Current submersible thermal protection technology is not capable of meeting the requirements of very cold water or hot water operations in a Shallow Water Combat Submersible. Thermal protection equipment for divers in these situations will be expected to operate for durations in excess of 8 hours in temperatures below 37ºF as well as temperatures above 90ºF. Mainstream has proposed an active thermal protection system that can be easily utilized as either a heating device and a cooling device without reconfiguring the system. The proposed system will be diver-mounted and will have minimal volume and weight characteristics.
Keywords: Submersible Thermal Protection, Microclimate Systems, Cold Water Diving, Hot Water Diving,
