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This paper presents a definition of human thermal comfort that can be used for control purposes. A control strategy and architecture based on a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller format is developed. Problems and limitations are discussed and the results from both simulations and experiments are used to demonstrate the practicality of the comfort definition.

Experimental apparatus simulating a space suit Portable Life Support System (PLSS) was developed for testing human thermal comfort in a suited environment. Various uncertainties of the experimental apparatus were studied from which the accuracy of the entire setup was determined. Experimental and Simulated data from existing human thermal models were collected for similar cases. Differences/similarities between experimental and simulated data were then discussed. Based on this comparison, the human thermal model can be validated or changes can be made to either the experimental setup or simulation to more accurately reflect the thermal state of a human in a suited environment.

This study investigates the complexities associated with quantifying human thermal comfort using indices. A detailed review of the literature is first performed. The uncertainties associated with comfort modeling are then highlighted. Possible indices are developed and evaluated using integrated human-suit-PLSS (Portable Life Support System) simulations developed at the University of Missouri. The study forms part of a larger project aimed at developing automatic thermal controllers for NASA space suits.