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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.

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.

This paper proposes an optimal control strategy for thermal comfort control of an advanced space suit. During an extravehicular activity (EVA), the astronaut's metabolic rate is time-varying depending on the working load, which would prescribe different reference skin temperatures. The purpose of thermal comfort control is to control the skin temperature to the reference value at a certain metabolic rate via a liquid cooling garment (LCG) for astronaut comfort. MPC is expected to achieve the control with the minimum consumable energy. After developing an operational definition of comfort, the structure of the controller and preliminary results are reported.