Welkins, LLC — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: N15A-T012

Description

This effort, led by WElkins, LLC and its research partner, Wheaton College, proposes to develop and test a next generation SDV human thermal interface system with major technical improvements in three areas: the thermal interface garment, umbilical connections, and fluid delivery system. To improve the thermal interface garment, WElkins proposes replacement of the current generation tube suit with a multi-zone printed circuit heat exchanger, which provides a larger and more effective surface area for heat exchange; this next generation heat exchanger will feature enhanced passive insulation and be integrated directly into the dry/wet suit for improved wearability. Improvement of the umbilical connectors will leverage WElkins experience developing custom hydraulic-pneumatic connectors for its medical devices; innovations will target ease-of-use and reliability in low-visibility, limited-dexterity conditions. On the fluid delivery system, this effort proposes enhancements to the fluid delivery lines and couplings to improve thermal efficiency across the system; again, WElkins medical device R&D experience and current technology will support the proposed improvements. Following requirements definition and preliminary concept, WElkins and Wheaton College will model, simulate and evaluate the feasibility of the proposed improvementsboth as independent elements and a comprehensive systemusing computerized fluid and thermodynamic tools.