Extreme Temperature Survival Habitat

In the desert, temperatures can change drastically over twenty-four hours. For extended stays in this harsh environment, a normal tent may not be suitable for a human researcher or adventurer. This survival habitat aims to comfortably house one or two individuals who may need to live off-grid in these remote locations for multiple days or weeks at a time.

(From top to bottom layer, as represented in CAD image)

-TOP-

Flexible Solar Panels

Heavy-Duty Insulating Fabric

Liquid Cooling Tubing, Pump, and Radiator

Rigid Metal for Framing

Lightweight Insulating Fabric

-BOTTOM-

The frame of this habitat will be constructed of rigid metal poles bent gradually to form the semi-circle shape of the tent. Since the habitat is not designed to be taken down or put up easily like most tents, larger and more structurally sound poles may be used to help withstand the gusts of wind that may blow across the open desert plains. The circular habitat has a modest diameter of eight feet at the base, which allows a fully assembled model to be transported on the road by trailer. Standing only five feet tall at the highest point, the semicircle habitat uses minimal materials to keep it as cost-efficient as possible.

This habitat draws inspiration from the concept of liquid cooling used in both modern vehicle engines and high-end personal computers. A series of tubes will be secured to the habitat's framework, connected to a pump and radiator to keep the water flowing and cool. In the model image, this is represented by the clear plastic tubing and water dispenser.

Flexible solar panels are arranged on top of the framing to provide power to the habitat and allow the water pump to operate continuously. Before mounting the panels, a layer of thermal fabric (modeled by aluminum foil in the image) should cover the frame to protect the liquid cooling system and help maintain normal temperatures inside the tent. The solar panels (modeled by the trash bag in the image) can then be mounted across the entire habitat, providing full-time coverage no matter what location the tent is moved to or what time of day it is.

A lighter thermal insulator will form the walls inside the frame. This should ensure maximum comfort for the user while still allowing the water cooling system to keep the habitat at a tolerable temperature. This material will also stretch to the habitat's floor, being the sole interior padding of the structure. For access to the habitat, a traditional zipper entry will suffice. The flaps should be made of an insulating material similar to the one that lines the interior.

(NOTE: the image above is portraying an interior view of the insulation. The solar panels remain on the exterior of the habitat.)

This habitat is a very realistic approach to desert survival. Whether it be used for research, remote projects, or private adventure, the simplicity behind this design would mean it is relatively affordable to manufacture and get into the hands of potential users. Using principles that have already been proven in applications such as automotive and technology, the liquid cooling system will allow the interior temperature in the habitat to comfortably house its occupant. While the size of the habitat may be small and offers just enough room for a bit of storage or a second sleeper, it is important to note that this structure is designed to be accompanied by a towing vehicle which would be able to hold the bulk of the supplies. The habitat is meant to provide comfortable living quarters many miles away from civilization and would be cheap enough to purchase that it could be customized to suit each user's individual needs.