Abstract:

The paper presents a continuation of work on determining an index of thermal comfort. A Relative Thermal Comfort Index (RTCI) has been elaborated for fabrics designed for winter clothing. Two versions of the index have been suggested: RTCI_WI - used to evaluate textiles in windless conditions (Winter Indoor) and RTCI_WO - used to evaluate textiles in windy conditions (Winter Outdoor). Various tests were carried out in order to verify the index, including the subjective assessment of thermal comfort by the wearers of vests made of the fabrics under investigation, measurements of air temperature and air temperature changes under clothing as well as measurement of temperature changes in a vest’s outer surface caused by heat generated by the human body. Measurements were performed using a wireless temperature sensor and thermovision camera. Statistical analysis showed the conformity of fabric evaluation using RTCI_WI with those carried out under utility trials.