Skip to main content
Log in

Heat balance modelling

  • Multi-author Reviews
  • Published:
Experientia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The only way to describe the effects of the thermal environment on the human body completely is to do it by means of an energy balance equation. In such an equation all relevant meteorological parameters, behavioral characteristics (activity and clothing) and body measurements can be considered. Using Fanger's comfort equation and the models MEMI and IMEM as examples, the problems of energy balancing and ways of solving them are described. The value of energy balance models is documented by examples from the field of application.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Aschoff, J., Günther, B, and Kramer, K., Energiehaushalt und Temperaturregulation, in: Physiologie des Menschen, 2, Eds Gauer, Kramer, Jung: Urban and Schwarzenberg, München-Berlin-Wien 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Berglund, L. G., and Stolwijk, A. J., The use of simulation models of human thermoregulation in assessing acceptability of complex dynamic thermal environments. in: Energy Conservation Strategies in Buildings, pp. 157–191. Ed. J. A. J. Stolwijk. Yale Univ. Printing Service, New Haven 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bernhofer, C., Menschliche Wärmebilanz unter thermischem und physischem Stress. Int. Symp. in Memory of Dr. Sauberer, pp. 57–59. Univ. für Bodenkultur, Wien 1984.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Blazejczyk, K., Heat balance of the human body in different weather conditions in North East Poland. Grana30 (1991) 277–280.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Büttner, K., Physikalisches zum Wärmehaushalt des Menschen. Klin. Wochenschr.36 (1932) 1508–1509.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Burt, J. E., A model of human thermal comfort and associated comfort patterns for the United States. Publs Clim.32 (1979) 1–54.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Burt, J. E., O'Rourke, P. A., and Terjung, W. H., Human energy budgets and skin temperature: I. Modeling considerations. Int. J. Biomet.26 (1982) 3–23.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Fanger, P. O., Thermal Comfort. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Freitas de, C. R., and Ryken, M. G., Climate and physiological heat strain during exercise. Int. J. Biomet.33 (1989) 157–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Gagge, A. P., and Stolwijk, J. A. J., An Effective temperature scale based on a simple model of human physiological regulatory response. ASHRAE Trans.77 (1971) 247–257.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Givoni, B., and Goldman, R. F., Predicting rectal temperature response to work, environment and clothing. J. appl. Physiol.32 (1972) 812–822.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Hammer, N., Koch, E., and Rudel, E., Praxisbezogene Anwendung des menschlichen Energiebilanzmodells auf Hochgebirgsklimate. Wett. Leben41 (1989) 235–241.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Hardy, J. D., Regulation of body temperature in man — an overview, in: Energy Conservation Strategies in Buildings, pp. 14–37. Ed. J. A. J. Stolwijk. Yale Univ. Printing Service, New Haven 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Höppe, P., Temperatures of expired air under varying climatic conditions. Int. J. Biomet.25 (1981) 172–132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Höppe, P., Die menschliche Energiebilanz unter verschiedenen Klimabedingungen. Ann. Met.20 (1983) 108–109.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Höppe, P., Die Energiebilanz des Menschen (Dissertation). Wiss. Mitt. Met. Inst.49 (1984).

  17. Höppe, P., Application of a dynamical energy balance model for the prediction of thermal sensation and comfort. Proc. of the 11th ISB-Congress, pp. 267–272. West Lafayette, USA 1989.

  18. Jendritzky, G., Menz, G., Schmidt-Kessen, W., and Schirmer, H., Methodik zur räumlichen Bewertung der thermischen Komponente im Bioklima des Menschen. Akad. f. Raumforschung und Landesplanung, Hannover 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Kleiber, M., Der Energiehaushalt von Mensch und Haustier. Paul Parey, Hamburg-Berlin 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Krawczyk, B., The structure of the heat balance of the human body at the polish coast of the Baltic Sea. Z. Met.34 (1984) 175–183.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Mayer, H. and Höppe, P., Thermal comfort of man in different urban environments. Theor. appl. Climat.38 (1986) 43–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Nelson, N., Eichna, L. W., Horvath, S. M., Shelley, W. B., and Hatch, T. F., Thermal exchanges of man at high temperatures. Am. J. Physiol.151 (1947) 626–652.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Sibbons, J. L., Assessment of thermal stress from energy balance considerations. J. appl. Physiol.21 (1966) 1207–1217.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Spitzer, H., Hettinger, T., and Kaminsky, G., Tafeln für den Energieumsatz bei körperlicher Arbeit. Beuth Verlag, Berlin-Köln 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Stolwijk, J. A., Mathematical models of thermal regulation. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.335 (1980) 98–106.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Wyndham, C. H., Morrison, J. F., and Williams, C. G., Heat reactions of male and female caucasians. J. appl. Physiol.20 (1965) 357–364.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Yaglou, C. P., Temperature, humidity and air movement in industries. The Effective Temperature Index. J. ind. Hyg.9 (1927) 297.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Yousef, M. K., Effects of climatic stresses on thermoregulatory processes in man. Experientia43 (1987) 14–19.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Höppe, P.R. Heat balance modelling. Experientia 49, 741–746 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01923542

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01923542

Key words

Navigation