[2603.26697] Physicochemical-Neural Fusion for Semi-Closed-Circuit Respiratory Autonomy in Extreme Environments

Electrical Engineering and Systems Science > Systems and Control arXiv:2603.26697 (eess) [Submitted on 16 Mar 2026] Title:Physicochemical-Neural Fusion for Semi-Closed-Circuit Respiratory Autonomy in Extreme Environments Authors:Phillip Kingston, Nicholas Johnston View a PDF of the paper titled Physicochemical-Neural Fusion for Semi-Closed-Circuit Respiratory Autonomy in Extreme Environments, by Phillip Kingston and Nicholas Johnston View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:This paper introduces Galactic Bioware's Life Support System, a semi-closed-circuit breathing apparatus designed for integration into a positive-pressure firefighting suit and governed by an AI control system. The breathing loop incorporates a soda lime CO2 scrubber, a silica gel dehumidifier, and pure O2 replenishment with finite consumables. One-way exhaust valves maintain positive pressure while creating a semi-closed system in which outward venting gradually depletes the gas inventory. Part I develops the physicochemical foundations from first principles, including state-consistent thermochemistry, stoichiometric capacity limits, adsorption isotherms, and oxygen-management constraints arising from both fire safety and toxicity. Part II introduces an AI control architecture that fuses three sensor tiers, external environmental sensing, internal suit atmosphere sensing (with triple-redundant O2 cells and median voting), and firefighter biometrics. The controller combines receding-horizon model-predictive...