more comparative seat testing results. In addition to the new STAN thermal manikin being built for the Fiat testing laboratory in Italy, STAN systems are also operating in Germany, Japan, and the USA.
