Extract

Metabolic rate (MET) mainly corresponds to the heat production of the human body which is used in the calculation of the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) of thermal sensation. Metabolic rates for various activities are tabulated in most of the commonly used standards. However, existing tables for determination of metabolic rate are based on average adult values and do not specifically include values for children. Moreover, previous studies indicate poor agreement on the estimation of metabolic rate for children. Children’s metabolism differs from that of adults, and this is not only limited to the relation between body surface area and estimated MET value. This implies that the influence of metabolic rate on the PMV calculation for children requires more research; also the way metabolism is included in the PMV equation may need to be changed for children. This study examines the metabolic rate of children during sedentary activity in the classroom and its influence on PMV-PPD predictions. Intervals of activity and resting metabolic rates (RMR) for children (10-12 years) are derived from the literature and PMV predictions are investigated based on application of these divergent RMR values both in a reference thermal condition and through incorporating empirical data.

 

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