Development of the Concept and Application of Smart Fabric Thermoregulation with Control of Thermoelectric Elements

In this article is developed the concept of the smart fabric thermoregulation with control of thermoelectric elements which is used clothing and shelters to maintain user comfortable conditions. With the development of modern technologies in an area of the composite micro/nano materials with thermoregulation properties is crucially important to increase comfortable characteristics for maintaining heat, waterproofness and air exchange. However, no matter what thermal insulation characteristics a fabric material has, excess heat or heat leakage occurs during use. A very narrow temperature range (±2°) is required for comfortable use and thermal regulation. At low temperature external conditions, additional heating is required, and in high temperature conditions, cooling is required. The article discusses the use of Peltier elements for thermal management of fabric. Widely available solid Peltier elements have limited use due to their small difference of temperature surfaces. Innovative decision to increase the effect of temperature difference consists of integration of the elaborated composite multilayer material in matrix of which in an orderly manner Peltier elements are placed. Based on the results of the study, recommendations were developed for the use of solid-state Peltier elements not only for heating, but also for cooling the surface. Thus, the use of thermoelements allows to get comfortable conditions inside the sleeping bag. To maintaining a comfortable temperature, control is used via a microcontroller, which monitors the temperature on the inner and outer surfaces of the multilayer material. Experimental data on the limiting capabilities of using typical Peltier elements are also provided.