
Automotive HVAC Manikin
Category:Manikin System
Introduction
The Automotive HVAC Manikin is designed to evaluate thermal comfort and air distribution inside automobile, truck, and indoor HVAC environments.It simulates the thermal response of a seated human occupant, providing accurate data on airflow, temperature, radiant heat, and humidity distribution.
Application
This system is widely used for:
Vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system design and validation
Passenger comfort optimization in automotive and public transport cabins
Indoor building HVAC testing, including air circulation and comfort assessment
R&D and academic studies on human thermal comfort and airflow dynamics
Standards
The Automotive HVAC Manikin complies with the following international standards:
ISO 14505-2: Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Evaluation of thermal environments in vehicles
ISO 7726: Instruments for measuring physical quantities of the thermal environment
ASHRAE Standard 55: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
SAE J2234: Vehicle climate control system performance testing
EN ISO 15831: Clothing — Physiological effects — Measurement of thermal insulation by a thermal manikin
Specifications
| Item | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Male and small male articulated thermal manikin |
| Height | 178.5 cm (standard male) / 168.4 cm (small male) |
| Chest | 90.8 cm (35.7 in) |
| Waist | 73.2 cm (28.8 in) |
| Hip | 91.8 cm (36.1 in) |
| Weight | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Surface Area | 1.8 m² (19 ft²) |
| Air Temperature (46 sensors) | Range: -20°C to +70°C; Accuracy: ±1.0°C; Resolution: 0.1°C |
| Air Velocity (46 sensors) | 0.1–5.0 m/s, omnidirectional; temperature-compensated (-20°C to +70°C) |
| Dual Spectrum Radiant Heat Flux (46 sensors) | Up to 2,000 W/m²; Wavelength range: 1–20 μm |
| Relative Humidity (4 sensors) | 0–95% RH, non-condensing |
| Operating Range | Temperature: -20°C to +50°C; Humidity: 0–95% RH |
| Power Supply | 12V DC vehicle power outlet or external AC adapter |
| Data Communication | Ethernet and 802.11g wireless |
| Software | ThermDAC system with real-time monitoring and analysis |
| Construction Material | Carbon fiber / epoxy composite body |
| Manikin Geometry Data | Available in CAD format for CFD simulation |
Features
Comprehensive Environmental Measurement
Integrated sensors capture air temperature, air velocity, radiant heat flux, and humidity at 46+ points, providing complete cabin climate mapping.
Dual Application
Suitable for both automotive cabin testing and indoor building HVAC systems, enabling cross-industry thermal comfort evaluation.
High Precision & Real-Time Data
ThermDAC software enables real-time PMV/PPD comfort index reporting and statistical data visualization.
Flexible and Modular Design
The manikin disassembles easily at the waist and neck for installation in confined vehicle interiors or building setups.
Realistic Airflow Simulation
Flattened thigh sections and aerodynamic hand shapes ensure airflow around the manikin mimics that of a human occupant.
Wireless and Ethernet Communication
High-speed data transfer ensures stable operation during in-vehicle and laboratory tests.
Fully Jointed Body Structure
Ball-joint connections at shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles provide adjustable test postures.
Integration Capability
CAD geometry available for CFD and thermal simulation software, enhancing R&D efficiency.
Complete Turnkey System
Delivered with sensors, ThermDAC control software, power supply, laptop PC, and transport chair—ready for immediate use.
Accessories
(1) Instrumented HVAC manikin body
(2) Integrated air temperature, velocity, radiant heat, and humidity sensors
(3) ThermDAC data acquisition and analysis software
(4) Power supply (vehicle DC and external AC adapter)
(5) Laptop PC for system operation
(6) Transport chair for positioning and mobility
FAQ
1.What is this product?
This product is an instrumented automotive HVAC manikin used to measure thermal environment parameters around a seated human occupant.
2.What is this product used for?
It is used to evaluate HVAC system performance, cabin airflow distribution, and passenger thermal comfort in vehicles and indoor environments.
3.Why is this product important?
It provides objective, repeatable thermal comfort data without relying on subjective human testing, improving HVAC design accuracy.
4.What industries is this product suitable for?
Automotive manufacturing, public transportation, HVAC engineering, research institutes, and universities.
5.What types of this product are available?
Standard male and small male articulated manikin configurations, with optional sensor configurations and CAD geometry support.



