Preliminary Development of an Electrochemical Heat Source for Military Diver Heating.
Abstract
A bench model of an experimental self-contained source for heating divers was developed and tested. The heater provides 2,000 watts of thermal energy for eight hours delivered by hot water to the diver tubing suit. Heat is produced by reacting magnesium alloys with seawater. Theoretical and experimental determination of the characteristics of the heat source are presented together with the physical arrangement of the bench-tested heater. The reaction of magnesium plates in seawater was found to provide sufficient heat when the magnesium anode is placed in close proximity to and electrically shorted to a cathodic material such as an iron plate. Controlled heat output is provided by mechanically varying the distance between anode and cathode plates. The single most important factor controlling the reaction rate was found to be the pH of the electrolyte. The effects of other cell operating parameters are discussed as is the feasibility of fabricating a heat cell from a mixture of powdered magnesium and iron. It is concluded that the reaction of magnesium alloys with seawater can provide sufficient reliable and safe heat for operational missions to 1,000-foot depths. Refinements necessary are delineated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0773065
Entities
People
- H. P. Vind
- L. W. Tucker
- R. D. Hitchcock
- Sarah Black
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center