Application of PCM in Helmet Interlinings

Abstract

Phase change material (PCM) is used in the helmet cooling system design to absorb and store the heat generated by the wearer's head and provide comfortable cooling for the user. The PCM is tucked away in a pouch and positioned between the wearer's head and the helmet. By conduction through a heat collector that is positioned above the wearer head, heat from the wearer head is transferred to the PCM. For the cooling system, there is no need for an electrical power supply. The wearer would not experience an uncomfortable and dangerously hot environment on the head that would impair their attentiveness because the temperature on their head is kept slightly above the PCM temperature. The cooling unit is able to provide comfort cooling up to 2 h when the PCM is completely melted. The stored heat from the PCM pouch would then have to be discharged by immersing in water for about 15 min to solidify the PCM before re-use. The PCM helmet cooling system is simple and has potential to be implemented as a practical solution to provide comfort cooling to the motorcycle riders.