abstract |
A direct convective air flow calorimeter characterized by fast response time, high efficiency, and transient, as well as steady state, heat measurement capability. The calorimeter generally measures sensible and insensible heat losses, and may measure indirect heat losses as well. The calorimeter can be scaled to accommodate animal as well as human subjects. The convective calorimeter includes an adiabatic chamber wherein circulatory air flow is provided about the inner periphery of the chamber while baffles are used to shield the subject from the circulatory air flow. The chamber is also provided with ventilating air flow. Finally, sensors are used for determining the heat addition to the circulatory air flow, which represents the sensible heat loss from the subject being tested, and for determining selected properties of the ventilating air flow. |