Dynamic Modeling of a Low-cost Mechanical Ventilator

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we develop a dynamic model for a low-cost ventilator, Novavent, developed at Villanova University. Since 2020, several academic institutions have focused on developing a less expensive ventilator system with the goal of increasing accessibility of medical ventilation for low-income countries. This is mainly a response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the demand the pandemic has created, the development process of these new designs have prioritized development and implementation speed over model validation. In order to increase the understanding and aid in the controller design process of these new ventilator designs, an empirical model was developed for a low-cost ventilator design, developed at Villanova University. The process of this model design was systematically documented with the intention that other institutions can use this process as a template for modeling their own designs. After developing expressions of the different responses in the system observed through empirical data, Simulink was then used to combine all expressions into a holistic model. This model was then validated using data collected from the response of the ventilator design observed. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.