Transient analysis of heat and moisture transfer with sorption/desorption and phase change in fibrous clothing insulation

This article reports on a numerical investigation of the transient heat and moisture transfer behavior in clothing insulation made of fibrous battings and covering fabrics. The finite-volume method (FVM) is applied in the mathematical formation and numerical calculation. The method provides more accurate representation of the element properties and their grid locations. Combined with the upstream scheme in dealing with the moisture bulk flow and considering the effect of condensate on the permeability of the fibrous batting, the present model improves the accuracy of the numerical solution. The calculated results of water content and temperature distributions in two kinds of clothing assemblies show improved agreement with the experimental ones. Based on the new method, the effects of various clothing parameters on the condensation and moisture absorption within clothing are investigated numerically and discussed.