Evaluation of heating efficiency and thermal comfort in special purpose vehicle cabins

The paper presents the integrated application of two methods during testing HVAC system efficiency in the cabins of HUMMER.1151A1 and OAR 1RL-128D offroad vehicles. Spatial measurements of change in air temperature per time have been performed at three vertical levels (head, knees, and feet) of the driver and passengers, which totals to 15 measuring points per vehicle. The main goal of testing was to evaluate accurately the efficiency of heating and cooling in relation time interval required to attain a designed temperature of comfort in the vehicle cabin, on condition that the difference in ambient temperature levels does not exceed 10 degrees C. With a view to more efficient evaluation of thermal comfort in vehicle cabins, the testing was performed also of predicted mean vote and predicted percentage of dissatisfied indices. Standard thermal comfort surveys ask subjects about their thermal sensation on a seven-point scale from cold (-3) to hot (+3). This research is carried out according to the methods based on ISO 7730, ASHRAE 55, and SORS 8419 standards

Evaluation of heating efficiency and thermal comfort in special purpose vehicle cabins

The paper presents the integrated application of two methods during testing HVAC system efficiency in the cabins of HUMMER.1151A1 and OAR 1RL-128D offroad vehicles. Spatial measurements of change in air temperature per time have been performed at three vertical levels (head, knees, and feet) of the driver and passengers, which totals to 15 measuring points per vehicle. The main goal of testing was to evaluate accurately the efficiency of heating and cooling in relation time interval required to attain a designed temperature of comfort in the vehicle cabin, on condition that the difference in ambient temperature levels does not exceed 10 degrees C. With a view to more efficient evaluation of thermal comfort in vehicle cabins, the testing was performed also of predicted mean vote and predicted percentage of dissatisfied indices. Standard thermal comfort surveys ask subjects about their thermal sensation on a seven-point scale from cold (-3) to hot (+3). This research is carried out according to the methods based on ISO 7730, ASHRAE 55, and SORS 8419 standards

The Virtual Forest: Integrating VRML Worlds and Generative Music

The Virtual Forest is a VRML world representing an imaginary forest, with a real-time generated music soundtrack. This soundtrack is generated by an algorithm which responds via network messages to actions happening in the VRML world. The VRML model uses real-life data (elevation maps, aerial and landscape photography) from a real forest to model an imaginary forest area of approximately 3 square km. The forest has a small number of animated books which when touched, trigger'state'changes in the sound producing algorithm to alter the mood of the soundtrack. This is achieved by sending URL messages to a PHP gateway which then informs a PD (Pure Data) program to change its internal state accordingly. The PD program uses stochastic processes to generate, manipulate and recycle (or feedback) a sound stream. To further enhance the user experience ofinteraction with the generative process, some sounds are also immediately triggered by the books, additionally, a short generative poem is also returned to the user, as the content of the relevant page in the virtual book

Retrofitting England's suburbs to adapt to climate change

The majority of the English population lives in suburbs and this is where the impacts of climate change will significantly affect people's domestic lives: heat stress, respiratory problems, flooding, drought, deterioration of green spaces and damage from storms. A recognized need exists to adapt suburbs (homes, gardens and public space) physically to mitigate against further climate change and to adapt to inevitable weather patterns. A number of potential adaptation options, addressing different risks, are identified and tested using a range of methods, including modelling, and workshops with residents and professional and institutional stakeholders. The best solutions are those that reduce the climate risk within the context of local adaptive capacity. Solutions are effective, acceptable and feasible given the type of suburb; its location; microclimate; housing type; the climate risk it faces; the socio-economic composition of its residents and their attitudes; resources; and governance conditions. It is essential to consider both the totality of the suburban environment and the combined effects of mitigation and adaptation measures. However, the biggest challenge is implementation which entails a better understanding of the problem by a range of stakeholders, a more supportive policy context, more resources, and clearer responsibilities. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC