Apparatus and method for the cooling of ambient air in outdoor spaces

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the cooling of ambient air in outdoor spaces utilizing a lightweight battery-powered compressor, two twelve volt deep-cycle rechargeable batteries, flexible/foldable solar panels with integrated charge controllers, a lightweight pump for circulating coolant (ethanol), a vortex tube for super-cooling compressed air, a hot air diffuser/exhaust system, a blower to force ambient air across cooling coils and into the space to be cooled, and a cabinet mounted on pneumatic wheels to provide portability.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of air conditioning and more specifically to an apparatus and method for the cooling of ambient air in outdoor spaces

In many regions across the world children and adults participate in amateur athletic events under extremely hot and humid conditions. Usually, the only relief provided from the heat and humidity is the shade provided by canopies, tents, awnings, dugouts or other semi-enclosed spaces. These semi-enclosed spaces have no apparatii for providing any cooling other than the shade provided. Medical tents at such events as triathlons and marathons where heat related illnesses are treated are rarely cooled by any means. Likewise, other entertainment/leisure activities which take place on patios, decks, courtyards or other semi-enclosed places usually take place without the benefit of any cooling mechanism. Traditional air-conditioning systems are designed to cool fully-enclosed spaces by gradually removing the hot air, cooling the air and returning the cooled air to the enclosed space. The efficiency of these systems is largely dependent upon the space being completely and tightly enclosed. These systems also require large electrical energy inputs to run their compressor/condenser and blower components.

Traditional air-conditioning systems, because of their large energy requirements and inefficiency in semi-enclosed spaces have heretofore not been widely used in semi-enclosed spaces such as canopies, tents, patios, decks and courtyards. Fans are sometimes used in such spaces but merely circulate ambient air and provide cooling only by accelerating evaporation of perspiration on the skin; even this effect is limited in humid environments. Evaporative coolers, like fans, require relatively small energy inputs, but, like fans, have limited cooling effect in the many regions that have high humidity levels.

The vortex tube as disclosed by Ranque in U.S. Pat. No. 1,952,281 is a device which separates the energy of compressed gas into a cold air fraction and a hot air fraction. The vortex tube has had industrial applications such as providing spot-cooling in small but critical areas of manufacturing processes, as well as providing cooling within computer cabinets and for other heat-sensitive componentry. These systems have largely been tied to readily available compressed gas systems within the manufacturing/industrial context and have, therefore, not been portable. The prior technology has not addressed the use of the cold fraction discharge of the vortex tube in the context of providing cooling for leisure and recreational activities in semi-enclosed spaces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive and efficient means of cooling outdoor spaces, particularly enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces such as canopies, tents, patios, decks and courtyards.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight portable device for cooling outdoor spaces that can be transported in a mini-van or light-duty pick-up truck.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight portable device for cooling outdoor spaces, mounted on pneumatic tires, that can be easily pulled by hand to the site to be cooled.

A further object of the invention is to provide a lightweight portable device for cooling outdoor spaces that is powered by re-chargeable deep-cycle batteries that are re-charged by flexible solar panels that are attached.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight solar powered device for cooling outdoor spaces that does not use chemicals that are harmful to the environment.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight solar powered device for cooling outdoor spaces that emits no harmful gases or chemicals and produces, as by-products, only hot air and condensate.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pollution-free means of cooling outdoor spaces utilizing portable compressed air and a vortex tube.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus and method for the cooling of ambient air in outdoor spaces comprising: a lightweight battery-powered compressor, two twelve volt deep-cycle rechargeable batteries, flexible/foldable solar panels with integrated charge controllers, lightweight pump for circulating coolant (ethanol), a vortex tube for super-cooling compressed air, a hot air diffuser/exhaust system, a blower to force ambient air across cooling coils and into the space to be cooled, and a cabinet mounted on pneumatic wheels to provide portability.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a process for An apparatus and method for the cooling of ambient air in outdoor spaces comprising the steps of: the use of a lightweight battery-powered compressor, two twelve volt deep-cycle rechargeable batteries, flexible/foldable solar panels with integrated charge controllers, lightweight pump for circulating coolant (ethanol), a vortex tube for super-cooling compressed air, a hot air diffuser/exhaust system, a blower to force ambient air across cooling coils and into the space to be cooled, and a cabinet mounted on pneumatic wheels to provide portability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the vortex tube.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the operations that comprise the method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective-view of an apparatus and method for the cooling of ambient air in outdoor spaces. The power source for this apparatus is provided by two deep-cycle 12 v batteries 1a and 1b. The batteries are charged by flexible/foldable solar panels with integrated charge controllers 29a and 29b. These solar panels may be rolled into a tube-like shape and stored conveniently alongside the cabinet of the apparatus. One battery 1a provides power exclusively to a compressor 3 which pressurizes air in the air reservoir 7 until the pressure reaches a predetermined PSI, whereupon a solenoid valve 5 between the compressor 3 and air reservoir 7 shuts off the compressor. The compressor works on a cycle so as to lessen wear and tear on the compressor and increase battery out-put time. Once pressure reaches a certain predetermined PSI in the air reservoir 7, the solenoid valve 9 opens to allow high pressure jet of air to pass through the vortex tube 11. The vortex tube 11 separates the cold/hot fractions of the compressed air and focuses a jet of super-cooled (−40 Farenheit) air onto the coolant reservoir 13. The coolant (ethanol or other suitable liquid) is pumped through the copper cooling coil 15 by a small pump 17. The pump derives its power from the other 12 v battery 1b. A centrifugal blower 16 blows ambient air across the cooling coils 15, through the vent 32 and into the space to be cooled. The power source for the blower 16 is the battery not exclusively used for the compressor, that is, 1b. Hot air from the heat fraction of the vortex tube 11 is expelled into the heat diffuser 23 and conducted along the heat transfer tube 25 into the heat sink 27. The entire cooling cabinet is mounted on wheels with pneumatic tires FIG. 2 34 for ease of towing by a handle attached to the cabinet. Condensate is collected in the condensation tray 19 and drained through the condensation drain 21 and into the heat sink 27.

FIG. 2 is another view of the invention and gives a side perspective of components hereinabove described.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective of a vortex tube as disclosed by Ranque in U.S. Pat. No. 1,952,281 and previously discussed.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart which describes the operations which comprise the method.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus and method for the cooling of ambient air in outdoor spaces comprising:

a lightweight battery-powered compressor;

two twelve volt deep-cycle rechargeable batteries;

flexible/foldable solar panels with integrated charge controllers;

lightweight pump for circulating coolant (ethanol);

a vortex tube for super-cooling compressed air;

a hot air diffuser/exhaust system;

a blower to force ambient air across cooling coils and into the space to be cooled; and

a cabinet mounted on pneumatic wheels to provide portability.

2. A process for an apparatus and method for the cooling of ambient air in outdoor spaces comprising the steps of:

a lightweight battery-powered compressor;

two twelve volt deep-cycle rechargeable batteries;

flexible/foldable solar panels with integrated charge controllers;

lightweight pump for circulating coolant (ethanol);

a vortex tube for super-cooling compressed air;

a hot air diffuser/exhaust system;

a blower to force ambient air across cooling coils and into the space to be cooled; and

a cabinet mounted on pneumatic wheels to provide portability.