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A modern submarine such as the U.S. Navy's Seawolf (SSN-21), is the culmination of progressive developments tried and proven on prior submarines. Such vessels have evolved as ships that normally operate in a submerged condition, but when required will function like a ship on the surface.
Because a modern submarine when operating in its normal submerged mode cannot exchange the air inside the hull with the clean air of the atmosphere above the sea, it must instead create an artificial atmosphere. Since the vessel must be capable of remaining submerged for extensive periods, the need for a suitable comfortable healthy environment is essential for the people living on board the submarine.
Such is the challenge to those responsible for the design of the HVAC&R systems on board.
Just how do they do it? What equipment have they developed to create and maintain this artificial atmosphere in which a crew of a 100 or more people is expected to live for an extended time period? How do they control the environment? How does it differ from that found in a modern shore-side air-conditioned building? This article identifies and explores some of the available equipment, techniques and methods.
Air-Conditioning System Design
A modern nuclear-powered submarine is equipped with an unlimited source of power when underway on nuclear power. It is equipped with a battery compartment and an auxiliary diesel engine that can be used in lieu of nuclear power. When at or near the surface it can run the diesel engine with air from the atmosphere. In this condition it can exchange air with the atmosphere and furnish conditioned air for its crew and other fresh air needs. At the dock or on shore power it can run its auxiliary equipment and exchange air as needed with the atmosphere. The spaces inside the submarine can be ventilated, heated, air-conditioned or refrigerated using specially designed marine versions of equipment one would expect to find in a modern facility ashore.
However, when this vessel submerges into its true under-the-sea environment, it must create a safe internal atmosphere to remain submerged and undetected for long periods. Now, consider the complications associated with a submarine such as the Seawolf. It is jammed with heat and off-gassing equipment and materials, as well...