30.06.2013 Views

View/Open

View/Open

View/Open

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Figure 5.21 Comparison of model outputs and experimental results of in-chamber air temperature<br />

vs. CPAP pressure setting under normal ambient temperature and heating element setting at 55°C<br />

It can be seen that when pressure setting is high, the in-chamber air temperature is also<br />

slightly high. This is because the higher the pressure setting is, the inlet air temperature<br />

is also higher due to the thermal enthalpy gain from the blower. On the other hand,<br />

although higher pressure setting makes higher flow rate thus higher heat and mass<br />

convection from the water to the air, the high flow rate makes per unit air receives less<br />

convected heat and vapour. These two phenomena work together make the in-chamber<br />

air temperature just slightly tilting up along with the pressure setting.<br />

5.3.1.2.3 In-chamber air temperature vs. ambient temperature<br />

Figure 5.22 shows the in-chamber air temperature under CPAP pressure setting at 12<br />

cmH2O and humidifier heating element setting of 55°C in different ambient<br />

temperatures. It can be seen when ambient temperature is higher, the in-chamber air<br />

temperature is also higher. This is because:<br />

1. The higher the ambient temperature is, the higher the inlet temperature will be.<br />

2. Higher ambient temperature also lessens the heat dissipation to the ambient<br />

through chamber walls (wall 2 and wall 3).<br />

3. The water temperature is also a bit higher which can also contribute to the in-<br />

chamber air temperature.<br />

128

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!