Global warming forces new technologies to reduce their negative impact on the environment. In this logic, scientists from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) conducted research that will serve as the foundation for new air conditioning systems. According to experts, the development of this new technology would not be possible immediately.
To better understand the variations in perception of ambient temperature in men, the researchers carried out measurements under real conditions. Thanks to the data collected, they plan to develop air conditioning devices capable of change the temperature of a given space.
Dolaana Khovalyg, assistant professor at the Faculty of Architectural, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) at EPFL to participate in the research. The research results were published in Obesity Journal.
Individual energy expenditure differs significantly
In their study, the researchers adopted a interdisciplinary approach, combining applied engineering know-how and knowledge of human physiology. During the experiments, they noted that traditional air conditioning systems do not take into account the differences in temperature perception in each individual.
In fact, according to scientists, men all experience ambient temperature very differently. Factors like age and gender affect metabolism, which can fluctuate depending on diet, season and circadian rhythm. Moreover, to confirm their theory, the researchers analyzed the energy expenditure of six individuals who could share the same office space.
The results of the experiments confirmed that there are indeed major differences between individuals, including between two men of similar build.
“The average office temperature is 21 o C in winter. At this temperature, some people are warm and others are cool. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable, no exceptions. »
Dolaana Khovalyg, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Architectural, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) at EPFL
The development of intelligent air conditioning systems is possible
Accurately measuring an individual’s energy expenditure opens the way to a new technology of heating. The latest air conditioning systems will therefore be able to process data relating to individual energy expenditure to adjust the temperature in a given area in real time.
This approach will replace heated chairs that have limited temperature settings. Furthermore, this approach can also optimize energy consumption.
“We are working on sensors integrating new, more complex algorithms capable of accurately measuring individual energy expenditure to better adapt the ambient temperature. »
Dolaana Khovalyg, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Architectural, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) at EPFL
SOURCE : MIRAGENEWS