Development of a novel portable pneumatic power source for a pneumatic wearable walking assist robot

Abstract

In our previous research, a novel portable pneumatic power source, called a Dry Ice Power Cell was developed. In this paper, an improvement in design of the Dry Ice Power Cell is presented, and the thermodynamics analysis of Dry Ice Power Cell is also done. When dry ice is stored in the confined pressure container, it begins to liquefy. Then the liquid carbon dioxide will flow into Dewar flask to prevent further heat transfer, so the liquid can be stored for a long time and is ready for pressure gas supply. A novel centrifugal pump is design to pump the liquid out of the Dewar flask to improve heat transfer. By this way, a portable pneumatic power source is developed, and will be used in our pneumatic wearable walking assist robot as a power supply.