EXPERIMENTAL OXYGEN CONCENTRATING SYSTEM
Abstract
A program to design, fabricate, and test a laboratory model of an oxygen concentrator, capable of generating 0.20 lb/hr of pure oxygen by electrochemically concentrating it from air, was successfully conducted. The fabricated model consisted of 26 series-connected cells. Four of the cells, tested before incorporation into the 26-cell unit, demonstrated an oxygen generation rate of 0.10 lb/hr. A 26-cell unit operating at an equivalent unit cell output would produce nearly 0.68 lb/hr, over three times the design level. The 26-cell unit itself was operated at a maximum output of about 0.56 lb/hr for only a short period of time because the heat generated was in excess of the heat removal systems' capacity. The concentrator was shown to function properly at 6. 5 - 15.5 psia pressures, with little variation in the power required for a given oxygen output. For optimum performance, the generator required an air flowrate of at least 2.5 times the theoretical minimum. Oxygen purity was over 99.5%. The laboratory model weighs about 28 pounds and consumes 240-300 watts of power at 0.2 lb/hr oxygen output. Also included in this program was the design, fabrication, and testing of a humidifier that would operate under airborne conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0464334
Entities
People
- Keith M. Montgomery
- Richard A. Wynveen
Organizations
- TRW Inc.