Submarines have a unique air conditioning system that allows them to provide a comfortable living and working environment for their crew while submerged. Since submarines can't access outside air directly, they rely on a closed-loop air conditioning system that recirculates and processes the available air onboard. Here's how it works:
Oxygen Generation: Submarines are equipped with oxygen generators or electrolysis units that produce oxygen by breaking down water into its constituent elements, hydrogen, and oxygen. The generated oxygen is then released into the submarine's atmosphere.
CO2 Scrubbers: As the crew breathes, they produce carbon dioxide (CO2), which needs to be removed from the air to maintain breathable conditions. Submarines use CO2 scrubbers that chemically remove CO2 from the air, preventing it from reaching harmful levels.
Air Filtration: Air is continuously circulated and passed through filters to remove dust, particulates, and potential contaminants.
Humidity Control: Submarines have dehumidifiers that extract excess moisture from the air. Maintaining proper humidity levels is essential for crew comfort and to prevent condensation on sensitive equipment.
Heat Exchangers: To manage temperature, heat exchangers are used to transfer heat between different air streams. Waste heat from machinery is often used to warm up the circulated air, while excess heat from the atmosphere is expelled.
Air Quality Monitoring: Submarines have sophisticated air quality monitoring systems that continuously check the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. If necessary, the system will adjust the oxygen generation and CO2 scrubbing rates accordingly.
Isolation of Different Spaces: Submarines are divided into various compartments, and the air conditioning system can be controlled independently for each area. This allows for efficient climate control and prevents the spread of potential contaminants throughout the submarine.
It's important to note that despite these sophisticated systems, submarine crews are trained to maintain discipline and conserve resources, including oxygen and energy, while submerged to ensure the safe and prolonged operation of the vessel. Submarine design and engineering are crucial in creating an environment that can sustain a crew's needs during extended periods underwater.