Skin Temperature: The Key To Comfortable, Smart Spaces
A groundbreaking study by the University of Nottingham has revealed that skin temperature, particularly on the face and hands, plays a crucial role in determining how people perceive temperature comfort. These insights have the potential to revolutionize the design of wearable technology and enhance climate control systems in buildings.
Published in the journal Energy and Built Environment, this research synthesizes data from 172 studies conducted since 2000, making it the most comprehensive analysis yet of the connection between skin temperature and thermal sensation. The study identifies specific body areas that are both responsive to temperature changes and easy to monitor, enabling practical applications in real-world scenarios.
The researchers discovered that local cooling, such as on the back or chest, significantly enhances comfort, whereas local heating has a lesser effect. This finding is particularly valuable for developing personalized comfort technologies and improving building climate control.
Demographic differences also emerged from the study. Older adults are generally less sensitive to warmth, increasing their risk of overheating. Additionally, gender differences were noted, with women often being more temperature-sensitive, although results varied. Climate background also plays a role, as individuals from warmer regions react differently to temperature shifts compared to those from cooler areas, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to thermal comfort.
Associate Professor John Calautit from the Faculty of Engineering emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that understanding skin temperature can lead to safer, healthier, and more sustainable indoor environments. The research team envisions a future where smart building technologies automatically adjust to provide energy-efficient comfort based on physiological data.
The Nottingham team is also exploring the use of video cameras combined with deep learning (a type of artificial intelligence) to predict comfort levels, offering a foundation for developing integrated, multi-parameter approaches. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot easily communicate their comfort needs, such as the elderly, young children, or people with dementia.
Dr. Calautit noted, “This study lays the groundwork for smarter, more inclusive, and preventative approaches to managing thermal environments, helping reduce health risks and improve comfort for all.”