Abstract: A method and an apparatus for rapidly cooling and dehumidifying air within a space. In this method, air to be cooled and dehumidified is forced into a cooling zone including an evaporator (101) having fins (103) forming air channels. The fins and the air channels are preferably substantially vertical. Air is circulated above method and apparatus for carrying out the same between the space and the cooling zone in such a manner is that the evaporator can be completely cleaned and sanitized in a few minutes. Since the apparatus allows rapid shedding of any condensation off of the evaporator, freeze-ups never occur. Defrosting is thus eliminated, saving precious time and electrical energy. The above apparatus is particularly adapted for rapidly cooling food.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system capable of generating very cold liquid flows, comprising sending said liquid (5) to a heat pump circuit; said circuit including a hot-side heat exchanger (HSHE) and a cold-side heat exchanger (CSHE); said CSHE being provided with conduit means (10) through which said liquid (5) flows; said conduit means (10) being in contact with and being cooled externally by cold medium (10). The improvement in the system comprising the installation of proper thermal barriers between said cold medium and said liquid in all areas where the velocity of said liquid is much lower than the average velocity found inside said conduit means (10); said improvement also comprising proper design of the entrance (3a) of said conduit means (10) to prevent flow detachment; said design preventing any freeze-up of said liquid (5) as well as improving efficiency and durability.

Abstract: A heat pump system comprising a lower temperature heat exchanger and a higher temperature heat exchanger. The lower temperature heat exchanger is connected to a water supply circuit having a reservoir, the improvement in the system comprising the water flowing through the low temperature heat exchanger capable of being cooled to a quasi-stable supercooled liquid state at temperatures below 0.degree. C. Part of the supercooled liquid water flowing from the lower temperature heat exchanger is transformed to ice upon contact with the water in the reservoir. That phase change can be utilized as the source of energy for the heat pump. The heat pump can be used for heating. The cold water/ice mixture can be used for space cooling. The ice obtained by this process is in the form of small ice crystals and can be utilized for separate applications of the system.