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The ADvanced Automotive Manikin (ADAM) is used to assess human thermal comfort. The manikin's fundamental components are the 120 individually controlled surface zones, each with a typical surface area of 120 cm². Each segment is a stand-alone device with integrated heating, temperature sensing, sweat distribution and dispensing, heat flux gauge, and a local controller to manage the closed loop operation of the zone. The sweating surface is all-metal construction optimized for thermal uniformity and response speed. The skin temperature of each zone is determined by an array of thermistors, typically four, on each zone.
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A unique aspect of ADAM—ADvanced Automotive Manikin—is that it is controlled by a numerical physiological model. As temperatures are controlled and manipulated in ADAM's environment, the resulting skin heat transfer rates are reported to a physiological computer model. The model computes skin and internal temperature distribution and surface sweat rates. This information is sent back to the manikin, which generates the prescribed skin temperatures, surface sweat rates, and breathing rates. The ongoing loop provides an ever-changing measurement tool to assess human thermal comfort in a transient environment. The data is also delivered to a thermal comfort model, which predicts human perceptions of comfort.
ADAM was built by Measurement Technology Northwest in Seattle, Washington.
ADAM Facts
- A normal breathing rate consists of inhaling and exhaling up to 5 L/minute. The system can permit a continuous high exhalation rate of approximately 8 L/minute.
- Weight: 61 Kg (136 lbs.), height: 5'9". Built to occupy volume and compress an automobile seat like a human.
- Remote controlled enabling wireless communication, battery operation, and fluid reserves for 2 hours.
- Wears clothes to capture complex radiation, evaporation, and conduction transport processes.
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