Advances in the optimisation of apparel heating products: A numerical approach to study heat transport through a blanket with an embedded smart heating system

摘要: Abstract The optimisation of the performance products with smart/active functionalities (e. g. in protective clothing, home textiles products, automotive seats, etc.) is still a challenge for manufacturers and developers. aim this study was to optimise thermal heating product by numerical approach, analysing several opposing requirements defining solutions identified limitations, before construction first prototype. A transfer model developed investigate transport heat from skin environment, across blanket an embedded smart system. Several parameters textile material system were studied, order blanket. Focus put on effects thickness conductivity each layer, associated elements, e.g. position wires relative skin, distance between wires, applied power, temperature range operation Furthermore, configurations (and corresponding powers) analysed minimise loss body distribution along skin. results show that, ensure optimal compromise oscillation its surface, should be small not bigger than 50 mm), layer have specific resistance, based expected external conditions during use (i.e. regarding energy consumption/efficiency capacity effectively regulate exchanges surrounding environment). operate ON/OFF mode needs within specified total use, observed outer surface (safety efficiency aspects). approach described work enabled definition properties, features system, overall design thus reducing substantially number prototypes needed final fine-tuning.