Dynamic Diver Breathing Gas Heat Recycler

Tanner proposes to develop a dynamic heat pump system with self-contained, rechargeable battery and driving circuit that operates as a Combination Thermal Recycler (CTR). By utilizing thermal reservoirs coupled with the rebreather mask, heat can be efficiently recycled in proportion to the temperature difference between the exhaled air stream and a target inhaled air temperature. No power would be used when the passive mode is able to keep the inhaled air above values deemed safe in the USN Dive Manual R7. In the Phase I, Tanner will design and build a prototype that will be tested and evaluated in a laboratory environment. Recommendations for upgrades and improvements in a Phase II would be identified. In Phase II, the effort would focus on optimizing, testing, and integrating the proposed device with a manufacturer for rapid transition to field testing and procurement evaluation.