True Altitude Simulation
What does it mean to simulate altitude?
Geographically, altitude is the height above sea level. But physiologically, altitude is the partial pressure of oxygen – the product of oxygen concentration and atmospheric pressure. Altitude simulation requires modifying oxygen levels according to barometric pressure.
Altitude is not an oxygen percentage. An oxygen level at low pressure yields a different altitude than it does at higher pressure. And atmospheric pressure is constantly changing. Regulating only oxygen levels without regard to atmospheric pressure cannot simulate altitude with accuracy or stability.
- Measure barometric pressure – An essential step in calculating the partial pressure of oxygen. Barometric pressure is continually changing. Calculations without barometric readings cannot yield accurate altitude simulation.
- Accurately measure oxygen concentration – Because oxygen readings are so critical, ACT uses two state of the art sensors. These are made specifically for altitude simulation. These sensors validate their readings with a cross-referencing software protocol. There is no more accurate way to measure oxygen.
- Calculate the partial pressure of oxygen – Using actual barometric pressure and oxygen percentage.
- Convert the partial pressure of oxygen to a simulated altitude – This conversion requires empirically validated algorithms. ACT uses the West Equations, which are based on the most recent science.