skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Vortex tube-assisted environmental control of hyperbaric chambers

Journal Article · · J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3231387· OSTI ID:6296831

Model predictions of time histories of the temperature and humidity ratio within a hyperbaric chamber under conditions of compression and decompression are presented with and without vortex tube-assisted environmental control. The effects of ventilation and ascent and descent rates on the environment within the chamber and the power required by the environment control system, with and without vortex tube assist, are also presented. Results demonstrate that the vortex tube assist system is an effective means of more precisely controlling the environment within hyperbaric chambers with substantial savings in power. The model used incorporates a complete description of the pyschrometric properties of the humid gas mixture within the chamber, plus the sensible and latent heat loads produced by the occupants and wet porch.

Research Organization:
Mechanical Engineering Dept., The Catholic Univ. of America, Washington, DC (US)
OSTI ID:
6296831
Journal Information:
J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 110:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English