Vortex Tube-Assisted Environmental Control of Hyperbaric Chambers

Abstract

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 environmental 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.