Project Overview
Human thermal comfort significantly impacts performance, health, and well-being, yet current solutions rely on environmental controls that are energy-intensive and often inadequate for individual needs. This project develops a personal thermal regulation system that continuously monitors physiological signals and provides targeted thermal feedback.
Innovation: Our device uses multi-modal sensing (skin temperature, heart rate variability, galvanic skin response) combined with machine learning to predict thermal comfort states and deliver precise cooling or heating through thermoelectric elements.
Technical Approach
Sensor Integration
- High-resolution thermistors for skin temperature mapping
- PPG sensors for heart rate and variability analysis
- Bioimpedance sensors for hydration and metabolic state
- Inertial measurement unit for activity context
Thermal Feedback System
- Flexible thermoelectric coolers/heaters
- Distributed actuator array for localized control
- Phase change material integration for thermal buffering
Results and Outcomes
Comfort Improvement
23%
Increase in reported thermal comfort
Response Time
30s
Average time to thermal adjustment