F. Albers, J. Winzen, C. Marggraf-Micheel

Nowadays the realization of coloured light scenarios in aircraft cabins is easily accomplished by using LED-technology. The central question of this contribution is whether the use of coloured light can influence passengers" temperature sensation and make the climate be perceived cooler or warmer. Experiments conducted in the context of our research project (LiKab (1)) in a light laboratory (designed as a mock-up aircraft cabin) suggest the possibility of such an influence [1]. The results are in line with psychological research on the so called "hue-heat hypothesis" [2] which states that the temperature in environments with warm colours (or illuminated respectively) is perceived warmer and that of environments with cold colours (or illuminated respectively) is perceived cooler. Based on the promising results obtained in the laboratory, altogether four experiments were conducted under more realistic conditions. Design and results of these experiments in the test carrier, a cabin of a single-aisle aircraft with 70 seats (Dornier 728), are reported. A total number of N=199 subjects participated in the study. Two lighting scenarios, a warm hue of yellow and a cool hue of blue, were combined with various temperatures in different experimental sessions in the aircraft cabin, whereas air draught and humidity were kept constant. Participants worked on computerized questionnaires to document their climate perceptions and evaluations. The results show an effect in the hypothesized direction. It is shown that the impact of lighting colour on climate perception and evaluation can be observed in the whole sample and in certain subgroups of subjects. Although the effect seems to be rather small, it is in correspondence to former studies [3]. A large-scale application of this effect in the aircraft/aviation industry could lead to sustained energy savings and thus contribute to energy and cost effectiveness.(1) Excellence Cluster Aviation of the metropolitan area Hamburg (Spitzencluster Luftfahrt - Metropolregion Hamburg) - Support code of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) 03CL08

Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2013, Stuttgart

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn, 2013

Conference Paper

englisch

21,0 x 29,7 cm, 9 Seiten

urn:nbn:de:101:1-20131223904

cabin comfort, coloured light

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23.12.2013