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A novel design of a phase change material (PCM) helmet is reported where a PCM-polyurethane foam fabric is used. The fabric, comprising 37% of paraffinic PCM with melting temperature at 35°C, is lined on the interior walls of a motorcycle helmet directly in contact with the head. The experimental tests on the performance of the PCM helmet to cool the head are carried out in a wind tunnel at different speeds of air flow over the helmet. A heating mat is used to simulate the heat generation of the head. Results show that air flow has insignificant effects to the helmet cooling, whereas the heat generation rate has a large impact on the cooling performance. The helmet is also tested with different number of PCM fabric layers. The PCM fabric can be retro-fitted to existing helmets.
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