Sports Fan Cooling Station

Abstract

The sports fan cooling station is specifically designed for the sports fan(s) who enjoys outdoor sporting events. This cooling station utilizes the thermoelectric cooler peltier effect and AC power to cool individuals and beverages. The cooling station has a cooling hood that blocks the sunlight and cools the sports fan in a high heat stress environment. It also has a beverage cooler that cools beverages for the sports fan. In addition, the cooling station can be connected to multiple cooling hoods which can cool multiple sports fans at the same time. The cooling station is compact and portable. With this cooling station, sports fans can enjoy a sporting event and not worry about suffering from heat stress caused by hot weather.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heat exchanging apparatus for sports fans, and in particular, to applying a thermoelectric cooling module peltier effect to build a cooling station to cool one or multiple individuals and their beverages, so the sports fans can enjoy a sporting event without suffering from the heat stress caused by hot weather.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many sports fans have to expose themselves to a long term of heat stress while they are watching a sporting match, such as a tennis match or a baseball match, on a hot sunny day. Heat stress can result in illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.

In order to prevent or decrease the effects of heat stress, a number of body cooling systems have been developed. Systems that are most prominent are ice cooling systems, phase change cooling systems, circulating air and liquid cooling systems.

Ice cooling is usually archived by pocketing a bag of ice in a cooling vest, and then the users can wear the vest close to their skin to archive cooling while the ice melts. This kind of cooling might be only effective for only a couple of hours and might cause local “ice freeze” and hurt the users' skins.

The phase change cooling is usually achieved by evaporation of liquid soaked by the vest which is worn by the users, or by changing coolant in the vest from solid phase to liquid phase or vise versa.

Air or liquid cooling is typically achieved by circulating pre-chilled air or liquid from a compressor or pump to the garment, such as vest. The pre-chilled air or liquid circulates around the body of the wearer and achieves cooling. The air-cooled system could be noisy and requires the wearers to attach themselves to an air hose, thus limiting wearer mobility.

To solve the sports fan heat stress problem, currently some cooling vests are commercially available to cool the sports fans during a sport event. These cooling vests are usually made with ice cooling or two phase cooling systems. The shortcomings of these cooling vests are that 1. the cooling effect can only last a couple of hours. Some sporting events, however, can last as long as a whole day, for instance, a Grand Slam Tennis tournament; 2. these kinds of cooling vests are usually heavy after they are soaked with water, and sports fans usually do not like to wear a heavy vest during a sporting event.

A thermoelectric cooling module, hereafter referred to as TEC, is often used to provide cooling/heating to control the temperature in the clothing and shoes. For example, US issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,957: “Temperature Regulated Clothing” describes using a battery to power TEC to achieve temperature control in clothing and shoes. However, it can only provide short term cooling and is not suitable for sports fans. The clothing and shoes are considerably heavy for the sports fans, as the TEC and associated pump and heat exchangers are built on the clothing and shoes. TEC cooling is typically not very efficient. For example, Watronix's commercially available TEC water chiller, model number Inb 28-12-LA, requires 12VDC, 13A power (156 W of electric power) in order to generate 80 W of cooling. A human body usually generates in the range of 150 W to 300 W of body heat. In order to remove this amount of body heat, a large battery is required. Therefore, for long term cooling purposes, battery powered TEC cooling is not practical. Other TEC cooling systems that provide cooling to individuals, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,526: “Portable Temperature Control System”, is designed to use TEC cooling for therapy pads. Application Ser. No. 11/308,854, “Cooling Sheet for Pillow”, uses TEC cooling to cool a pillow, therefore cooling the person who sleeps on the pillow.

Attending a sports event, such as a tennis tournament, is supposed to be an enjoyable event. However, because of a lack of practical cooling systems for the sports fans, many sports fans suffer fainting, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke due to the hot weather in the stadium. It is very common to find a stadium has an emergency medical care unit, which is usually filled with sports fans who are suffering from heat stress from watching sports. Because of the bad experience associated with the heat stress, many sports fans would rather stay home watching TV instead of going to the sporting event.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first objective of the invention is to design a cooling station that can provide cooling to sports fans for extended periods of time. This will allow sports fans to enjoy sporting events and not worry about heat stress in hot weather. The second objective is to design a cooling system that is light weight and complex. As mentioned above, TEC cooling is not very efficient. This invention takes advantage of the AC power that is readily available in any stadium to power the TEC cooling module. Since the sports fan usually has a designated seat, the cooling station can easily be plugged into the electric plug installed next to the seat. The third objective is to design a cooling system that can cool multiple individuals with a single station because the sports fan usually goes to the sporting event with their friends and family and they usually sit together. In order to achieve the above objectives, there is provided a Sports Fan Cooling Station (SFCS). In general, SFCS utilizes the AC power from the stadium, and converts the AC to DC power to generate cooling utilizing the thermoelectric cooling module (TEC). TEC will provide chilled coolant to cool one or multiple sports fans' body temperature as well as their beverage. SFCS makes the sporting event a pleasant experience. In general, the Sports Fan Cooling Station is comprised of the following system components:

A heat exchange garment, a primary cooling hood in this case, to remove the heat from the individual. The hood has a fluid inlet and outlet. The fluid path within the hood extends from the cooling hood inlet to the hood outlet.

A heat exchange garment, a secondary cooling hood in this case, to remove the heat from the individual. The hood has a fluid inlet and outlet. The fluid path within the hood extends from the cooling hood inlet to the hood outlet.

TEC modules, powered by a DC power supply. The DC power is converted from AC power from a regular wall electric outlet.

A metal heat exchanger to transfer the heat to the cold side of the TEC. It has a heat exchanger inlet, and a heat exchanger outlet. A supply of fluid will flow in the heat exchanger inlet and emit cooled fluid from the exchanger outlet. The heat exchanger is thermally contacted with the cold side of the TEC.

A heat sink to remove the heat from the hot side of the TEC. It thermally contacts with the hot side of the TEC.

A cooling fan to remove the heat from the heat sink to the surroundings.

A metal heat exchanger to cool the beverage. It has a heat exchanger inlet, and a heat exchanger outlet. A supply of cooled fluid flows in the heat exchanger inlet and emits from the heat exchanger outlet.

A pump to circulate coolant in a closed coolant loop.

A reservoir to store coolant, which can be used to refill the coolant as needed.

A control/power module to set the desired temperature in the cooling hood, in addition to converting the AC power to DC in order to power the TEC module, cooling fan and pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the sports fan cooling station in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the inside of a tube plate heat exchanger in association with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a tube plate heat exchanger in association with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a beverage cooler heat exchanger in association with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a beverage cooler heat exchanger in association with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a coolant reservoir.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram (back) of a cooling hood heat exchanger in association with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a cooling hood heat exchanger in association with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the schematic diagram of the sports fan cooling station (SFCS). In general, the SFCS is a closed loop coolant system. The coolant flow is driven by a coolant pump 170. The pump is either a positive displacement pump or a diaphragm pump. The tube plate exchanger 120 is thermally connected with the cold side of the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) module 100, while the heat sink 180 is thermally connected with the hot side of the TEC 100. As a result, as the coolant follows through the tube plate exchanger 120, the heat in the coolant is transferred to the tube plate exchanger 120, and then to the TEC 100, then to the heat sink 180. The cooling fan 160 circulates the atmospheric air and removes the heat from the heat sink 180. The cooled coolant exits the tube plate exchanger 120 and flows into the beverage cooler 140 and cools the beverage within the beverage cooler 140. The coolant then exits the beverage cooler 140 and flows into cooling hoods 150 and 260, where the coolant flows through the flow channels 190 and picks up the body heat from the wearers. The heated coolant exits the cooling hoods 150 and 260 and flows into a reservoir 200, and exits the reservoir 200 and flows into a coolant pump 170. The coolant exits the coolant pump 170 and flows into the tube plate heat exchanger 120. This process repeats until the cooling pump 170 is powered off.

FIG. 2 shows the inside view of the tube plate heat exchanger 120. The coolant flow direction in the tube plate heat exchanger 120 is counter-flow with the air flow from the cooling fan 160 in order to achieve an efficient heat transfer. In addition, baffles are placed inside the tube plate exchanger to prolong the coolant path and coolant flow speed therefore enhancing the heat transfer coefficient between the coolant and the cool side of TEC.

FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the tube plate heat exchanger 120. The tube plate heat exchanger 120 is insulated from the atmospheric temperature on one side and thermally contacted with the TEC cool side on the other side. As a result, as the coolant flows through the tube plate heat exchanger 120, the coolant is cooled by the heat transfer between the TEC and the tube plate heat exchanger 120. It is not heated by the atmospheric air, nor does it form condensation on the surface of the tube plate heat exchanger 120.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the top and cross sectional view of the beverage cooler heat exchanger 140. The cooled coolant enters this heat exchanger 140 to cool the beverage placed inside the beverage cooler 140. The beverage cooler 140 is insulated from the atmospheric air to prevent atmospheric condensation from being formed or heat being transferred to coolant from the atmosphere. As the coolant exits the beverage cooler 140, it flows into a primary cooling hood 150. A quick disconnect 210 is provided for a secondary cooling hood 260 as needed. Once the secondary cooling hood 260 is connected to the quick disconnect 210 and 280, the coolant flows to the secondary cooling hood 260 through the disconnect 210. With this design, two or more cooling hoods can be connected to the cooling loop and the station can be used to cool multiple wearers.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the coolant reservoir. The reservoir is a watertight reservoir 200. The reservoir 200 is preferably made of a lightweight flexible material such as treated nylon or a heavy plastic. A screw cap 270 is located at an upper end of the reservoir 200. Screw cap 270 is mated with a hole (not shown) in reservoir 200. When in place, screw cap 270 forms a watertight seal with reservoir 200. As new coolant is needed, the screw cap 270 can be opened for refill. A quick disconnect/check valve 280 can be used to connect a secondary cooling hood 260. As shown in FIG. 1, a secondary cooling hood 260 can be connected to the quick disconnect 210 and the quick disconnect/check valve 280. After the connection, the coolant will flow from disconnect 210 to cooling hood 260, and to the quick disconnect/check valve 280. The quick disconnect/check valve 280 can prevent the coolant from back flow when the secondary cooling hood 260 is connected to the quick disconnect/check valve 280 before to the quick disconnect 210.

FIG. 7 shows the back view of either cooling hood 150 or 260. Cooling hoods 150 and 260 are the heat exchanger garments. Take cooling hood 260 as an example. As described above, the circulating cooling fluid flows out through the quick disconnect 210 and into a network of flow channel 190 which extends through a heat exchange garment, cooling hood 260. Numerous flow channels 190, fabricated from plastic sheets, are placed within the cooling hood 260. When the cooling hood 260 is worn, the flow of circulating coolant flows through the cooling hood 260 via the flow channels 190. The circulating coolant is gradually heated, and the wearer is cooled, as the heat from the wearer's body is conducted to the circulating cooling fluid. The circulating cooling fluid exits the cooling hood 260 in a heated condition and returns to the cooling reservoir 200 via the quick disconnect/check valve 280. To utilize the secondary hood 260, the wearer connects the cooling hood 260 to the quick disconnect/check valve 280 first, and then connects the cooling hood 260 to the quick disconnect 210. On the cooling hoods 150 and 260, there are fittings that connect the flow channels 190 to the plastic tubes which extend to the beverage cooler 140 and coolant reservoir 200. On the cooling hood 150 and 260, there is a visor 250 for blocking the sun light, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows the cross sectional view of a cooling hood, a primary cooling hood 150 or a secondary cooling hood 260. The cooling hood is made of nylon fabric and numerous flow channels 190 are sewn to the nylon fabric. The flow channels 190 are made from plastic sheets.

A control box and power module 130 are used to convert the AC power to 12-Volt DC power to power the TEC module 100, cooling pump 170, cooling fan 160 and a universal charger (not shown on the drawing). The control box and power module 130 have an On/Off LED indicator 240, which shows whether system is on or off after being plugged in. The control box and power module 130 have a push button 230 to turn on and off the power. The control box and power module 130 have a temperature dial 220 which sets coolant temperature in the coolant loop. A temperature sensor is located at the coolant return tubing in the reservoir 200, see FIG. 6. The control box and power module 130 control the coolant temperature based on feedback from the temperature sensor and temperature setting on the temperature dial 220.

Claims

1. A cooling station designed to cool one or more individuals is comprised of: a thermoelectric cooler module; a control/power module; a tube plate heat exchanger; a heat sink; a cooling fan; a coolant pump; a beverage cooler; a coolant reservoir; a primary cooling hood; a secondary cooling hood(s); piping and fitting that connect each system component.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 converts the AC power from a wall electric outlet to DC power to power said thermoelectric cooler module, which cools coolant in a closed loop system. Said cooled coolant is delivered by said coolant pump to said beverage cooler to cool beverage and to said primary cooling hood to cool an individual.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 can further be used to cool multiple individuals by connecting multiple said secondary cooling hood(s) to said cooling station.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said thermoelectric cooler comprises a peltier junction. The cold side of said thermoelectric cooler module is thermally connected with said tube plate heat exchanger. The hot side of said thermoelectric cooler module is thermally connected with said heat sink.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control/power module has a power module with AC to DC converter. Said control/power module has an on/off LED indicator and a temperature setting dial. Said control/power module takes signal input from a temperature sensor installed in the inlet tube of said coolant reservoir, and adjusts the power output to said thermoelectric cooler module to achieve coolant temperature control.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tube plate heat exchanger has multiple baffles within said tube plate heat exchanger to increase the coolant linear velocity and thus increase heat exchange efficiency. One side of said tube plate heat exchanger is thermally connected to the cold side of said thermoelectric cooler module, while the rest of the external surface of said tube plate heat exchanger is thermally insulated.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cooling fan is powered by said control/power module. Said cooling fan blows atmospheric airflow to said heat sink to increase the heat dissipate efficiency. Said airflow is counter-flow with coolant flow in said tube plate heat exchanger.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said beverage cooler is used to cool the beverage or water placed inside of said beverage cooler. Said beverage cooler is a tube shell heat exchanger. Coolant flows in shell side of said beverage cooler. Said beverage cooler is thermally insulated. Said beverage cooler has a quick disconnect. If needed, said secondary cooling hood can be connected to said quick disconnect and coolant can then flow through said secondary cooling hood to cool the wearer.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said coolant reservoir is used to store coolant and refill coolant as needed. Said coolant reservoir has a quick connect with a check valve to prevent coolant back flow. Said secondary cooling hood can be connected to said quick disconnect on said coolant reservoir as needed.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said primary cooling hood is a hood made of nylon fabric and flow channels made with plastic sheets. Said flow channels are attached to said nylon fabric. Coolant flows through said flow channels and picks up the body heat from the wearer. Said primary cooling hood has a visor in the front.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary cooling hood is a hood made of nylon fabric and flow channels made with plastic sheets. Said flow channels are attached to said nylon fabric. Coolant flows through said flow channels and picks up the body heat from the wearer. Said secondary cooling hood has a visor in the front. As needed, said secondary cooling hood(s) can be connected to said quick disconnect on said beverage cooler and said quick disconnect on said coolant reservoir.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said piping and fitting are made of Polyphenylene (PPE) plastics.