Differences in heating effects of three personalized heating devices under various indoor temperatures: Table heating pad, cushion heating pad and leg heating pad

Abstract

The personalized environmental control system (PECS) meets the diverse comfort needs of occupants in an efficient way, amongst which, personalized heating systems have been extensively applied for heating in winter. Based on the differences in targeted body segments and application scenarios, the study of the heating performance and examining the applicability of different heating devices under various working conditions are necessary. In the present study, the heating effect of selected personalized heating devices including table heating pads, cushion heating pads and leg heating pads was investigated under different indoor temperatures (16°C, 18°C and 20°C). The results show that the cushion heating pads could produce the best heating effect in the environment at 16°C and 18°C. The average thermal comfort vote (TCV) was 0.00 and 1.08, respectively. While in the environment at 20°C, the leg heating pad (LH) was found to be the best with an average value of TCV to be 0.92. Personalized heating devices could directly enhance the thermal sensation and skin temperature of targeted body segments, such as the hands as well as legs, which are to be the most beneficial parts. The conclusions drawn above clarify the application scenarios of selected heating devices and will help to develop more energy-efficient heating schemes in winter.