Dynamic prediction of indoor wet bulb globe temperature in an industrial workshop. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meng, Xiaojing; Xiong, Huihui; Yang, Honggang; Cao, Yingxue
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 195(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Wet bulb globe temperature -- Dynamic prediction -- Environmental parameters -- Simulation -- Industrial workshop; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.117219
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: A simplified indoor wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) equation was developed. The dynamic method of predicting the indoor WBGT was validated using the field measurements. The indoor WBGT of the sewing workshop ranged from 25.2 °C to 32.2 °C in the summer. For the study case, the workers were exposed to overheating conditions for 63% of work hours in the summer. Abstract: Overheating usually occurs in industrial workshops in the summer. The indoor wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a comprehensive evaluation heat stress index for humans exposed to hot environments. Therefore, this study proposed a dynamic method of predicting the indoor WBGT considering the radiation effects. For a sewing workshop in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China, the indoor environmental parameters and WBGT were measured for further evaluation. A simplified indoor WBGT equation was developed based on the indoor air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air velocity, and relative humidity. The dynamic method of predicting the indoor WBGT was validated using the field measurements. The indoor environmental parameters of the sewing workshop in the summer were simulated using EnergyPlus. The indoor WBGT of an industrial workshop in the summer was discussed. The results showed that the proposed dynamic indoor WBGT prediction method accurately predicted the heat stress of the hot environments. In particular, the indoor air temperature ranged from 24.6 °C to 37.9 °C with an average of 30.6 °C. The indoor WBGT ranged from 25.2 °C to 32.2 °C with an average of 29.1 °C. Thus, according to the ISO 7243 and the GB 17, 244 standards, the workers were exposed to overheating conditions that put them at higher risk of heat-related illness for 63% of work hours. The results of this study will help determine the occupational safety and health of workers exposed to hot environments.