Physiological Efficacy of a Lightweight Ambient Air Cooling Unit for Various Applications

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Abstract:

In an attempt to further advance intermittent conditioned air cooling IC concept, a strategy of supplementing continuous air cooling CC was conceived. With this approach, ambient air cooling AC is added during work with conditioned air cooling delivered during rest periods. A compact, battery- powered beltpack cooling unit 8.5 lb, designed and fabricated at the USAF armstrong Laboratory, was used to deliver 12 cfm filtered ambient air during work cycles 10 cfm to the body and 2 cfm to the face. Five experimental trials were completed in a thermally controlled chamber under warm conditions 32 deg C, 40 RH consisting of no cooling NC, IC, and CC during intermittent exercise, as well as NC and AC during continuous exercise. This study suggests that ambient air delivered during work by a lightweight portable unit can be applied in conjunction with conditioned air during rest to further improve personal comfort, reduce skin temperature, and decrease the cumulative fatigue seen over repeated workrest cycles in selected military and industrial applications. Personal cooling, Heat stress, Microclimate cooling, Workrest cycle

Author(s):
Chen, Yasu T. ; Bomalaski, Susan H. ; Constable, Stefan H.
Author Organization(s):
ARMSTRONG LAB BROOKS AFB TX
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. Oct 1988-Sep 1991
Pagination:
0018

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AL-TP-1993-0013
Task Number(s):
04
Project Number(s):
2729
Monitor Series:
AL/CFT
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2.2_Exercising; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*COOLING, *LIGHTWEIGHT, *COOLING AND VENTILATING EQUIPMENT, *HEAT STRESS(PHYSIOLOGY), *MICROCLIMATOLOGY, TEMPERATURE, MILITARY PERSONNEL, CYCLES, WORK, BODIES, CHAMBERS, APPROACH, REST, SKIN(ANATOMY), HEAT, LABORATORIES, FATIGUE, PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS, STRATEGY, AIR
Field(s)/Group(s):
Meteorology, Air Conditioning, Heating, Lighting and Ventilating
Keyword(s):
PE62202F, WUAL27290424
Report Date:
1993 Oct 01