Microclimate Cooling: Microclimate Cooling System (MCS)
Microclimate Cooling System
Compact, lightweight, design
High efficiency vapor cycle chiller
Water-glycol based cooling medium
Mil qualified
Application:
A microclimate cooling system is used to provide personal cooling and mitigate heat stress in individuals subjected to elevated temperature or wearing thermally restrictive clothing. The microclimate cooling system is liquid based (water-glycol mixture as cooling medium) and consists of a vehicle mounted cooling unit, under-garment cooling vest and interconnecting umbilical with integral control pod.
The cooling unit includes a chiller and pump to deliver chilled water through the umbilical and into the cooling vest. An umbilical mounted control pod allows the user to individually select the amount of cooling desired. Between the cooling vest and umbilical is a low pull force breakaway connector to facilitate "hands free" emergency egress.
The microclimate cooling system was designed and qualified as part of the US Army Air Warrior program for use by helicopter aircrew. The system has successfully completed field testing and is certified for use aboard the Kiowa Warrior (OH-58), Blackhawk (OH-60), Chinook (CH-47), and M9 Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE) bulldozer.
Features:
The microclimate cooling system includes a high efficiency, vapor cycle, chiller to deliver 325 watts of system cooling capacity in ambient temperatures as high as 125°F. Physiological tests performed by the US Army have demonstrated that this system significantly reduces fatigue among NBC equipped aircrew and allows mission durations to be safely extended by 350%.
The cooling system has been designed to accommodate permanent or temporary installation with aircraft interfaces limited to an MS-style power electrical connector and liquid quick disconnects to interface with the interconnecting umbilical. The system is powered from a 28 VDC supply with maximum steady state power draw of 280 watts. The system has been environmentally qualified to MIL-STD-810 and certified for aircraft use.
Specifications:
Cooling Medium
Water-Glycol Mix
Cooling
325 watts @ 125 deg F
(52 deg C)
Water Temperature
65 to 68 deg F
(18 to 20 deg C)
Water Flow Rate
10 to 12 gph
(38 to 45 lph)
Weight
MCU
MCG
CBA
Tray
Umbilical Assy
13 lbs
~2.0 lbs
~0.3 lbs
~1.7 lbs
~0.3 lb per ft
(4.9 kg)
(0.91 kg)
(0.14 kg)
(0.77 kg)
(0.45 kg per m)
Electrical Characteristics
Voltage
Power
Specifications
22 to 30 VDC
12 ADC max @ 28 VDC
MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704
