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> From: ucca15j <ucca15j@uc*.ac*.uk*> > To: techdiver@opal.com > Subject: Rebreather design of the future > Date sent: Mon, 27 Mar 95 18:19:26 +0100 > Dear All > > On the same tack as a cryogenic rebreather, low temperature could be used > to remove the CO2 from the exhaled breath. As CO2 sublimes at -78 degrees C > one would need some way of maintaining such a low temperature. > This could be done using the 'Peltier' effect - basically the opposite of > a thermocouple - when a voltage/emf/potential is passed accross the junction > of two dissimilar metals a reduction in temperature occurs. I'm not sure > of the exact minimum temperature that can currently be obtained (we have > some in the lab that can cool to -35 degrees C) however I think that -78 > is obtainable. > The only draw back would be current demand, but with research off the back > of electric cars battery technology should move along quickly. > I'm glad you have such positive expectations of technology, but in this case I'm not sure they're justified. Peltier refrigerators are desperately inefficient - 2-5% at present; and battery technology is moving depressingly slowly despite the incentive from the electric car side. Unless something new is discovered, neither of these technologies is going to change to any great extent. Bye Jon Dr. J. Tapson email: jtapson@no*.ct*.ac*.za* Lecturer ph: (27) 21 460 3042 School of Electrical Engineering fax: (27) 21 451 698 Cape Technikon Box 652 Cape Town 8000
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