MSU converting vents to AC power

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University researchers are working to convert 550-plus ventilators from battery power to AC power for use in the state’s medical response to the COVID-19 coronavirus. MSU’s Paul B. Jacob High Voltage Laboratory was contacted about converting the battery-powered ventilators, which are designed to fill temporary needs in the aftermath of emergencies like hurricanes. Once converted, they can be plugged into a wall. David Wallace, manager of the HVL, said colleagues designed modifications that allow the ventilators to run on both AC and battery power. Taylor Machine Works of Louisville, Miss., is assisting with sourcing parts for the ventilators and converting them. The ventilators are expected to be ready for use by the end of this week, and will be sent to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. (Source: MSU 04/02/20) https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2020/04/msu-high-voltage-lab-works-retrofit-550-ventilators-use-covid-19-response