Development and performance assessment of a novel scroll compressor-based oxygen generator integrated ventilator

TL;DR

A new ventilator prototype was developed that generates its own oxygen, providing reliable respiratory support in emergency and field settings.

Contribution

The novel integration of a scroll compressor-based oxygen generator with a ventilator enables standalone high-flow oxygen delivery.

Findings

The oxygen generator achieved 17 L/min flow with 93% ± 3% oxygen concentration.

The ventilator demonstrated satisfactory synchronization with breathing, with an ITD under 200 ms.

Non-invasive ventilation reached a maximum oxygen concentration of 58% ± 1.75%.

Abstract

Current ventilators rely on wall outlets or cylinders for oxygen supply, which limits their continuous use in the field or emergencies. In this study, we proposed a ventilator prototype that can achieve stand-alone oxygenated respiratory support, by designing and integrating a high-performance oxygen generator, and optimizing the control strategies of the whole system. Based on the designed oil-free scroll compressor and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system, we first realized a mobile high-flow oxygen generator, which achieved an output flow greater than 17 L/min with an oxygen concentration of 93% ± 3%. The ventilator was also designed to synchronize with the respiratory state, to optimize the trigger performance for the pressure support of early inspiration, and reduce the gas supply in the late inspiratory phase to avoid pressure overshoot in the early expiratory phase. The respiratory synchronization of the integrated ventilator was estimated by the recorded chest movement of the subjects. Satisfactory respiratory synchronization was realized with an inspiratory trigger delay (ITD) time of less than 200 ms and sound respiratory waveform tracking. By regulating the PSA strategy, the oxygen generation and utilization efficiencies could be further improved. Ultimately, under the setting of inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) at 10 cmH2O, and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) at 4 cmH2O, we achieved non-invasive ventilation with a maximum oxygen concentration of 58% ± 1.75%. In conclusion, the proposed oxygen generator integrated ventilator could provide reliable oxygenated respiratory support in emergencies, such as on-site first aid, patient transport, and military field environments.

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