Development of Sensor Network for Smart Clothing with Focus on Thermal Evaluation

Abstract

This project presents an embedded sensing platform designed to examine thermal performance and heat loss through fabrics. The platform integrates an ESP32 microcontroller with an infrared (IR) sensor (MLX90614) and a thermocouple interface (MAX31855) to measure surface and contact temperatures, respectively. A carbon film resistor serves as a controlled heating element to simulate human body temperature, enabling real-time monitoring of how fabrics influence temperature retention and cooling behavior. Tests were conducted in both calm and moving air environments to evaluate fabric heat retention and to simulate real-world wind chill effects. Sensor performance, thermal gradients, and cooling behavior were examined by recording temperature readings at fixed time intervals and analysing the resulting data. Distinct differences in heat retention were observed between various fabric types. These findings support the effectiveness of the IR sensor as a reliable non-contact method for surface temperature measurement. Overall, the system provides a cost-effective and repeatable approach for evaluating fabric thermal properties, offering a strong foundation for future development in smart clothing technologies.