Abstract
This commentary examines the potential for electronic textiles (e-textiles) to form part of the solution to improved thermal comfort for individuals whilst reducing the high energy consumption of heating and cooling systems. The article begins by introducing factors that influence thermal comfort for individuals and the weaknesses of the current thermal management systems. The commentary presents e-textiles as a promising solution to these challenges by demonstrating an option that can provide the individual with enhanced thermal comfort without reliance on centralised heating systems, and crucially, does so in a manner that minimises the need for individuals to change their behaviour. The article concludes with a view of groundbreaking research that is pushing the boundaries of current e-textile technological capabilities.
Keywords
Electronic textiles, HVAC, E-textiles, Thermal comfort, Behaviour change
How to Cite
Naysmith, A., (2023) “The future of our thermal comfort: a commentary on developments in electronic textiles to regulate body temperature”, Fields: journal of Huddersfield student research 1(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.5920/fields.1257
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