Abstract: An improved thermal energy transfer apparatus and associated working fluid employs a supersonic compressor in place of a conventional turbine-compressor unit within a Rankine heat engine powering a vapor compression heat pump. The compressor comprises a supersonic nozzle having an inlet section which converges to a throat region from which a diverging outlet section extends. The inlet section is coupled in the fluid flow path of the heat engine at the boiler outlet, while its outlet section is coupled to a downstream condenser. The working fluid from the evaporator of the heat pump is entrained at a point downstream of the throat region where the pressure in the nozzle is lower than the pressure at the exit of the evaporator. The pressure of the second working fluid from the heat pump is lower than that of the exiting fluid (and the input fluid from the heat engine).

Abstract: An improved thermal energy transfer apparatus and associated working fluid employs a supersonic compressor in place of a conventional turbine-compressor unit within a Rankine heat engine powering a vapor compression heat pump. The compressor comprises a supersonic nozzle having an inlet section which converges to a throat region from which is diverging outlet section extends. The inlet section is coupled in the fluid flow path of the heat engine at the boiler outlet, while its outlet section is coupled to a downstream condenser. The working fluid from the evaporator of the heat pump is entrained at a point downstream of the throat region where the pressure in the nozzle is lower than the pressure at the exit of the evaporator. The pressure of the second working fluid from the heat pump is lower than that of the exiting fluid (and the input fluid from the heat engine).

Abstract: A micro-climate cooling vest of lightweight material of double wall construction, the body-proximate portion of which is comfortable and compatible with the clothing or skin of the wearer contains an internal liner portion comprised of a sealable insulative pocket that contains a heat transfer material that changes phase from solid to liquid within a practical range (e.g. 60.degree.-90.degree. F.) of desired body temperature cooling action, and operates to draw body heat away from the wearer in the course of its phase change form solid to liquid state. To augment the cooling action of the vest, an additional layer of ice may be used in conjunction with the primary phase change material, with the primary phase change material acting as a thermal diode.