Demonstration of a Lightweight, Cooling Device for NBC Protective Clothing

"Protective ensembles worn by today's soldiers for chemical protection, small-arms protection, and environmental protection require cooling if the soldier is to be able to operate for extended periods of time in warm temperatures. Similar problems exist inthe commercial chemical, nuclear, and biological industries.Current cooling and heating concepts have proven to be too large and heavy for any practical extended use. This proposal presents an inexpensive, lightweight, easily storable solution to the problem. This Phase I effort includes full-scale proof-of-concept experiments to demonstrate a protective ensemble cooling system that uses no moving parts, can supply the necessary 500 watts of cooling for a period of up to 2 hours, and weights less than 6 pounds. Mainstream is well versed in personnel coolingsuits and has several patents and products in this area. We have already performed the commercialization studies and developed a funded commercialization plan. This effort would dovetail well with existing Mainstream cooling programs andcommercialization efforts. This approach is a revolutionary and has applications in the commercial, recreational, and military markets This proposal describes an innovative, lightweight, passive, and inexpensive cooling/heating system that can provide environmental control to individuals wearing protective clothing in both military and commercial applications."