Development of a simulation model of the heating process in the passenger cabin of a vehicle under low temperature conditions

Introduction . A distinctive feature of working conditions in the Arctic territories is the long period of exposure to low temperatures. Passenger transportation by road is becoming one of the key aspects of ensuring the continuity of the production process. The task of delivering workers to the place of work, moving them between work zones during a work shift is solved by using wheeled vehicles of various categories. One of the most widespread types of wheeled vehicles used to transport workers is the M3 category wheeled vehicles with a capacity of no more than 22 passengers. Ensuring the thermal comfort of vehicle passengers seems to be relevant, since ensuring biophysical compatibility minimizes the risks of cold injury by workers and maintains a high level of performance. Materials and methods . The results of the analysis of the Russian and foreign studies in the direction of ensuring thermal comfort and ensuring biophysical compatibility in confined spaces are presented. The results of computer modelling of the dynamics of microclimate parameters in the passenger cabin of a wheeled vehicle of M3 category with a capacity of no more than 22 passengers are presented. Results . The paper presents the results of theoretical studies, microclimate parameters in the passenger compartment of vehicles, taking into account the breathing of passengers and changes in the gas composition of exhaled air. Theoretical studies of the operation of the heating system of the passenger compartment were carried out, taking into account the refined breathing model of passengers. Distributions of microclimate parameters in the section of the passengercompartment were obtained when using a heating system with one heater; the impact of passengers’ breathing on the parameters of the microclimate in the passenger compartment was assessed. Discussion and conclusion . Based on the numerical solution of the system of heat transfer equations, directions for further research and recommendations are formulated to ensure thermal comfort in the passenger compartment of a wheeled vehicle at low temperatures. The materials of the work may be of interest to specialists involved in the design and ergonomics of wheeled vehicles, labor protection.