Innovative cooling garment for electricians in extreme heat
A new cooling garment using phase change materials (PCMs) promises to protect electricians working in extreme heat environments.
In an article [1] published in The International Journal of Refrigeration (volume 168, December 2024), an innovative cooling garment for electricians is presented. The authors, Xiaohong Gui, Shengwei Wang, and Li Ding, explored ways to improve the safety and efficiency of workers exposed to extreme heat, particularly during repairs and inspections.
The garment uses phase change materials (PCMs), which absorb and release heat to maintain a stable body temperature. The study found that, for a two-hour exposure in an environment at 38°C, electricians would need 2.39 kg of phase change material. With an optimal thickness of 8 mm for the cooling material, the garment would allow for prolonged exposure to heat while ensuring the safety of the user.
The innovation also includes a multi-layer design, with radiation, insulation, and heat-absorbing layers. This system ensures better cooling efficiency while preventing frostbite, a common issue with other cooling solutions. The tested model provides thermal protection for up to two hours, meeting the requirements for electricians’ daily tasks.
The results of this study have significant implications for protecting workers in high temperature environments and could lead to the development of more efficient and safer thermal protection garments.
Future research will focus on thermophysiological testing and field experiments to evaluate the garment’s performance in real-world working conditions.
Did you know? The International Journal of Refrigeration is co-published by the IIR and Elsevier, and articles are available in open access to IIR members. The Science Direct subscription is included in IIR membership. [More information about membership]
Source
[1] Gui, X., Wang, S., & Ding, L. (2024). Simulation study of a novel phase change cooling garment for electricians in a high-temperature environment. The International Journal of Refrigeration, 168, 79-88 [Link]