Operating a portable ultrasound machine in -30 degrees C

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the operational challenges of using a portable ultrasound machine in extreme cold conditions, specifically at -20 to -30 degrees Celsius during a high-altitude study on Aconcagua. Key concerns include the performance of Li-ion batteries, the functionality of LCD displays, and the impact of low air pressure on computer operation. Recommendations emphasize using solid-state drives (SSDs) to mitigate mechanical failures and considering insulated enclosures with phase change materials to protect sensitive equipment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ultrasound machine specifications and operational limits
  • Knowledge of Li-ion battery performance in low temperatures
  • Familiarity with LCD display technologies and their temperature sensitivities
  • Basic principles of air pressure effects on electronic devices
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of low temperatures on Li-ion battery performance
  • Investigate the use of SSDs in extreme conditions for electronic devices
  • Explore insulation techniques for electronic equipment in cold environments
  • Learn about phase change materials and their applications in temperature regulation
USEFUL FOR

Cardiovascular health researchers, field study coordinators, engineers working with portable medical devices, and anyone involved in high-altitude research in extreme weather conditions.

Louis Lind Plesner
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Dear friends.

I am a cardiovascular health researcher writing on behalf of my research team based in Copenhagen, Denmark. We plan to conduct a high-altitude field study on cardiopulmonary function assesed by ultrasound on Aconcagua summit in near 7000 meters altitude. Reports say it will be somewhere around -20 to -30 degrees celsius on the summit. This might brings about issues with the ultrasound-equipment.

1) Can you turn on a computer and operate it in these freezing temperatures?
2) Will the battery life (Li-ion) be affected in these temperatures?
3) Can there be a problem with low air pressure when operating a computer?
4) What about the LCD display?

Some technical data on the machine that I have:
Voltage: 100-240
Watt: 130
BTU: 3800
Monitor: 15,7'' LCD display
Fuse: 10 A
Recommended temperature: 3-30 degrees C
Recommended air pressure: 700-1060 hPa
Humidity: 30-80%
93/42/EEC: Class IIa
IEC/EN 60601-1: Class 1, type BF/CF
CISPR: Group 1, Class A

I am very grateful for any kind of help
 
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1. Depends on the computer. The specs will tell you. Many, perhaps most, will not.
2. Battery life will be terrible.
 
I'm no expert but I have operated a lot of computers in low temperature since I'm an amateur astronomer who lives in Sweden.
1. The device that fails to start in the cold is usually mechanical hard-drives. The next thing to fail would probably be the fans if the lubricants gets too cold. Electronics on the other hand like the cold so make sure to use an SSD.
2. Agree with Vanadium 50.
3. Computers are air cooled so yes. Cold temps might compensate for low pressure but I have never run a computer much above 2000 m and it wasn't very cold.
4. LCD displays don't like the cold, the LSD display on my telescope controller becomes unusable at -20C due to extremely slow update rate (several seconds - there are actually 3rd party electrical heating sleeves availible). LCD is however a catch-all of many technologies that have different properties. The display on my iPhone for example becomes sluggish and dim around the same temperature but nowhere near as bad. Also see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid-crystal_display#Disadvantages
 
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Very low temperature may affect the transducer as well. How long will you need? Can you put in an insulated enclosure with packets of phase change material?

Is it small enough to fit under an oversized jacket?

BoB