A new dynamic sweating hotplate system for steady-state and dynamic thermal comfort measurements

This paper discusses design details and measurement principles of a dynamic sweating hotplate system used for both steady-state thermal and water vapor resistance and dynamic water vapor transmission rate measurements. Dynamic and steady-state transfer measurements were carried out by separate systems in preceding studies. Water vapor resistance and dynamic water vapor transmission rate values were determined according to the new principles put forward in this study. Relationships between properties obtained by the new system and standard permeability (water vapor and air) parameters were determined for different types of fabrics used for sports clothing. The materials and physical/constructional properties of the investigated fabrics varied in a wide range as the aim was to determine if the developed system could differentiate their comfort performances. According to the results, water vapor resistance is significantly correlated with fabric weight and water vapor resistance is the best in differentiating the water vapor permeability characteristics of the fabrics among other transfer properties