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Comparison of human radiation exchange models in outdoor areas

Theoretical and Applied Climatology volume 105, pages 357–370 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Results from the radiation components of seven different human thermal exchange models/methods are compared. These include the Burt, COMFA, MENEX, OUT_SET* and RayMan models, the six-directional method and the new Park and Tuller model employing projected area factors (f p) and effective radiation area factors (f eff) determined from a sample of normal- and over-weight Canadian Caucasian adults. Input data include solar and longwave radiation measured during a clear summer day in southern Ontario. Variations between models came from differences in f p and f eff and different estimates of longwave radiation from the open sky. The ranges between models for absorbed solar, net longwave and net all-wave radiation were 164, 31 and 187 W m−2, respectively. These differentials between models can be significant in total human thermal exchange. Therefore, proper f p and f eff values should be used to make accurate estimation of radiation on the human body surface.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Climate Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3060, Stn CSC, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 3R4

    Sookuk Park & Stanton E. Tuller

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  1. Sookuk Park
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  2. Stanton E. Tuller
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Correspondence to Sookuk Park.

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Park, S., Tuller, S.E. Comparison of human radiation exchange models in outdoor areas. Theor Appl Climatol 105, 357–370 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-010-0388-2

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Keywords

  • Longwave Radiation
  • Total Body Surface Area
  • COMFA Model
  • Total Solar Radiation
  • Area Factor