Visualizing Changes in Mean Radiant Temperature with the SMART Sensor

Abstract

Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) is difficult to measure but plays an important role in thermal comfort. As more buildings install radiative heating and cooling surfaces, there is a need for better sensors to accurately characterize MRT. The CHAOS lab has been developing new ways to measure radiant temperature due to the many flaws with the black globe thermometers. New work on the Spherical MeAn Radiant Temperature (SMART) Sensor has increased the speed and detail of thermal capture. The addition of a thermal array sensor as well as updating other hardware makes it possible to take much more granular snapshots of radiant temperature. Additional work updating the ease of use and streamlining data processing has made the SMART sensor a more viable option for use by other labs. This work opens up new possibilities for the analysis of MRT.