Abstract: A relatively lightweight cooling device and method utilizing adsorption of perspirated water vapor to permit evaporative cooling of a person wearing a sealed suit for defined time periods. The device can be constructed in the form of a rectangular pad or the like having an open cell foam adjacent the person's skin to permit static transport of perspirated water vapor to an adsorbent layer. The open cell foam or a separate material acts as a thermal insulator to prevent heat flow back toward the skin resulting from the exothermic heat of adsorption produced by the adsorbent layer. In lieu of static movement of the water vapor, a small fan can be operatively associated with the fan for actively moving the water vapor to a single point to enhance the evaporative cooling, particularly where a smaller amount of adsorbent material is used.

Abstract: A wrapper which has a phase-change material therein is wrapped around the outer circumference of a tank used to store saturated condensed used refrigerant evacuated from a refrigeration system. The phase-change material acts as a heat exchange medium by changing between solid and liquid phases at its melting/freezing temperature selected from a particular temperature range and thus served to provide a large thermal driving force so as to cool the tank. The selected material is normally one that can be brought into its solid phase merely by contact with ice and/or remain in its solid phase for long periods without itself being refrigerated.

Abstract: A thermal storage heat pipe apparatus and method uses an adsorption chamber connected with the condenser section of a heat pipe via a valve which opens in response to selected changes in temperature and pressure in the heat pipe. The apparatus and method provides adequate heat pipe operation, in addition to normal operation, during frozen startup, when there is no condenser heat rejection and when the evaporator cooling requirements exceed the condenser heat rejection capacity. In addition, the apparatus and method permit recharging and avoids frozen heat pipes where, for example, water is used as the working fluid.

Abstract: A vapor compression heat pump system and method employs thermal storage for adsorption of excess refrigerant under peak thermal load conditions, particularly for spacecraft use. The system can utilize a single compressor and optionally the adsorption bed in a radiator or dual compressors in which one compressor can always handle the base load and the other compressor is used for peak loads and for desorbing and cooling the adsorption bed.

Abstract: A water-activated, exothermic-chemical heater for packaging in a plastic heating bag is produced by methods which allow the heater material to be loosely placed in the heater while retaining the heating material uniformly distributed over the heater by cup-shaped or through cavities in a rigid member covered by a porous, wettable material on at least one side. Alternatively, the heater material is loosed placed in small bags made in a flexible porous material, with the necessary system rigidity provided by a cardboard or polymeric outer cover on one or both sides of the flexible porous material. Food-grade acid anhydride or free acid can be incorporated into the heater material to maintain proper pH. Flammability control can be achieved by blending a known fire retardant into the heater pad materials.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight cooling device utilizing adsorption of perspirated water vapor to permit evaporative cooling of a person wearing a sealed suit for defined time periods. The device can be constructed in the form of a rectangular pad or the like having an open cell foam adjacent the person's skin to permit static transport of perspirated water vapor to an adsorbent layer. The open cell foam or a separate material acts as a thermal insulator to prevent heat flow back toward the skin resulting from the exothermic heat of adsorption produced by the adsorbent layer. In lieu of static movement of the water vapor, a small fan can be operatively associated with the fan for actively moving the water vapor to a single point to enhance the evaporative cooling, particularly where a smaller amount of adsorbent material is used. The vest itself can be the evaporator and filled with working fluid which is vaporized as the evaporator section of the vest absorbs heat from the body.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight cooling device and method utilizing adsorption of perspirated water vapor to permit evaporative cooling of a person wearing a sealed suit for defined time periods. The device can be constructed in the form of a rectangular pad or the like having an open cell foam adjacent the person's skin to permit static transport of perspirated water vapor to an adsorbent layer. The open cell foam or a separate material acts as a thermal insulator to prevent heat flow back toward the skin resulting from the exothermic heat of adsorption produced by the adsorbent layer. In lieu of static movement of the water vapor, a small fan can be operatively associated with the fan for actively moving the water vapor to a single point to enhance the evaporative cooling, particularly where a smaller amount of adsorbent material is used.

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.

Abstract: A thermal storage system comprising a contained fluid and a fusible material in thermal communication therewith for cooperatively controlling the elevated temperature of the contained fluid. The fusible material acts as a controller to sequentially distribute thermal energy for storage thereof depending upon availability of the energy from its source, the stored energy subsequently being utilized to maintain the elevated temperature of the fluid in the absence of the thermal energy source.