Evaporative cooling system

Abstract

An evaporative cooling system for evaporatively cooling poultry houses, livestock houses and/or botanical structures, wherein the evaporative cooling system is capable of continually maintaining a sufficient supply of water within a reservoir and trough system, thus eliminating the occurrence of pump deactivation typically associated with low water level conditions, and promoting a more uniform distribution and quantity of water over the cooling pads of the evaporative cooling system for a more efficient and sustained cooling process.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to cooling devices, and more specifically to an evaporative cooling system. The present invention is particularly suitable for, although not strictly limited to, the efficient evaporative cooling of poultry houses, livestock houses and/or botanical/agricultural structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many agriculturalists typically utilize environmentally-controlled facilities or enclosures to promote proper physiological development of plant or animal life, and to ensure sustained propagation thereof. As with all living organisms, such proper physiological development and/or breeding thereof depends, in large part, upon stabilization and maintenance of internal bio-temperatures within optimally-defined ranges. As such, to assist in implementing a temperature-controlled environment, many animal and plant housings are equipped with ventilation and/or cooling systems that permit adjustability or regulation of internal dwelling temperatures.

[0003] A specific application of such ventilation and cooling systems is ubiquitously found in the poultry farming industry, wherein such systems are utilized to relieve and expel excess heat from within poultry houses, thus reducing animal mortality rates and harmful bacterial and chemical proliferation. Although most animals, especially mammals, possess the ability to sweat via sweat glands, and thus, release excess bodily heat, fowl do not possess such sweat glands, and must therefore release heat by opening their mouths and/or panting. However, because the fowl are contained within generally enclosed structures where overall temperature levels are substantially higher than external or ambient temperature levels, fowl releasing heat through their mouths, or by panting, is usually insufficient to permit proper internal bio-temperature/bio-thermal regulation. As such, poultry farmers generally ventilate their poultry houses via tunnel fans, exhaust fans, vents and/or curtains to permit sufficient aeration and cross-ventilation thereof. Furthermore, to ensure that the housed fowl are kept cool, poultry farmers also utilize water sprayers, foggers and/or cooling pads, in combination with ventilation systems, to promote evaporative cooling of the fowl contained therein.

[0004] Although evaporative cooling systems, in general, are effective in cooling poultry houses and the fowl housed therein, most available evaporative cooling systems possess inherent disadvantages that make their use inefficient and problematic, often requiring frequent maintenance and repair due to the inability of such systems to properly maintain requisite water levels therewithin. More specifically, due to the inherent purpose and function of evaporative cooling systems, water is being evaporatively dissipated from cooling pads and/or discharged from spray nozzles or foggers, and, as such, must be constantly supplied to the system for sustained operation thereof. Although most such cooling systems utilize water reservoirs with float switches to maintain requisite water levels and water supply therein and thereto, such systems typically deplete water from the reservoir at a faster rate than the rate at which water is being supplied thereto from a main waterline, wherein this rate differential is, in large part, due to inefficient refill processes governed by conventional float mechanisms or switches utilized in the reservoirs. Such depletion rates are further drastically increased during high temperature days due to elevated evaporative cooling needs.

[0005] A problem commonly associated with increased depletion rates, or an empty reservoir, is significant water pump wear or burnout, as the water pump is continuously attempting to pump that which is not present, thus causing the pump to overheat and burnout. In attempts to prevent pump burnout in situations where little or no water is available to be pumped, many pumps utilized in available evaporative cooling systems possesses thermal overload trips, switches, relays, or fuses that function to shut the water pump off when the water pump reaches a certain threshold internal temperature, thus reducing pump wear and the likelihood of pump burnout. Although pumps with such thermal overload prevention devices advantageously reduce pump wear and/or burnout, they present to the poultry farmer the disadvantageous and burdensome task of having to constantly reset the pump and thermal overload switch each time the pump is self-deactivated. As such, frequent monitoring of such systems is required to ensure continuous pump activity, as periods of pump non-activity significantly contribute to overall cooling loss, system inefficiencies, and livestock stress and loss.

[0006] Yet another problem commonly associated with many available evaporative cooling systems is the inability of such systems to maintain an adequate supply of reservoir water within the reservoir, thus substantially affecting the system's ability to maintain an appropriate supply of water over the cooling pads, thereby hampering overall cooling processes.

[0007] More specifically, the pumps of many available evaporative cooling systems will typically pump between 40 to 60 gallons of water per minute over the cooling pads; thus, a substantial amount of water is flowing through the system at all times, wherein the rate of return of water to the reservoir, or trough system, is substantially lower than reservoir refill time. As such, the reservoirs of such systems typically do not refill in time, nor do they possess the requisite amount of make-up water, for the system to continuously pump the same quantity of water over the pads at all times during operation of the system, thus resulting in either non-uniform quantities of water being dispersed over the cooling pads at any given time, or frequent deactivation of the system/pump via thermal trips, wherein reactivation occurs only after a sufficient amount of water has accumulated within the reservoir, and through manual reactivation.

[0008] The source of this water deficiency is often traced to the inefficiencies and impracticalities associated with utilization of conventional float-type switches as water level regulators, as such floats generally disadvantageously limit the rate, and thus quantity, of water delivery therethrough, and into the reservoir, irrespective of amount of water being supplied thereto via a main water supply line or source. Such disadvantageous structural limitations of float-type switches often results in excessive and undesirable water-hammer conditions due to large amounts of water from the water main attempting to pass through a narrow delivery hole/channel formed in the float device, thus causing stress or damage to piping and other communicating structures.

[0009] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an evaporative cooling system for evaporatively cooling poultry houses, livestock houses and/or botanical structures, wherein the evaporative cooling system possesses the ability to maintain a requisite amount of water within a reservoir and trough system for continuous systems operation, thereby ensuring uniform distribution and an abundant supply of water over the cooling pads of the evaporative cooling system for a sustained cooling process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing an evaporative cooling system for evaporatively cooling poultry houses, livestock houses and/or botanical structures, wherein the evaporative cooling system is capable of continually maintaining a sufficient supply of water within a reservoir and trough system, thus eliminating the occurrence of pump deactivation typically associated with low water level conditions, and promoting a more uniform distribution and quantity of water over the cooling pads of the evaporative cooling system for a more efficient and sustained cooling process.

[0011] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is an evaporative cooling system having, in general, piping assembly, trough assembly, cooling pads, water reservoir, submersible pump, reservoir refill pipe, water level sensing probe assembly, water regulating valve, and housed electronic controls.

[0012] More specifically, the present invention is an evaporative cooling system having a piping assembly in communication with a trough assembly, wherein a submersible pump preferably pumps water supplied from a reservoir, through the piping system for distribution over and down the cooling pads via holes formed in the piping assembly, and wherein excess water dispersed over the pads is subsequently collected via the trough assembly and returned to the reservoir, as known within the art of evaporative cooling of fowl and livestock houses. The water over the pads is evaporated via fans, blowers or cross ventilation, also as known with the art of evaporative cooling.

[0013] Preferably, a reservoir refill pipe is utilized to refill the water reservoir, wherein water flow through the refill pipe is preferably governed by a solenoid-regulated water valve. The water valve is preferably activated via one or more water level sensing probes that determine water level conditions, and thus, provide an electronic signal to open the valve to permit water flow therethrough for refilling of the reservoir. More specifically, a high-level water sensing probe preferably functions to maintain a constant amount of water within the reservoir by activating the water valve when water levels within the trough system are not in contact with the high-level water sensing probe positioned therein.

[0014] Additionally, a low-level water sensing probe is also preferably incorporated into the trough system for purposes of deactivating the pump should water levels within trough system ever fall below and/or fail to contact the low-level sensing probe due to an insufficient amount of water within the reservoir, wherein such a condition might occur if the main water line supplying water to the reservoir, via the refill pipe, is disengaged, or shunted in some manner, so as to not permit water flow through the refill pipe upon activation of the water valve via the high-level water sensing probe. However, when water levels are brought back into contact with the low-level water sensing probe via refilling of the reservoir, the pump is automatically reactivated for continued systems operation.

[0015] The present invention further optionally incorporates an audible and/or visible alarm activated upon the deactivation of the pump by the low-level water sensing probe, thereby permitting quicker user-response time for system repair, and, thus, reduced cooling loses.

[0016] The present invention still further optionally incorporates a thermostat for internal temperature monitoring for systems activation and/or the opening and closing of ventilation curtains, or other fan and ventilation mechanisms.

[0017] The solenoid-regulated water valve, high-level and low-level water sensing probes, alarm and thermostat, as well as their associated functions, are preferably electrically coupled to, and computer-regulated by, housed electronic controls, wherein a user of the evaporative cooling system preferably sets and/or modifies the operational standards and/or governances of the system, as desired, via the housed electronic controls.

[0018] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate deleterious water hammer conditions typically associated with conventional float-type mechanisms or switches utilized for reservoir refill purposes.

[0019] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate, in general, the need for a conventional float-type mechanism or switch as the reservoir refill control means.

[0020] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to continually maintain an abundant supply of water within the reservoir of an evaporative cooling system.

[0021] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to significantly reduce the occurrence of pump deactivation and failure by constantly maintaining an abundance of water within the reservoir and trough system, regardless of the quantity of water being pumped throughout the system by the water pump.

[0022] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to distribute a uniform amount of water over the cooling pads of an evaporative cooling system as a result of the continual replenishment of the reservoir, thus promoting a more sustained cooling process.

[0023] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide and maintain, in general, a greater quantity of water within the evaporative cooling system than conventionally available, prior art, evaporative cooling systems.

[0024] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate the need for a thermal overload trip-switch on the water pump, as the evaporative cooling system of the present invention deactivates the pump long before the start of any pump wear and/or burnout, unlike commonly available pumps equipped with such trip-switches.

[0025] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to permit poultry farmers, and the like, to set and modify the thermostat and/or water level sensing probes to effectuate a user-selected evaporative cooling process or regimen.

[0026] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the incorporation of a solenoid-regulated water valve to replace conventional float mechanisms as the reservoir refill control means, thus permitting a more expeditious refill process.

[0027] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a computer-controlled evaporative cooling system for a more efficient and accurate cooling process and regimen.

[0028] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the novel incorporation of high-level and low-level water sensing probes as elements in the overall water level regulation and maintenance process of the present evaporative cooling system.

[0029] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be retrofitted into any preexisting water-recycling-based evaporative cooling system.

[0030] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be utilized to evaporatively cool poultry and fowl houses, livestock houses, or any other agricultural or botanical structure.

[0031] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to cool poultry farmers working in the poultry houses being evaporatively cooled by the present invention.

[0032] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an evaporative cooling system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic of the control circuitry of an evaporative cooling system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0036] FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic of the control circuitry of an evaporative cooling system according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing an electrically coupled thermostat assembly and curtain regulating assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is an evaporative cooling system 10 having piping assembly 20, trough assembly 60, cooling pads 80, water reservoir 90, submersible pump 100, reservoir refill pipe 110, water level sensing probe assembly 120, water regulating valve 140, and electronic control housing 150.

[0039] The pumping and channeling of water through evaporative cooling system 10 is preferably accomplished in a substantially similar manner to that of commonly available water-recycling-based evaporative cooling systems. Generally, piping assembly 20 preferably possesses first pipe 22 having upper end 22A and lower end 22B, wherein coupling 25 preferably brings second pipe 24 into fluid communication with upper end 22A of first pipe 22 for the channeling of water therethrough, as more fully described below. Preferably, lower end 22B of first pipe 22 extends into reservoir 90 and is preferably coupled to submersible pump 100 via adapter 27 for the pumping of water therethrough, wherein submersible pump 100 is situated at bottom 90A of reservoir 90, as more fully described below.

[0040] As such, first pipe 22 preferably extends upwardly and substantially perpendicular to the ground, wherein second pipe 24 is preferably disposed parallel with the ground, and positioned over upper edge 80A of cooling pads 80 for the channeling and distribution of water thereover, also as more fully described below. Excess water that drains from end 80B of cooling pads 80 is preferably collected within trough assembly 60 and returned to reservoir 90, wherein end 60A of trough assembly 60 is preferably in direct communication with side 90B of reservoir 90, proximal the mid-region thereof. Preferably, first end 110A of reservoir refill pipe 110 extends into reservoir 90, wherein second end 110B of reservoir refill pipe 110 is preferably adapted to a main water line (not shown) for the channeling of water therethrough, thus permitting the re-filling of reservoir 90, as is necessitated due to the evaporative dissipation of water over cooling pads 80, as more fully detailed below.

[0041] Preferably, first pipe 22 of piping assembly 20 is equipped with union 26 to permit the separation of first pipe 22 into first section 22C and second section 22D, wherein first section 22C is coupled to pump 100, thus permitting the expeditious removal, accessibility, cleaning and/or maintenance of pump 100. Preferably, second section 22D of first pipe 22 preferably possesses tee-with-ball-valve combination 28 utilized to flush out debris from system 10, as is known within the art. Second section 22D further possesses spin-on filter 30 utilized for fluid filtration purposes, as well as ball valve 32 utilized to shunt flow of water from first pipe 22 to second pipe 24, as is known within the art. It should be recognized by those skilled in the art of evaporative cooling systems, that multiple ball valves, unions, couplings, adapters, filters and/or piping sections could be utilized without departing from the appreciative scope of the present invention, as such additions and/or modifications are known within the art and in full contemplation of the inventors in describing the present invention herein.

[0042] Preferably, second pipe 24 of piping assembly 20 possesses a plurality of aligned throughholes 24A, wherein water channeled into second pipe 24 from first pipe 22 and pump 100 is preferably directed through throughholes 24A and passed over cooling pads 80 for the evaporative cooling of the chosen housing, as is known within the art.

[0043] Preferably, excess water draining from lower edge 80B of cooling pads 80 is captured by gulley 62 of trough assembly 60, and returned to reservoir 90 via the fluid communication of end 60A of trough assembly 60 with side 90B of reservoir 90, as best illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0044] Due to the combined effect of the evaporative dissipation of water over cooling pads 80, general splash loss, and the overall quantity of water being pumped through system 10, reservoir 90 must be regularly replenished with water to promote a more sustained cooling process, and to prevent damage or destruction of pump 100. As such, to ensure water within reservoir 90 is constantly maintained at a selected fill line 92 of reservoir 90, translating to a selected volumetric capacity required within reservoir 90 to ensure trouble-free operability of system 10, second end 110B of reservoir refill pipe 110 is preferably adapted to a main water supply line (not shown), such as a water hose, wherein first end 110A of reservoir refill pipe 110 extends into reservoir 90 for the channeling of water therethrough.

[0045] Water level sensing probe assembly 120 and water regulating valve 140 are preferably cooperatively utilized to assist in the electronic and computer regulation of water flow through reservoir refill pipe 110 for the ultimate re-filling of reservoir 90 to fill line 92, or any other desired level, and for overall water-level maintenance within system 10.

[0046] Specifically, water regulating valve 140, preferably in the form of a solenoid-regulated water valve, is disposed between ends 110A and 110B of refill pipe 110, and is preferably utilized to govern water flow therethrough. The solenoid functionality of water regulating valve 140 is preferably regulated via interpreted electronic signal from water level sensing probe assembly 120 to permit water flow therethrough for refilling of reservoir 90, or for shunting the same. For purposes of efficiency, regulating valve 140 preferably possesses at least a ¾ inch diameter to facilitate accommodation of water flow and volume as delivered from a conventional ½ inch diameter main water line to second end 110B of reservoir refill pipe 110 for the ultimate refilling of reservoir 90; although, other such suitable size-ratio-based regulating valves and main water lines could be utilized. Additionally, although water regulating valve 140 is preferably a solenoid-regulated water valve, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that any electronically/computer-regulated water valve could be utilized.

[0047] Water level sensing probe assembly 120 preferably possesses high-level water sensing probe 122 and low-level water sensing probe 124, wherein water level sensing probe assembly 120, in general, is positioned proximal end 60A of trough 60, and wherein probe ends 122A and 124A of high-level water sensing probe 122 and low-level water sensing probe 124, respectively, preferably extend into gulley 62 of trough 60 for contact with water being channeled therethrough, thus permitting overall water-level sensing.

[0048] High-level water sensing probe 122 of water level sensing probe assembly 120 preferably functions to maintain a constant amount of water within reservoir 90 by activating water valve 140, via electronic signal interpreted at control housing 150, when water levels within trough system 60 are not in contact therewith, wherein activation of water valve 140 by electronic controls within control housing 150 preferably permits the solenoid-regulated opening thereof, thus permitting water to flow therethrough, and into reservoir 90 via refill pipe 110. As more fully described below, both water valve 140 and high-level water sensing probe 122 are preferably electrically coupled to, and programmed and interpreted by electronic means within control housing 150, to permit refilling of reservoir 90 to fill-line 92, thus ensuring maintenance of an abundant supply of water within reservoir 90, thereby significantly reducing the occurrence of pump deactivation, and failure, regardless of the quantity of water being pumped throughout system 10 by water pump 100.

[0049] Preferably, low-level water sensing probe 124 is also incorporated into trough assembly 60 for purposes of deactivating pump 100 should water levels within trough assembly 60 ever fall below or fail to contact probe end 124A of low-level sensing probe 124 due to an insufficient amount of water within reservoir 90, wherein such a condition might occur if the main water line supplying water to reservoir 90, via refill pipe 110, is disengaged, or shunted in some manner, so as to not permit water flow through refill pipe 100 upon activation of water valve 140 via high-level water sensing probe 122. However, when water levels are brought back into contact with probe end 124A of low-level water sensing probe 124 via refilling of reservoir 90, pump 100 is automatically reactivated for continued system 10 operation. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that pump 100 could also be equipped with a thermal overload trip for back-up purposes and/or direct association with low-level water sensing probe 124. As more fully described below, both low-level water sensing probe 124 and pump 100 are also preferably electrically coupled to, and programmed and interpreted by electronic means within control housing 150, to permit desired programming of systems operations and parameters thereof, thus ensuring deactivation of pump 100 long before the start of any pump wear and/or burnout, thereby promoting a more sustained cooling process.

[0050] Although high-level sensing probe 122 and low-level sensing probe 124 are incorporated for water level-sensing purposes, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that water level sensing probe assembly 120, in general, could incorporate a mid-level sensing probe for specific applications, or could incorporate any number of water level-sensing probes as desired by an operator of system 10. It is contemplated in yet another alternate embodiment that water level sensing probe assembly 120, in general, could be any other suitable electrically/computer-regulated and/or sensed water level-sensing probe assembly. In yet another alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that water level sensing probes could be physically segregated and placed into other sections of system 10 in order to better sense and regulate water levels therewithin, wherein such a configuration would be based upon the specific physical arrangement of system 10 in view of water flow and volume conditions and requirements.

[0051] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 2, solenoid-regulated water valve 140, high-level and low-level water sensing probes 122, 124, respectively, and pump 100 are preferably electrically coupled to, and computer-regulated by, electronic means housed within control housing 150, wherein an operator of evaporative cooling system 10 preferably sets and/or modifies the operational standards, parameters and/or governances of system 10, as desired, via control box 150. As illustrated in FIG. 2, via control box 150, high-level water sensing probe 122 is able to electrically signal, and thereby regulate, the activation and deactivation of water valve 140, wherein low-level water sensing probe 124 is similarly able to regulate the activation/deactivation of pump 100, also via control box 150.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 2, the electronic means for system 10 is described. Specifically, input power for system 10 electrical operations is connected at power terminal 152, wherein power terminal 152 is preferably a terminal block having conventional hot, neutral and ground power paths or leads 152A, 152B, 152C, respectively. Preferably capacitors 154, 156, of the X2 type, are connected to power paths or leads 152A, 152B, 152C of power terminal 152, and especially to ground lead 152C for safety purposes. Maximum allowed current draw is, in general, preferably controlled via a ¼ amp fast-acting, glass-type fuse 158; although other suitable fuses may be utilized. Power switch 160 is preferably utilized to disconnect power at control box 150, rather than at the main power source (not shown) supplying power to control box 150, and system 10 in general.

[0053] When power switch 160 is in the “on” position, power is applied to a 240/120 VAC primary-12.3 VAC secondary control transformer 162 via terminal block 160A; although other suitable control transformers could be utilized. As such, an output voltage of 12.3 VAC is preferably applied to a 2-amp bridge rectifier 164, wherein bridge rectifier 164 preferably converts the 12.3 VAC to approximately 18.6 VDC—preferably a polarized DC voltage, across positive and negative power paths 164A, 164B, respectively. Preferably, 1000 mf electrolytic capacitors 166, 168 are placed across positive and negative power paths 164A, 164B, respectively, to filter unwanted DC voltages, thus ensuring a steady DC output voltage therefrom, wherein the filtered voltage then preferably flows to a +12 VDC voltage regulator 170. Preferably, voltage regulator 170 regulates the 18.6 VDC from bridge rectifier 164 into a constant 12 VDC output. A 0.1 mf capacitor 172 is preferably placed from the +12 VDC power path 172A to a ground connection to divert unwanted DC components to ground, thereby eliminating false DC signals.

[0054] The +12 VDC power path 172A is preferably sent to high-level water-sensing probe 122 through terminal block 174, preferably a +12 VDC reference signal. If the +12 VDC voltage is sensed by high-level water-sensing probe 122, the power flows to terminal block high 178 via a 100 k potentiometer 180, utilized to adjust the sensitivity of high-level water-sensing probe 122, wherein the power then flows through a 1000 ohm resistor 182, which, in turn, limits the amount of current at the collector of transistor 184. Preferably, so long as transistor 184 is sensing current at its collector terminal, the coil of relay 186 is energized, which, in turn, de-energizes solenoid mechanism 188 of solenoid-regulated water valve 140, thereby inhibiting water from entering reservoir 90 via refill pipe 110, wherein associated voltage flow is regulated by terminal block 189. A similar electrical configuration is utilized for regulation/control of low water-level sensing probe 124, except that relay 187, while energized, permits operation of pump 100. Signal diodes 190, 192 are placed across the coils of relays 186, 187, respectively, wherein diodes 190, 192 are preferably utilized to eliminate reverse polarity voltage spikes generated by the opening and closing of the coils of relays 186, 187, respectively, thus preventing damage to the control circuitry of control box 150 in general.

[0055] Preferably, to permit quicker user-response time for system 10 repair, and, thus, reduced cooling loses, the present invention further contemplates the incorporation of external audible alarm 200 and visual alarm display 202, activated upon the deactivation of pump 100 by low-level water sensing probe 124. Preferably, voltage to audible alarm 200 and visual alarm display 202 is preferably controlled via terminal block 204 and an associated Form C relays, as known within the art, and as best illustrated in FIG. 2. It is, however, contemplated in an alternate embodiment, that system 10 could utilize either audible alarm 200 or visual alarm display 202, or dispense with both audible alarm 200 and visual alarm display 202 entirely.

[0056] Although the above-described circuitry of control box 150 is the preferred electronic configuration for system 10 operation, it should be recognized that alternate, equally effective, electronic circuitry/configurations could be utilized without departing from the appreciative scope of the present invention, as such additions and/or modifications are known within the art and in full contemplation of the inventors in describing the present invention herein.

[0057] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of system 10, wherein the alternate embodiment of FIG. 3 is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of electronic circuitry of control box 150 as illustrated in FIG. 3, incorporates thermostat assembly 300 for internal temperature monitoring for systems activation and/or the deactivation and activation of ventilation curtain regulating assembly 400, and/or other fan or ventilation mechanisms, wherein the electronic circuitry for the operations thereof are implemented in a substantially similar manner to that described above, and/or via other suitable electronic processes known within the art.

[0058] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that system 10 could be altered or modified to accommodate most any commonly available water-recycling-based evaporative cooling system.

[0059] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that water level sensing assembly 120 could be situated in another effective location on system 10, without departing from its functionality.

[0060] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. An evaporative cooling system for evaporatively cooling the internal environment of a building structure, said evaporative cooling system comprising:

an electronic fluid level-sensing probe adapted to maintain a pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system.

2. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid valve adapted to electrically interact with said electronic fluid level-sensing probe to maintain said pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system.

3. The evaporative cooling system of claim 2, wherein said fluid valve is solenoid regulated.

4. The evaporative cooling system of claim 2, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a high fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electronically interact with said fluid valve to permit the opening and closing thereof for fluid passage therethrough for maintenance of a pre-selected upper fluid level limit.

5. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a low fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electronically interact with a pump motor to permit the activation and deactivation thereof based upon a pre-selected lower fluid level limit, said pump motor utilized to pump fluid through said evaporative cooling system.

6. The evaporative cooling system of claim 5, further comprising an electrically coupled alarm, said alarm activated upon deactivation of said pump motor and realization of said pre-selected lower fluid level limit.

7. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a plurality of electronic fluid level-sensing probes selected from the group consisting of high fluid level-sensing probes, mid-range fluid level-sensing probes, and low fluid level-sensing probes.

8. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a thermostat for internal temperature sensing and regulation of ventilation assemblies of said evaporative cooling system.

9. An evaporative cooling system for evaporatively cooling the internal environment of a building structure, said evaporative cooling system comprising:

a fluid valve adapted to maintain a pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system, said fluid valve comprising an electrically controlled regulating means.

10. The evaporative cooling system of claim 9, wherein said electrically controlled regulating means is a solenoid mechanism.

11. The evaporative cooling system of claim 9, further comprising an electronic fluid level-sensing probe.

12. The evaporative cooling system of claim 11, wherein said fluid valve is adapted to electrically interact with said electronic fluid level-sensing probe to maintain said pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system.

13. The evaporative cooling system of claim 11, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a high fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electronically interact with said fluid valve to permit the opening and closing thereof for fluid passage therethrough for maintenance of a pre-selected upper fluid level limit.

14. The evaporative cooling system of claim 11, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a low fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electronically interact with a pump motor to permit the activation and deactivation thereof based upon a pre-selected lower fluid level limit, said pump motor utilized to pump fluid through said evaporative cooling system.

15. The evaporative cooling system of claim 14, further comprising an electrically coupled alarm, said alarm activated upon deactivation of said pump motor and realization of said pre-selected lower fluid level limit.

16. The evaporative cooling system of claim 11, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a plurality of electronic fluid level-sensing probes selected from the group consisting of high fluid level-sensing probes, mid-range fluid level-sensing probes, and low fluid level-sensing probes.

17. The evaporative cooling system of claim 11, further comprising a thermostat for internal temperature sensing and regulation of ventilation assemblies of said evaporative cooling system.

18. An evaporative cooling system for evaporatively cooling the internal environment of a building structure, said evaporative cooling system comprising:

a fluid valve having an electrically controlled regulating means; and,

an electronic fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electrically interact with said fluid valve to maintain a pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system.

19. The evaporative cooling system of claim 18, wherein said electrically controlled regulating means is a solenoid mechanism.

20. The evaporative cooling system of claim 18, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a high fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electronically interact with said fluid valve to permit the opening and closing thereof for fluid passage therethrough for maintenance of a pre-selected upper fluid level limit.

21. The evaporative cooling system of claim 18, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a low fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electronically interact with a pump motor to permit the activation and deactivation thereof based upon a pre-selected lower fluid level limit, said pump motor utilized to pump fluid through said evaporative cooling system.

22. The evaporative cooling system of claim 21, further comprising an electrically coupled alarm, said alarm activated upon deactivation of said pump motor and realization of said pre-selected lower fluid level limit.

23. The evaporative cooling system of claim 18, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe comprises a plurality of electronic fluid level-sensing probes selected from the group consisting of high fluid level-sensing probes, mid-range fluid level-sensing probes, and low fluid level-sensing probes.

24. The evaporative cooling system of claim 18, further comprising a thermostat for internal temperature sensing and regulation of ventilation assemblies of said evaporative cooling system.

25. An evaporative cooling system for evaporatively cooling the internal environment of a building structure, said evaporative cooling system comprising:

a fluid valve having an electrically controlled regulating means;

a first electronic fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electrically interact with said fluid valve to maintain a first pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system; and,

a second electronic fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electrically interact with a pump motor to maintain a second pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system.

26. The evaporative cooling system of claim 25, wherein said electrically controlled regulating means comprises a solenoid mechanism.

27. The evaporative cooling system of claim 25, wherein said first electronic fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electronically interact with said fluid valve permits the opening and closing thereof for fluid passage therethrough for maintenance of said first pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system.

28. The evaporative cooling system of claim 25, wherein said second electronic fluid level-sensing probe adapted to electronically interact with said pump motor permits the activation and deactivation thereof based upon said second pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system, said pump motor utilized to pump fluid through said evaporative cooling system.

29. The evaporative cooling system of claim 28, further comprising an electrically coupled alarm, said alarm activated upon deactivation of said pump motor and realization of said second pre-selected quantity of fluid within said evaporative cooling system.

30. The evaporative cooling system of claim 25, wherein said electronic fluid level-sensing probe assembly comprises a plurality of electronic water level-sensing probes selected from the group consisting of high fluid level-sensing probes, mid-range fluid level-sensing probes, and low fluid level-sensing probes.

31. The evaporative cooling system of claim 25, further comprising a thermostat for internal temperature sensing and regulation of ventilation assemblies of said evaporative cooling system.