Air Cycle Cabin Cooling (AC3)

Existing ground vehicle air conditioner systems use vapor-compression cycles with R-134a or R-1234yf refrigerant. R-134a has high global warming potential and future systems are moving to R-1234yf, which is flammable, and both displace oxygen, causing a potential health hazard. The Army needs to improve crew safety and reduce global warming potential for future vehicles. To address these needs, Physical Sciences, Inc (PSI) proposes the Air Cycle Cabin Cooling system, which will provide up to 15 kWth of cooling to ground vehicle cabins. Our technology will immediately reduce risk for warfighters in tactical and combat vehicles by removing flammable materials from onboard the vehicles and provide appropriate ventilation and crew thermal management.ĀPSIÆs Phase I program demonstrated the lightweight, low-cost cooling system can replace the existing vapor-compression cycle with our Air Cycle Cabin Cooling system. The proposed Phase II program will build upon the Phase I success by integrating the Air Cycle Cabin Cooling system into a ground vehicle demonstrator. The air machineÆs simplicity and robustness will ensure years of low-maintenance operation and crew comfort.