Abstract: An air cooling system is provided for cooling ambient or recirculated air. The system includes a compressor receiving ambient air, and a first heat exchanger receiving pressurized air from the compressor. An expander receives warm air from the first heat exchanger. A second heat exchanger receives cold air from the expander. The second heat exchanger also receives supplemental ambient air, and is structured to utilize the cold air to cool the supplemental air and provide mixed cool air. The system cools and dehumidifies the supplemental ambient air to prevent unwanted stratification and condensation.

Abstract: An air cycle air conditioning system for treating air contained within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The system includes a compressor for receiving air from the passenger compartment and compressing the air, thereby producing charged air. Further, an expander is provided selectively coupled to the compressor for expanding the air and cooling the air communicated to the passenger compartment. The system further includes an air-to-air heat exchanger that cools the air received by the compressor-and supplies cooled charged air to the vehicle's engine.