Desenvolvimento de uma câmara de hipóxia normobárica para estudos em fisiologia humana

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges find by aviators is known as hypoxia; that is, the decrease in adequate oxygen supply to tissues and cells. Even though accidents due to hypoxia are rare, it’s possible to quote accidents like Payne Stewart, Cipriota Helios Airways, and the Glazer couple. Both FAA and ANAC demand only theoretical disciplines of aerospace medicine in pilot formation courses, however, a study revelad that 90% of airline pilots agree that there is a necessity of practical training. With the goal of enabling and enhancing this kind of training, this present project developed a system of hypoxia training in normobaric hypoxia chamber, called CHN-ERC. The development was divided in four systems called: Infraestructure (INFRA), Control System (SC), Safety System (SS) and Gaseous Mixture System (SMG). At the project’s conclusion, a camera measuring 2000x2000x2000mm was developed, weighting approximately, 63.35Kg that could be used by two seated students or one student in either a ergonomic bike or treadmill. The structure was developed using PVC tubes covered with vinyl surface. A control system design to acquire signals from O2 and CO2 sensors was developed using the Teledyne portable oximeter, which also processed and controlled other’s systems hardware. To control gaseous mixture homogenization and exhaustion, a system to control these parameters was also developed. This was designed to release gas in cylinders of medicinal O2 at 100% and medicinal N2 at 100% to the CHN-ERC, also ensuring mixture and homogenization of these gases. To ensure both instructor and training student safety, a system named SS was developed. After the CNH-ERC conclusion, it became possible to not only improve pilot training with a low cost chamber (aprox. R$ 23.300), but also efficient in high-end physical training improvement for athletes and HAST (hypoxia altitude simulation test) development.