ClimateLab

You never know what season it will be in this lab. The temperature and humidity can be changed to replicate a range of environmental conditions from frozen winter (-20°C) to stifling summer (+35°C) and up to 95% RH (relative humidity). Scientists are using the lab to pilot, design, develop and test state-of-the-art winter clothing and footwear that is safe and easy to use, especially for older people and those with disabilities. Studies are being carried out to design winter footwear that can prevent slips and falls in winter. The unique features of this lab enable the researchers to evaluate the thermal properties and slip resistance of different pavements under winter weather cycles. In addition, the lab is used to examine how the body responds to heat and cold, and to develop exercise programs for people with health conditions such as heart disease and asthma. Assistive technology and accessible environment designs are also tested and enhanced here to suit Canadian climates.

Recent Research

Slippery sidewalks in winter are responsible for many serious injuries and deaths each year. Pavement condition is one of the sources of slips and falls. Recently, a study has been conducted in ClimateLab to investigate the melting pattern of snow and ice on three different types of pavement, including conventional, heated and permeable pavements.

The ClimateLab environment has been used to research the effectiveness of clothing to protect people of all ages from the effects of cold weather, and has also been used to evaluate the effects of cold water versus cold air on hands.

Equipment Highlights

The temperature in ClimateLab can be adjusted from -20°C to +35°C. A key feature of the ClimateLab design is an observation room that is separated from the climate chamber by windows so that the researchers can monitor the progress of the experiments without interfering with the testing conditions.

The climate chamber has approximately 4.18m by 3.5m of floor space. The height at the lowest part of the ceiling is 2.15m, but most of the lab has a clearance of 2.25m. The lab can be equipped with a fall arrest gantry, weather-resistant force plates, ice trays, cameras and an exercise bike. The observation room has approximately 3.6m by 5.7m of floor space.

Quick Facts

• In Ontario, in warm seasons, each 5°C increase in daily mean temperature was associated with a 2.5% increase in nonaccidental deaths. In cold seasons, each 5°C decrease in daily temperature was associated with a 3.0% increase in nonaccidental deaths. https://www.cmajopen.ca/content/4/1/E48
• The human cost of seniors’ falls:

Recent Publications

• H. Huang, N. Huynh, A. Roshan Fekr, and G. Fernie, “Evaluation of Ice and Snow Melting Process on Conventional and Permeable Pavements” Poster Presentation, KITE_TRI Research Day, 2019.
• C. B. Novak, Y. Li, H. P. von Schroeder, D. J. Anastakis, S. J. McCabe, “Effect of Forearm Warming Compared to Hand Warming for Cold Intolerance Following Upper Extremity Trauma”, The Journal of Hand Surgery, Volume 44, Issue 8, 2019.
• “Comparison of Different Types of Pavements in Winter Condition” Scientific report submitted to Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) grant agency.
• Novak CB, Li Y, von Schroeder HP, Anastakis DJ, McCabe SJ. 2019. Effect of Forearm Warming Compared to Hand Warming for Cold Intolerance Following Upper Extremity Trauma. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 44 (8), pp 693.e1-693.e6. doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.09.014
• Yamaguchi, T., Hsu, J., Li, Y., Maki, B.E., 2015. Efficacy of a rubber outsole with a hybrid surface pattern for preventing slips on icy surfaces. Applied Ergonomics, 51, pp.9–17. 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.04.001
• Li, Y., Alshaer, H., Fernie, G. 2009. Blood pressure and thermal responses to repeated whole body cold exposure: Effect of winter clothing. European Journal of Applied Physiology. vol. 107, no. 6, December, pp 673-685. 10.1007/s00421-009-1176-5

Media Links

• The Globe and Mail: How to shop for the perfect winter parka