THERMOELECTRIC AIR CONDITIONER FOR SUBMARINES
Abstract
A single-tube subunit of the one-ton model has been constructed and successfully operated for a period of 35 hours. Performance was very close to that predicted in the design. The results established the adequacy of the basic design. All components for the one-ton unit have been fabricated. However, the complete unit has not been assembled because the thermoelectric modules required further work and modifications. The major problem with the thermoelectric modules was marginal-to-unsatisfactory high voltage insulation especially in the presence of moisture. A substantial number of modules have failed under these conditions. It appeared that most of these failures could be attributed to poor quality control of the hard-coated aluminum plates, specifically, insufficient care in making the radii on the edges and otherwise preparing pieces for the hard-coating process. In addition, inadequate protection at the edges from moisture appeared to be a contributing factor. It was felt, however, that the hard-coat insulation scheme adopted was fundamentally adequate and that proper process control would yield satisfactory modules. Several modules have been assembled to evaluate these improvements which consist mainly of minor changes in the structure and configuration, tightening of tolerances, and improved control of the anodizing process. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 16, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0258239