COOLPAC: COOLING
SLEEVE FOR
FIREFIGHTERS
University of Connecticut at Storrs
Team 2: Jaspreet Mankoo Kerri Blanc Sean Meehan Nedim Begovac
Sponsor: Createc Consulting LLC Advisors: Hans Almqvist Mike Brookman
April 18, 2011
2
University of Connecticut
OUTLINE
About Createc
Statement of Need
The Prototype
Redesign PCM Research and Selection
PCM Reorientation
Mechanical Validation Testing Rig Setup
Results
Human Testing Purpose
Procedure
Results
Conclusion
April 18, 2011
3
University of Connecticut
CREATEC CONSULTING LLC
Sponsor Advisors: Hans
Almqvist, Mike Brookman
Focused on designing
personal safety equipment
for firefighters, industrial
workers, first responders
Main customers are local and
federal government
Successful designs include
S.C.U.B.A. devices, hazmat
suits, SCBA faceplates
Hoping that CoolPac can be
the next big success
April 18, 2011
4
University of Connecticut
STATEMENT OF NEED
50% of firefighter deaths are field
accident related
Other 50% caused by heat
stress/stroke
Protective suits negate ability to
thermoregulate
Heat stress caused by endemic heat
Perspiration is ineffective in cooling
inside firefighting suit
A 2-3˚C increase in body
temperature has serious
consequences
Long and Short term
April 18, 2011
5
University of Connecticut
COOLPAC PROTOTYPE
Worn under suit on active duty
Components
Sleeve materials
Phase-change material (PCM)
Fastening device
Human Thermoregulation
Increased blood flow to appendages
Heat flow by conduction (Tsleeve < Tbody)
• PCM Melting Point ~ 28˚C
• Shallow blood vessels in arms
o Better than Alternatives • Current Options are cumbersome,
inefficient, or both
• Works while in the field
Normal Conditions Stressed Conditions
April 18, 2011
6
University of Connecticut
OUTLINE
About Createc
Statement of Need
The Prototype
Redesign PCM Research and Selection
PCM Reorientation
Mechanical Validation Testing Rig Setup
Results
Human Testing Purpose
Procedure
Results
Conclusion
April 18, 2011
7
University of Connecticut
REDESIGN
Comfort/Durability
PCM Research & Selection
PCM Alignment
Maximize PCM surface area
Original prototype consists of 2x3” blocks of PCM
Re-design changed PCM to longer rectangular strips
Fastening
Easy to put on and take off
Compression sleeve allows for easy, comfortable
fastening
April 18, 2011
8
University of Connecticut
PCM RESEARCH & SELECTION Company
TST Sweden
PCM Energy P.
Ltd
First Line Technology
First Line Technology
PCP Australia
Product: Comfort Cooling
Latest 29T PhaseCore
28 PhaseCore
32 PC29
Working range (°C):
25-32 18-38 18-38 20-40 24-34
Phase change activation temperature (ºC):
28 29 28 32 29
Maximum temperature (ºC):
N/A 100 60 60 N/A
Storage capacity (W·h/kg):
N/A N/A 55 74 55
Latent heat of fusion (W·h/kg):
35 52 35 54 52
Specific Heat (W·h/kg/°C):
1.0 0.56 1.0 1.0 0.64
Specific gravity: N/A 1.49 1.45 1.45 1.58
Thermal conductivity (W/m/°C):
N/A 1.0 0.5-0.7 0.5- 0.7 0.5-1.1
April 18, 2011
9
University of Connecticut
REDESIGN SCHEMATIC
Note: All dimensions in centimeters
April 18, 2011
10
University of Connecticut
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Nomex (outer Layer)
Thermal Conductivity: 0.13 W/mK
Fire Retardant
Meets National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) article of
clothing standards
Compression sleeve
Cotton (skin-contact layer)
Comfortable
Non-abrasive
Nomex Sleeves
April 18, 2011
11
University of Connecticut
OUTLINE
About Createc
The Prototype
Statement of Need
Redesign PCM Research and Selection
PCM Reorientation
Mechanical Validation Testing Rig Setup
Results
Human Testing Purpose
Procedure
Results
Conclusion
April 18, 2011
12
University of Connecticut
MECHANICAL TESTING
Purpose
Simulate human arm heat transfer
Measure the heat absorbed by the PCM
No human subjects involved
Provides sponsor with proof of concept data
Reasoning
Inexpensive
Provides repeatable data
All variables are completely controllable
Contrary to human testing
Alerts team members to potential issues prior to
human testing
April 18, 2011
13
University of Connecticut
TESTING SETUP
1. Polycarbonate Tubing
2. Fisher Scientific Isotherm 20065 Tank
3. Needle Valve
4. Digital Thermometers (2)
5. CoolPac Prototypes/PCM packets
6. Plastic Tubing
7. Rubber Coupling
8. PVC Connectors
9. Labview (not pictured)
April 18, 2011
14
University of Connecticut
SETUP & SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications
Pipe Properties:
Length: 2 ft
Thermal Conductivity:
0.22 W/mK
Blood Flow Rate:
At rest: 0.21 L/min
During exercise: 4.9 L/min
Other Properties
Flow Rate Temp. : 37˚C
Thermal conductivity
(skin): 0.37 W/mK
1
2
3
4
1. Polycarbonate Tubing
2. Isotherm Tank
3. Flow Regulator (Needle Valve)
4. Thermometer (inlet)
April 18, 2011
15
University of Connecticut
RESULTS
ΔTNo PCM = 2.33 ˚C
ΔTPCM = 1.47 ˚C
y = 5E-05x + 35.469
y = 8E-05x + 38.332
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Te
mp
era
ture (
˚C)
Time (minutes)
PCM Benefit Comparison
PCM
No PCM
0 1 2 3 4
April 18, 2011
16
University of Connecticut
OUTLINE
About Createc
The Prototype
Statement of Need
Redesign PCM Research and Selection
PCM Reorientation
Mechanical Validation Testing Rig Setup
Results
Human Testing Purpose
Procedure
Results
Conclusion
April 18, 2011
17
University of Connecticut
HUMAN TESTING
Validation testing in controlled environment
Provide sponsor with proof of concept
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)
Human Performance Lab
Have necessary exercise equipment
Certified professional staff on hand
Safety Concerns
Testing inherently introduces risk of heat stress
Participants monitored closely
Testing stopped as necessary to prevent injury
April 18, 2011
18
University of Connecticut
PROTOCOL Application of core body
temperature and heart rate sensors
3 cycles of work on treadmill
Walking at 4 mph
5˚ Incline
20 min active
10 min rest between cycles
4 subjects for initial testing
Each subject completes testing with and without CoolPac
First round of testing
2 subjects start as a control
2 subjects start wearing CoolPacs
Nedim performing testing
April 18, 2011
19
University of Connecticut
DATA ACQUISITION VitalSense Integrated
Physiological Monitor
System Hub Activates sensors
Tracks and records sensor data
Serves as computer interface
Ingestible Capsule Size of a standard vitamin
Data transmissions every 15 seconds
Accurate to ±0.10˚C
Disposable, passed in 1-5 days
Heart rate monitor
Standard chest strap
Wrist monitor, computer readout
April 18, 2011
20
University of Connecticut
RESULTS
Subject 1: 0.37˚C benefit from sleeve
Subject 2: 0.31˚C benefit from sleeve
Other subject experienced almost 1.00˚C benefit
37.20
37.40
37.60
37.80
38.00
38.20
38.40
38.60
38.80
1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81
Te
mp
era
ture
(˚C
)
Time (minutes)
Subject 1: Nedim
Sleeves Off
Sleeves On
36.60
36.70
36.80
36.90
37.00
37.10
37.20
37.30
37.40
1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81
Te
mp
era
ture
(˚C
)
Time (minutes)
Subject 2: Sean
Sleeves Off
Sleeves On
April 18, 2011
21
University of Connecticut
SUMMARY
New CoolPac Sleeve Designed
Improved several aspects of original prototype
Mechanical testing
Good results
Human Testing
Worked with SCSU
Good results, recommend further testing
Clear benefit demonstrated from CoolPac Sleeve
April 18, 2011
22
University of Connecticut
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Hans Almqvist
Mike Brookman
Dr. Enderle
Dr. Thomas Barber
Dr. Yen Lin Han
Dr. Joan Finn
Dr. Robert Axtell
Thomas Mealy
Max Cutler
April 18, 2011
23
University of Connecticut
QUESTIONS?