Microclimate system design for personal protective equipment

CBRN first responders have to be ready for incidents that may occur at different times and at varying temperatures. First responders are exposed to heat-induced thermal stress due to variable air temperatures and the airtight nature of PPE. Thermal stress, on the other hand, affects the psychological and physiological tension of the intervention personnel, and thus the work performance and comfort. In the thesis research, Microclimate System Suit was designed as a solution to the thermal stress of CBRN response teams. The design has contributed to the literature thanks to its ability to be self-sufficient with microclimate (cooling and heating), safety measure (closing the system when explosive, flammable and flammable gases are detected) and solar panel, unlike studies on similar issues. In the experiments carried out at 1.5 km speed in the thesis research, the sweat loss gain was 25% and the clothing core temperature gain was 16.04%. In the experiments carried out at 3 km speed, the sweat loss gain was 33.33% and the clothing core temperature gain was 15.29%. The hypothesis of the research to be a solution to thermal stress was confirmed by the experimental results. It has been evaluated that commercial development is possible by optimizing the portable design air conditioning capacity and design modernization. As a result of the commercial production of the design to be developed, heat injuries of first responders due to thermal stress and occupational diseases that may occur in the future will be prevented.