Compact Microclimate Control System

Protective garments that isolate a dismounted soldier from the environment can also build up excessive internal heat and humidity, impairing performance and possibly leading to heat casualties. We propose to develop an innovative microclimate control system that will maintain a cool, dry environment inside protective garments. There are two key innovations: (1) a novel cooling process that enables refrigeration for dismounted soldiers using a system with very low mass, and (2) a unique cooling garment that removes both heat and humidity from inside protective garments. In Phase I we proved the feasibility of our approach through laboratory tests that demonstrated the key components of both these innovative devices. We used the results of Phase I tests to validate our design models and produced a conceptual design for a full-size prototype. In Phase II we will design, build, and demonstrate a full-size, self-contained microclimate control system prototype.