Effect of Low-E glass on local skin temperature and thermal sensation in vehicle cabins under cold winter environments

This study evaluated the effects of Low-E glass on the thermal environment inside a vehicle cabin under winter conditions and its impact on occupants’ thermal physiology and sensation. A human subject experiment was conducted, where participants seated near either Low-E or Normal glass and voted their local and whole-body thermal sensations. Their local skin temperatures and the thermal environment in the vehicle were measured. The plane radiant and equivalent temperatures near Low-E glass were 11.0 °C and 4.5 °C higher, respectively, than near Normal glass. Local skin temperatures decreased less in the Low-E condition compared to the Normal condition. Local thermal sensations were generally warmer in the Low-E condition, particularly for the cheek and hand, even though the impact on whole-body thermal sensation was limited. Females were more sensitive to the improved radiative environment provided by Low-E glass than males. These findings show the effectiveness of Low-E glass in enhancing radiant environment in the vehicle and occupant comfort, which could help improving energy efficiency of vehicles and innovative vehicle designs.