Developing assumptions of metabolic rate estimation for primary school children in the calculation of the Fanger PMV model

Metabolic heat production is one of the key parameters in maintaining the body’s heat balance with the environment. Levels of accuracy and methods for estimation of metabolic rate for various activities are given in most of the commonly used standards, and estimated metabolic rates for an average adult are tabulated to be used where direct measurement is not practical. However, determination of metabolic rate is expected to be different in a younger population compared with that of adults. This paper is part of a larger study that reports on the sensitivity of Predicted Mean Votes of thermal comfort to assumptions of metabolic rates, based on data from field studies in non-air conditioned primary schools in Shiraz, Iran. The outcome of the present study highlights the need for more field-based research in order to examine the accuracy of input parameters in the PMV model while predicting children’s thermal sensation in the classroom.