Analytical Analysis of Factors Affecting the Accuracy of a Dual-Heat Flux Core Body Temperature Sensor

Abstract

Non-invasive core body temperature (CBT) measurements using temperature and heat-flux have become popular in health, sports, work safety, and general well-being applications. This research aimed to evaluate two commonly used sensor designs: those that combine heat flux and temperature sensors, and those with four temperature sensors. We used analytical methods, particularly uncertainty analysis calculus and Monte Carlo simulations, to analyse measurement accuracy, which depends on the accuracy of the temperature and flux sensors, mechanical construction parameters (such as heat transfer coefficient), ambient air temperature, and CBT values. The results show the relationship between the accuracy of each measurement method variant and various sensor parameters, indicating their suitability for different scenarios. All measurement variants showed unstable behaviour around the point where ambient temperature equals CBT. The ratio of the heat transfer coefficients of the dual-heat flux (DHF) sensor’s channels impacts the CBT estimation uncertainty. An analysis of the individual components of uncertainty in CBT estimates reveals that the accuracy of temperature sensors significantly impacts the overall uncertainty of the CBT measurement. We also calculated the theoretical limits of measurement uncertainty, which varied depending on the method variant and could be as low as 0.05 °C.