Automatic control device measures a physiological parameter related to heat production and conditions it to control the heat removal capacity of a watercooled environmental control suit

Annis, J. F.

Troutman, S. J.

Webb, P.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

September 1969	 Brief 69-10516 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information-,Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Rate of Heat Extraction Controller for Environmental Control 
The problem: 
To regulate the temperature automatically within 
a watercooled environmental control suit. 
The solution: 
An automatic control device measures a physio-
logical parameter related to heat production and con-
ditions it to control the heat removal capacity of the 
suit. 
How it's done: 
A metabolic rate monitor uses a polarographic cell 
to measure the partial pressure of oxygen in exhaled 
gas, and generates a signal proportional to the amount 
of oxygen consumed. 
The oxygen consumption rate is directly related to 
the heat production rate of the worker enclosed in 
the suit. Hence, this signal is used to control the 
efficiency of a thermoelectric cooling system. Changes 
in the temperature of the water input to the suit cool-
ing coil produce changes in its heat removal capability 
and maintain a constant temperature within the suit. 
This device should find application in the areas of 
thermal control and life support systems. 
Note: 
Documentation is available from: 
Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific 
and Technical Information 
Springfield, Virginia 22151 
Reference: TSP-69- 105 16 
Source: Paul Webb, James F. Annis,

and Samuel J. Troutman of
Webb Associates
Yellow Springs, Ohio 
under contract to

NASA Headquarters
(HQN- 103 18) 
Category 01 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the UniteØ States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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Rate of heat extraction controller for environmental control

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