Abstract: A system passively cools, regulates humidity and/or rectifies diffusive transport of water vapor in an interior area within a structure. The system includes a membrane assembly covering a portion of the structure, wherein the membrane has an interior side facing the interior area and an exterior side. The membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores. When cooling, a supply of fluid is provided to the membrane assembly so that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, the desired heat flow. The membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores. A pump can provide the fluid to the interior side of the membrane assembly. Preferably, the architectural membrane is woven PTFE-coated fiberglass and the porous matrix coating is titanium dioxide, zeolites and/or silica gel.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling device including a combination of insulative surfaces and evaporative surfaces that may hold and cool contents with walls that are made of semipermeable materials. The evaporative surfaces store and facilitate the evaporation of a liquid to cool the interior of the evaporative cooling device while the insulative surfaces limit heat transfer in or out of the evaporative cooling device from air, sunlight or the ground. The evaporative cooling device is further capable of holding a variety of products at a temperature below ambient environmental temperature, assuming less than 100% humidity. Moreover, the evaporative cooling device may be designed to be lightweight and collapsible for easy transport and storage.

Abstract: Provided is a water tank for a refrigerator. The water tank includes a body part, a supply hole, and a supply part. The body part provides a space in which water for making ice is stored. The supply hole is opened to the outside of the body part. The water is introduced through the supply hole. The supply part is insertable and withdrawable into/from the body part. The supply part selectively opens the supply hole and guides the supplied water such that the water is introduced inside the body part through the supply hole. Thus, the water can be supplied by withdrawing the supply part to improve a user's convenience.

Abstract: The invention refers to a cover, comprising a fleece arranged between a top and a bottom layer which holds a super absorber. At least in one layer a permeability area which is permeable to moisture is provided through which the cover can be moistened in a controlled way.

Abstract: A light weight, mobile, cost effective indirect evaporative air/gas cooling system. Porous light weight high strength polypropylene plastic plates are used for dry air conduction while the spaces between neighboring plates filled with highly breathable fabric sheets or fibers are used for wet air conduction. Waters are sprayed onto the plates and the spacing fabrics. Water evaporation is accelerated by an air exhaustion facility on top of the wet air channels which exhausts the humid air from the cooling system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enthalpy exchanger, comprising at least one enthalpy-exchanging unit, which enthalpy-exchanging unit: comprises at least one plate, along at least one contact side of which a first liquid medium and a second medium can be displaced while exchanging enthalpy, and comprises at least one hygroscopic material layer which connects to at least one contact side of the plate in contact with the first liquid medium, wherein the mutual orientation of the plate and the material layer is such that a liquid film of the first medium can form between the plate and the material layer, wherein the liquid film is in enthalpy-exchanging contact with both the plate and the material layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an evaporative cooler having two medium circuits which are thermally coupled to one another by a number of heat-conducting vertical walls. These walls and the heat-conducting fins arranged thereon are provided with a hydrophilic, water-buffering covering layer, for example made from Portland cement. A humidification unit for moistening the covering layer is added to the dew point cooler. According to the invention, the humidification unit comprises a releasable cover which forms part of the casing of the dew point cooler and bears at least one sprinkler or nozzle for distributing water over the covering layer.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a plurality of tubes that define refrigerant passages extending vertically from a lower end to an upper end. A bottom header is in fluid communication with the passage at the lower end of the tube, and a top header is in fluid communication with the passage at the upper end of the tube. A plurality of plates extends rearwardly from the tubes to a distal edge. Adjacent plates extending from adjacent tubes are closed off at the distal edges by a connector, and adjacent plates extending from the same tube have a rear opening between the distal edges for receiving air into the assembly. A plurality of orifices is disposed along the plates to allow air from the rear opening to flow downstream between the tubes. A water tank and wicking material are provided for wetting the plates.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system is disclosed comprising an evaporative cooler in series with the conventional vapor compression system. The evaporative cooler comprises an array of dry channels and a contiguous array of wet channels. The primary air stream to be conditioned by the evaporator of the conventional air conditioning system is preconditioned by the evaporative cooler by lowering its dry bulb temperature without changing its absolute humidity. An evaporator core is supported downstream of the evaporative cooler for receiving the primary air from the dry channels and thereby produces liquid condensate. The system is distinguished by conducting the liquid condensate from the evaporator core to the wicking tank for use in the wet channels of the evaporative cooler.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-cooling containers for beverages and other liquids. Such containers comprise porous matrices as elements of the container bodies to effect the cooling of contained liquids by pervaporation. The liquid vapor can pass through the porous matrix directly to the environment or to a collector or trap comprising an absorbent material in contact with the container. Also disclosed are self-cooling containers incorporating insulative sleeves that reduce radiative warming of container surfaces yet permit sufficient pervaporative flux to cool containers residing within such sleeves.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an air conditioner for blowing conditioned air toward a compartment of a vehicle, and a dashboard having a design surface exposed to the compartment. An inner air passage extending nearly parallel to the design surface is formed in the dashboard, and a plurality of diffusion blowing openings are formed in the design surface. Thus, the condensed air is blown from the diffusion blowing openings into the compartment of the vehicle, while passing through the inner air passage. For example, cool air is blown from the diffusion blowing openings, so that the cool air can cool the dashboard while cooling the compartment of the vehicle. Moreover, because the cool air passes through the inner air passage extending nearly parallel to the design surface, the dashboard can be effectively cooled.

Abstract: The invention provides a combined building air-conditioning unit and NBC protection system, containing an enclosed space housing a building air-conditioning unit and further including a plurality of chambers, a first chamber having an ambient air inlet port, one prefilter and a blower for sucking air through the prefilter, a second chamber having valve means including an open and closed state, receiving air from the blower and accommodating a C-detector and a valve means actuator, responsive, at least indirectly to, and operable by, the C-detector, and a third chamber housing at least one C-filter and a blower for sucking air from the second chamber via the C-filter into the building when the valve means is in its closed state. A method for economically controlling air purity within a protected space is also provided.

Abstract: A cooling device is constructed by a water impermeable member defining a water passage, the water impermeable member being provided with a vapor permeable member which is permeable to water vapor and impermeable to water, and has the form of a mesh and made of a material having water repellency. The cooling device has a long-life operation while preventing wear-out of the vapor permeable member. Further, optimally setting the size of an opening of the mesh member enables to securely dissipate water vapor outside of the cooling device through the vapor permeable member while efficiently suppressing water leak.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling article, the evaporative cooling article including a non-woven fabric, the non-woven fabric being water absorbent and exposed to atmosphere, the evaporative cooling article effective for exerting an evaporative cooling effect on a liquid held within a container when the container is in contact with the evaporative cooling article.

Abstract: Cooling devices are provided to reduce a person's temperature by evaporative, convective, and/or conductive cooling. One such device maximizes evaporative cooling by aiding the flow of air to the person and the removal of vapor-laden air from the person. An upper sheet and a base sheet are adhered to define numerous elongated, parallel, inflatable cooling chambers separated by flat connecting membranes. Ventilating cross-members interconnect the cooling chambers. Air enters the chambers through an inlet, exits the chambers toward the person through air permeable regions of the base sheet. Air heated by the person's body exits the device upward through evaporation openings in the connecting membranes. The foregoing device, or different variations thereof, may be modified for use in conductive cooling by adding an absorbent sheet beneath the base sheet, or substituting the absorbent sheet for the base sheet itself.

Abstract: Method of cooling air in under-roof spaces of buildings, comprising the following steps: a) mixing water, cement, aluminium powder and a material selected from sand, gravel and the like, into a smooth mixture; b) spreading the smooth mixture over the roof to obtain a uniform layer of porous concrete; c) drying the layer; and d) soaking the layer with water.

Abstract: The self chilling liquid container including a bottle having a top portion with an opening therein for filling the bottle and a removable cap, a closed bottom portion and an elongated center portion. An absorbent elastic exterior shell is received around an outer circumference of the center portion and secured thereto. The exterior shell may be permanently attached to the center portion or removably attached. When the exterior shell is saturated with water and is exposed to the atmosphere, the liquid within the shell evaporates at ambient temperature thus chilling the liquid inside the bottle by heat transfer. The chilling effect is substantially increased by airflow flowing past the flexible shell. In this manner, the primary source of heating of a liquid in the container, that is air flow, is changed to a primary source of cooling the liquid.

Abstract: A compound condensing device to be used in an air conditioner having at least two condensing stages, one behind another, along the blowing direction of a common air blower to reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the coiled pipe extending from the exiting end of the compressor and input end of the expanding device. In both condensing stages, coiled pipe sections are arranged in an up-and-down array, and evaporative cooling liquid droplets are distributed over the coiled pipe to extract heat from the refrigerant in the coiled pipe. Furthermore, fins and water-retaining material wrapping around the coiled pipe are used to increase the efficiency of evaporation. With the arrangement of two or more condensing stages, the exiting air from the compound condensing device has a temperature of about 28.5.degree. C.

Abstract: A multistage condensing structure using a liquid dispensing means to transfer droplets of evaporative cooling liquid onto an air-cooled condenser, taking advantage of the conventional air-cooled condensing method and the evaporation method using a liquid coolant. To further increase the efficiency of the air conditioner, two or more condensing units can be arranged in tandem along the blowing direction of a common air blower. With two or more condensing units arranged in tandem, the contacting area between the evaporation surfaces and the air flow can be enlarged to increase the evaporation efficiency without significantly increasing the size of the air conditioner. The multistage condensing structure, with its continuous heat-exchange along the flow of the refrigerant in the coiled pipe, causes an increase in the subcooling condition in the refrigerant. This condensing structure can, therefore, achieve a much higher E.E.R. than the known method of air cooling.

Abstract: A contra flow air to air heat exchanger, and an evaporative air conditioner employing such a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger (10) utilises a series of stacked plates (24), each having curved deep groove corrugations which form channels (27) with an adjacent plate which are inclined at a small angle with the channels (28) of the first plate (24), each stack of plates (24) having two inlet ducts (14, 16) and two outlet ducts (18, 20) and (19, 21).

Abstract: An evaporative cooling band device adapted to be positioned upon a user's body, the apparatus comprising: a horizontally disposed band formed in a circular configuration, the band including a hose with a plurality of apertures and a moisture absorbing covering, the hose having two free ends, a Y-shaped tube connector being coupled to the free ends of the hose.

Abstract: An evaporative air cooler (10) employs a design in which admitted air flows over and along the surface of a wicking material (14) rather than through the wicking material (14) and, in the process, achieves a greater relative cooling ability thereby. The evaporative air cooler (10) has the primary components of a cooling chamber (12), the wicking material (14), a fan assembly (16), and, in the preferred embodiment, a feedback duct (18). The cooling chamber (12) includes a container portion (20) having an air outlet (40) in one end wall (36) thereof, and a cover portion (22) having an air inlet (44). The wicking material (14), which is towel-like in form, is draped upon the interior surfaces (56, 60, 62) of the container portion (20), with an opening (64) in the wicking material (14) cut so as to correspond to the location of the air outlet (40) and to allow an unimpeded passage of air therethrough.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling device and method for removing heat energy from an object in thermally conductive contact with the device that is formed of a flexible and conformable container that is at least partially filled with a liquid absorbing material. When the device is hydrated and placed in thermally conductive contact with an object to be cooled, heat energy is transferred from the object to the device and the liquid that was absorbed by the material is evaporated. The amount of heat transferred is substantially equal to the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid that is evaporated. The use of the liquid absorbing material also allows the container to remain dry to the touch, even after it is hydrated.

Abstract: A semi-passive cooling system for an armored vehicle includes an intermittent pressure source, an accumulator for storing pressurized fluid from the intermittent source, and a mechanism to control the pressure in the accumulator. The system also includes a water reservoir and automatic controls for stabilizing pressure in the reservoir at a level lower than the accumulator's pressure. A sheet of water-absorbent, wicking skin on an exterior zone of the vehicle receives pressurized water from the reservoir in response to signals from a heat sensor at the exterior zone. The sensors signals open a valve in a supply line connected between the reservoir and the sheet, the valve remaining open for a predetermined interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an engine or component in a vehicle which employs an air conditioning unit such that the condensate which naturally forms on the evaporator during air conditioner unit operation is collected and directed to the transmission pan to enhance cooling.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for personal or general use is disclosed having interior and exterior surfaces and a fluid for dispersion by the exterior surface. The interior surface prevents the fluid from penetrating the interior surface and contacting the person or object to be cooled. The cooling apparatus may also include a fluid collector to collect excess cooling fluid, a device for moving the fluid from the fluid container to the fluid collector, and a return line for recycling at least a portion of the collected fluid. The exterior surface may be wetted by gravity seepage, capillary action, or the like. A band extending around each collector can aid in preventing the fluid from dripping from the apparatus.

Abstract: A Cryogenic Cooling System generally comprises a portable Dewar and a charging station for the Dewar. In the preferred embodiment, a HTSC device, such as a MRI coil, is contained in the Dewar which uses liquid nitrogen as a cryogenic coolant. The Dewar includes a reservoir for holding cryogenic fluid, an optional wicking material, a transfer tube between the reservoir and the HTSC device (or wick), and a vacuum space. Preferably a vent channel is adjacent the reservoir and provides an escape path for evaporating gas from the wick and/or HTSC device. The vent channel preferably provides a feed-back system: as more cryogenic coolant is transferred via the transfer tube, more cool gas is vented through the channel which cools the reservoir and thereby reduces the transfer. A charging system may also be provided as a source of cryogenic coolant. In the preferred embodiment, the charging system comprises a relatively large reservoir for liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: Cooling liquid flowing through cooling-liquid passages cools in heat-transmission manner an inner layer on an inner surface of an impermeable intermediate layer and is directed through a piping to an interface between the intermediate and outer layers, whereby the porous outer layer is cooled by latent heat generated by evaporation of the cooling liquid infiltrated into the porous outer layer.

Abstract: Cooling liquid flowing through cooling-liquid passages cools in heat-transmission manner an inner layer on an inner surface of an impermeable intermediate layer and is directed through a piping to an interface between the intermediate and outer layers, whereby the porous outer layer is cooled by latent heat generated by evaporation of the cooling liquid infiltrated into the porous outer layer.

Abstract: Cooling liquid flowing through cooling-liquid passages cools in heat-transmission manner an inner layer on an inner surface of an impermeable intermediate layer and is directed through a piping to an interface between the intermediate and outer layers, whereby the porous outer layer is cooled by latent heat generated by evaporation of the cooling liquid infiltrated into the porous outer layer.

Abstract: Cooling liquid flowing through cooling-liquid passages cools in heat-transmission manner an inner layer on an inner surface of an impermeable intermediate layer and is directed through a piping to an interface between the intermediate and outer layers, whereby the porous outer layer is cooled by latent heat generated by evaporation of the cooling liquid infiltrated into the porous outer layer.

Abstract: A portable personal cooling apparatus comprising: an exterior surface of fibrous material having a fluid holding capacity sufficient to allow continuous evaporation of a fluid; an interior surface of waterproof material adapted to avoid wetting of the object to be cooled from the fluid on the exterior surface; a fluid container on one of said surfaces for distributing the fluid to the fibrous material; a fluid collector on one of said surfaces for collecting the accumulated unevaporated fluid; at least one fluid return line for moving fluid in the fluid collector to the fluid container; and at least one of said return lines further including means for preventing fluid from flowing back from the fluid container to the fluid collector.

Abstract: Liquified cryogen, such as nitrogen, from a source (43) is applied to a fiber mat (16, 18) adjacent to surfaces (10, 12) of an article (14) to be cooled. The cryogen may be delivered by a tube (40) which is disposed between the mat and a structure (20) to which the mat is fastened by press fit barbed fasteners (22).

Abstract: A low energy consumption apparatus and method for treating a gas in which a main gas stream is cooled and heat is transferred by convection to a liquid and to a secondary gas stream across a heat transfer surface. Liquid evaporates into the secondary stream. A total gas stream is subjected to initial sensible cooling along a moisture impervious surface of a heat exchange element. A secondary gas stream is diverted from the total discharge from the initial cooling stage and is directed counterflow to the total stream at the opposite absorbent surface of the heat exchange element to cause heating and humidification of the secondary stream. The remaining cooled stream which is the primary stream is subjected to sorbent treatment in an absorbent media to heat and dehumidify the stream. The primary gas flow is subjected to a final treatment stage similar to the initial heat exchange treatment. Condensate may be removed from the saturated or near-saturated secondary flow.

Abstract: The main air stream (1) in a room is cooled by passing it along the dry duct (3) and simultaneously passing the auxiliary air stream (7) that has been taken from the atmosphere in a countercurrent flow along the moist duct (9), which is in heat-exchange interaction with the dry duct (3). To provide more intensified cooling the auxiliary stream (7) is precooled in another dry duct (8), which is in heat-exchange interaction with another moist duct (6), by passing a part (5) of the precooled air taken up from the main stream (1), while a part (4) of air is returned to the room. The auxiliary stream (7) is flowing with the aid of an air exhauster (10).

Abstract: An evaporative cooler which for the purpose of cooling a fluid flowing within at least one duct (1) evaporates a substance on the outside of said duct, said substance being supplied in liquid form through at least one conduit, is characterized by at least one liquid connector (7) for controlled passage of the liquid from the conduit (6) onto the outside of said duct (1), wherein the outside of the duct (1) is covered by a porous capillary layer (2) into which the liquid connector(s) (7) open(s). The capillary layer (2) may be surrounded by a liquid barrier (3).

Abstract: The proposed cooler has the form of a thermal tube (1) with zones (2 and 3) for evaporation and condensation, respectively, and outer fins (4) in the zone (3). The cooler has a casing (5) open at one side to admit a flow of gas, the casing accommodating fins (4) so that ends thereof form with a wall of the casing (5) at the other side a cavity (A) to reverse the flow of gas. Adjacent fins (4) are hermetically connected into pairs (6), and form passages (7, 8) between each pair and inside each pair. Provided at the walls of the inner passages (8) is a capillary porous lining (9) ends of which are in contact with a liquid medium (10).

Abstract: A fireproof cabinet system for electronic equipment including a wall shield with an outer metal layer that acts as a radiation shield, an inner support layer and an insulation layer. A water supply nozzle is mounted on top of the fireproof cabinet system for providing a continuous stream of cooling water on the cabinet shield for minimizing fire damage of the shield and also providing a temperature barrier for the electronic equipment. A forced air cooling system provides cool air from a supply located outside of the equipment room to the cabinet where the coolant air is ducted along the top and side walls of the cabinet in a sheath formed between the cabinet wall and the interior so that the coolant air in combination with the cooling water act to cool both the equipment and to remove heat caused by the external fire.

Abstract: Evaporative cooling particularly useful for semiconductor integrated circuits is more efficient when a liquid is completely evaporated at the heat radiating surface. The liquid is converted to droplets and mixed with the gas at the heat radiating surface.

Abstract: A working fluid condensate cools hot containers within a pressure vessel in a process which includes condensing vapors of the working fluid on a cool surface within the pressure vessel and transporting the condensate onto the hot containers for vaporization therefrom to continue the process cyclically. In one embodiment, the condensate is transported by capillary flow through a wick which covers a portion of the container. In alternative embodiments, the condensate is transported from the cool surface to the hot containers by flow induced by gravity, pumps, or centrifugal force.The invention is applied to food processing in a pressure environment. For cleaning convenience, the food is confined to containers, yet short processing times are provided by condensation and vaporization of water as a working fluid which effectively exchanges heat between the containers and heat exchange surfaces within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A foldable outdoor food cooler consisting of a flexible-walled container having rigid top and bottom walls. The container has a top reservoir compartment for receiving a quantity of water and has lower water-absorbing side walls below this top compartment made of burlap or the like, defining a food compartment, said food compartment being provided with spaced perforated rigid shelves. One of the lower walls includes a flap with Velcro strips on its inner margins cooperating with mating Velcro strips around the margins of an opening to provide access to the interior of the food compartment. The lower margins of the reservoir top compartment walls are stitched to the upper margins of the food compartment walls in a manner to provide controlled seepage of water from the top compartment to the food compartment walls, so as to replenish the water in the food compartment walls as evaporation thereof takes place, said evaporation providing the cooling action for the food compartment.