Extreme Phase Change Materials for Soldier Microclimate Regulation

Aspen Systems and the Illinois Institute of Technology propose (IIT) to develop an advanced vapor compression miniature personal cooling system with integrated phase change material (PCM) for used by U.S. military soldiers. Aspen Systems has developed a unique miniature rotary compressor and successfully integrated the compressor in a battery powered personal cooling unit. In this program we will investigate the opportunity to develop advanced phase change materials for use in the cooling fluid and tubesuit garment worn by the user. Aspen will work in partnership with IIT to research PCM and encapsulation technologies, test candidate PCM slurries and heat exchangers, develop models and correlations, research and develop advanced PCMs and dvelop a conceptual design of a vapor compression based cooilng system with integrated PCM. The result will be a reduction in the cooling required from the vapor compression system due to the latent heat capacity of the PCM. This reduced cooling requirement will lead to a smaller, lighter system with less power required and potential gains in battery size and weight or mission length.