Skin temperature on specific body areas is a reliable indicator of how hot, cold, or comfortable a person feels, according to new research. These findings could transform the design of wearable technology and smarter building climate control systems.
The study, conducted by the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering, offers the most comprehensive analysis of skin temperature and thermal sensation to date.
Study Overview
Published in Energy and Built Environment, the research consolidated findings from 172 studies conducted since 2000. By uniting this scattered body of work, the researchers were able to identify body regions most sensitive to temperature changes and most practical to monitor for real-world applications.
Key Findings: Sensitive Body Areas
The study highlighted that skin temperature at the face and hands is closely tied to overall thermal comfort. Monitoring these areas provides strong predictive information about whether someone feels hot, cold, or comfortable indoors.
- Local Cooling: Cooling the back or chest significantly improves comfort.
- Local Heating: Heating has a smaller impact, indicating asymmetrical effects of warming versus cooling on comfort.
These insights are particularly relevant for building climate control and personalized comfort technologies.
Demographic Variations
The research also revealed notable differences among populations:
- Age: Older adults are less sensitive to warmth, increasing risk of overheating.
- Gender: Women generally exhibit greater sensitivity to temperature, though results vary by study.
- Climate Background: Individuals from warmer regions respond differently to temperature than those from cooler climates, suggesting tailored comfort strategies are needed.
Associate Professor John Calautit emphasized that these findings could help design safer, healthier, and more sustainable indoor spaces.
Technological Implications
The Nottingham team is exploring video-based AI systems combined with deep learning to predict comfort levels using skin temperature. Such technology reduces reliance on subjective surveys, enabling comfort monitoring for vulnerable populations, including:
- Elderly individuals
- Young children
- People with dementia
This approach allows building systems to deliver energy-efficient, personalized thermal comfort automatically.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Integrating physiological data into building management systems offers dual benefits: improving occupant comfort while reducing energy use. Smarter heating, ventilation, and cooling strategies can be implemented based on actual physiological signals rather than trial-and-error settings.
Dr. Calautit noted, “This study lays the groundwork for smarter, more inclusive, and preventative approaches to managing thermal environments, reducing health risks and enhancing comfort for all occupants.”
Wearable Technology and Future Applications
The findings also have implications for wearable devices that monitor skin temperature. Future wearable tech could:
- Predict individual thermal discomfort in real-time
- Automatically adjust personal heating or cooling devices
- Support health monitoring for populations unable to communicate comfort levels
These developments point toward a future of responsive and adaptive living environments.
Conclusion
Skin temperature, particularly on the face and hands, provides a reliable marker for thermal comfort. By combining physiological monitoring with AI and smart building technologies, we can create safer, energy-efficient, and personalized indoor environments. This research opens doors to more inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable strategies for improving comfort and wellbeing.
