The effect of temperature change rate on user thermal sensation and its implication for tablet computer heat dissipation design

Abstract

Past research has shown that the rate of change of skin surface temperature can affect thermal sensation. This study investigated users’ thermal responses to a tablet heating surface with different heat pads and different temperature change rates. The test conditions included: A. keeping the surface at a constant 42°C, B. increasing the surface temperature from 38°C to 42°C at a rate of 0.02°C/s in progressive intervals, C. increasing the temperature at 0.15°C/s in progressive intervals, and D. Heating two left and right side pads alternately from 38°C to 42°C at 0.15°C/s in progressive intervals. Overall results showed the lowest temperature change rate of 0.02°C/s was most preferred in terms of thermal comfort. The findings suggest a potential to improve user thermal experience by dissipating tablet computer heat at a lower temperature change rate, or by alternating the dissipation areas.