International. Fraunhofer's partner Gentherm has developed an air-conditioned business class seat (Aviation Double Seat). This has a combination of active seat ventilation using thermoelectrics and heat control using various heating elements.
This leads to optimal temperature control of the seat surface, as well as continuous removal of moisture. The result is a permanently comfortable and dry climate on the seat surface.
The Aviation Double Seat was created on the basis of the findings of the EU-funded iSPACE (Innovative Systems for the Custom Aircraft Cockpit Environment) project and was developed by Gentherm. In addition to the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP in Valley, Germany, nine European partners from the aviation industry also participated. As part of the project, participants have worked on technologies that will improve passenger comfort, allowing them to adjust their personal indoor environment, as well as adapt temperature and airflow to meet their personal needs.
In 2016, there were 3.7 billion passengers in civil aviation worldwide. According to a survey by Germany's Federal Statistical Office, rising prosperity, attractive tourist destinations, expanding global trade relations and liberal travel arrangements have increased passenger numbers year after year. The Fraunhofer IBP constantly researches the subject of airplanes to take all these people to their destinations in a healthy, comfortable, ecological and economical way. The indoor climate in aircraft cabins occupies an important place in the research work of the institute.
Source: Fraunhofer.
