Abstract: A method of generating heat from a gas stream includes providing a first gas stream having a first temperature and a moisture content approximately saturating the gas stream, removing the moisture content from the first gas stream to form a second gas stream having a second temperature greater than the first temperature of the first gas stream, and heat exchanging the second gas stream having the second temperature greater than the first temperature of the first gas stream.

Abstract: The convector includes at least one finned tube bundle (7) in the tubes of which a fluid to be cooled is made to circulate and at least one fan (11) producing an air flow that strikes the outside of said finned tubes. The convector includes an adiabatic chamber (13) through which a air flow (F1) passes, positioned upstream of the tube bundle (7), inside which water is nebulized and vaporized. The adiabatic chamber (13) is defined by side walls (5) and by at least two evaporation honeycomb fill packs (15, 17).

Abstract: A membrane 12 that exhibits superior condensation resistance regardless of the type of moisture-permeable resin, that has satisfactory adhesion between a porous film and a reinforcing member, and that can be manufactured in a simple manner. The membrane 12 is a laminated article 23 containing a porous film 20 and a reinforcing member 40, and the reinforcing member 40 has a moisture-permeable resin layer 30 on the side of an interface 50 with the porous film 20. To reliably form the moisture-permeable resin layer (moisture-permeable resin film) 30, the average pore diameter of the porous film 20 is preferably 0.01 to 10 ?m, and the porosity of the reinforcing member 40 is preferably 30 to 95%. According to the membrane 12 of the present invention, even if the moisture-permeable resin is water-soluble (for example, polyvinyl alcohol), condensation resistance is still satisfactory.

Abstract: An air-to-liquid heat exchanger having a plurality of spaced apart plate units, each unit including a pair of adhesively bonded spaced apart plates forming a liquid flow channel intermediate the adhesively bonded plates for transferring heat from the liquid in the channel to a gas flowing intermediate the spaced apart units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular apparatus and methods for active heat exchange involving continuous atomization of chilled or heated fluid droplets, droplets projection, and formation of fluid film on a large surface for reciprocal two way heat transfer with circulating air. A closed, pleated, corrugated, thin-wall, heat conductive chamber (1) provides the large surface for formation of fluid film and separation between fluid and air offering short and rapid heat conductive path between fluid and air. An axial blower (11) integrated with the heat exchanger module provides re-circulation of air where the heat exchanger module (28) is situated. The modular heat exchanger (28) or multiple of which is integrated with other components such as a refrigeration unit (37), a heating element (25), and a central fluid reservoir (23) in which fluid is pre-chilled or preheated in the application of air conditioning and heating.

Abstract: In a method of coloring a dye coating-formed lens by heating, the lens is subjected to half dyeing by changing the heating temperature depending on the lens site. This dyeing method involves heating a lens having a dye coating-formed on the surface thereof in a heating furnace to diffuse a dye into the lens. This method is carried out in a heating furnace having a frame section having the shape of a cube or rectangular parallelepiped, a heating section provided within the frame section, and an insertion port for inserting the lens provided on the bottom surface of the frame section. All or a part of the lens is inserted from the insertion port into a furnace inside of the heating furnace from the lower portion of the heating furnace and heated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air cooling and air dehumidifying module comprising plastic capillary tube mats, which are formed by folding and/or winding into a compact assembly with a virtually cuboidal outer shape, which cools and dehumidifies the air stream passed through the mat assembly when cold water is conducted through the capillary tubes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of operating the air cooling and air dehumidifying module in combination with cooling ceilings or suspended cooling panels. Such solutions serve for the decentralized cooling of rooms and for dehumidifying the air in a room.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.

Abstract: A corrugated laminate material (44) for use in an evaporative heat exchanger, said material including a water retaining medium having a wettable surface (40) and an opposed vapour resistant surface (42).

Abstract: Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selectively heating and cooling an area. The apparatus comprises a heating assembly for heating an area and a cooling assembly for cooling the area.

Abstract: A method for humidifying and controlling the temperature of a process gas stream comprising the steps of super-saturating and heating the process gas stream with steam until it reaches a first pre-set temperature; cooling the process gas stream until it reaches a second pre-set temperature; removing excess condensed water from the process gas stream; and heating the process gas stream until it reaches a third pre-set temperature. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger that uses water liquid and vapor phases transformation to enhance heat exchange performance mainly includes a primary heat exchanger, a water vaporization device and an auxiliary heat exchanger. The auxiliary heat exchanger has an upper heat exchange tube on an upper end and a lower heat exchange tube on a lower end thereof. The upper and lower heat exchange tubes are connected by a plurality of vertical heat tubes. Refrigerant and water serve as heat exchange media to pre-cool (pre-heat) air intake. The auxiliary heat exchanger and water vaporization device can generate liquid and vapor phases transformation to increase water content in the air to enhance heat exchange effect of the air, thereby to enhance heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger, and save energy and reduce thermal pollution.

Abstract: A method for humidifying and controlling the temperature of a process gas stream comprising the steps of super-saturating and heating the process gas stream with steam until it reaches a first pre-set temperature; cooling the process gas stream until it reaches a second pre-set temperature; removing excess condensed water from the process gas stream; and heating the process gas stream until it reaches a third pre-set temperature. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes heat-generating structure disposed in an environment having an ambient pressure, and a cooling system for removing heat from the heat-generating structure. The cooling system includes a fluid coolant, structure which reduces a pressure of the coolant to a subambient pressure at which the coolant has a boiling temperature less than a temperature of the heat-generating structure; and structure which directs a flow of the liquid coolant at the subambient pressure so that it is brought into thermal communication with the heat-generating structure, the coolant then absorbing heat and changing to a vapor. A method for cooling heat-generating structure disposed in an environment having an ambient pressure includes providing a fluid coolant and reducing a pressure of the coolant to a subambient pressure at which the coolant has a boiling temperature less than a temperature of the heat-generating structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.

Abstract: An air guide for a cooling tower that prevents the air discharged from the cooling tower from flowing back into the cooling tower, and facilitates smooth circulation of outside air inside the cooling tower. The air guide is coupled to a side surface of the cooling tower, and has a length corresponding to a width of the side surface. The air guide includes an air-inflow prevention wall having a curved cross section extending downwardly and outwardly. The air guide further includes an air inlet portion defined at a lower end of the air-inflow prevention wall, and an extension portion extending from the lower end of the air-inflow prevention wall toward the cooling tower.

Abstract: Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.

Abstract: A precooler for use in a fuel cell system between a thermal reformer and a shift converter includes an atomizing water inlet in combination with a swirling inducing reformed gas inlet which act to increase the resistance time of the reformed gas in the precooler so as to effectively cool same.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with improved heat exchange capability mainly includes a primary heat exchanger, a water vaporization device and a secondary heat exchanger. The secondary heat exchanger may be coupled with the water vaporization device to generate liquid and vapor phase transformation to increase heat exchange capability of the heat exchanger and save energy and reduce thermal pollution.

Abstract: The invention concerns an evaporator, especially for the sugar industry, with at least two heat exchangers, into the top of which the medium to be concentrated is loaded and which are heated with steam with different compositions and/or different pressures in a cross stream, wherein the concentrated medium and the exhaust steam generated, after they come out of the heat exchanger, are carried off separately. To produce an evaporator that is simple and inexpensive in design, the invention proposes that the medium to be concentrated be loaded by a medium distribution common to all heat exchangers and the medium leaving the first heat exchanger go directly into the next heat exchanger. Only after the medium comes out of the second heat exchanger are the exhaust steam and the medium separated. The steam spaces in the heat exchanger separated from the exhaust steam space are separated from one another by a common dividing wall.

Abstract: In a heat exchanging apparatus for a vapor compression refrigerant cycle, an internal heat exchanger is attached to an end of a radiator. The internal heat exchanger is arranged such that high-pressure refrigerant passages are closer to the radiator than low-pressure refrigerant passages. The heat exchanging apparatus can be mounted on a vehicle such that the radiator receives cooling air more than the internal heat exchanger. Because the internal heat exchanger performs heat exchange between high-pressure refrigerant and low-pressure refrigerant, performance of the internal heat exchanger is not degraded even if it is located at a part receiving less cooling air. Thus, the heat exchanging apparatus is easily mounted on a vehicle by integrating the internal heat exchanger with the radiator, without reducing a cooling capacity of the radiator.

Abstract: Laminated, multiphase separators and contactors having wicking structures and gas flow channels are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange. Integrated systems containing these components are also part of the present invention.

Abstract: A precooler for use in a fuel cell system between a thermal reformer and a shift converter includes an atomizing water inlet in combination with a swirling inducing reformed gas inlet which act to increase the resistance time of the reformed gas in the precooler so as to effectively cool same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular apparatus and methods for active heat exchange involving continuous atomization of chilled or heated fluid droplets, droplets projection, and formation of fluid film on a large surface for reciprocal two way heat transfer with circulating air. A closed, pleated, corrugated, thin-wall, heat conductive chamber (1) provides the large surface for formation of fluid film and separation between fluid and air offering short and rapid heat conductive path between fluid and air. An axial blower (11) integrated with the heat exchanger module provides re-circulation of air where the heat exchanger module (28) is situated. The modular heat exchanger (28) or multiple of which is integrated with other components such as a refrigeration unit (37), a heating element (25), and a central fluid reservoir (23) in which fluid is pre-chilled or preheated in the application of air conditioning and heating.

Abstract: An alternative powered evaporative cooler has a squirrel cage fan. A low voltage DC motor is provided to power the squirrel cage fan. A pulley system is coupled to the squirrel cage fan and the low voltage DC motor for transferring energy from the low voltage DC motor to rotate the squirrel cage fan. A low voltage DC power source is provided to power the low voltage DC motor.

Abstract: A portable apparatus has a base section that includes a blower, and can be configured for heating or evaporative cooling. By attaching a heating attachment, a gas heating apparatus is provided, and there is no open and/or visible flame. The heating attachment can be replaced with an evaporative cooling attachment, so that evaporative cooling can be performed using the same base with the evaporative cooling attachment. A system of switching pulleys and/or belts to change blower speed, as well as a single switch that operates both devices, is also provided. Thus, a portable heating and evaporative cooling apparatus is provided that has a wide range of industrial application, and that overcomes the related art cost of separate heating and evaporative cooling apparatuses.

Abstract: An air conditioning system utilizes heat transfer circulation of the change of two water phases where are liquid and water as primary and heat transfer of other air conditioning heat sources such as mechanical types or non-mechanical types as auxiliary mechanisms to perform composite heat transfer to thereby effectively reduce energy consumption required in heat transfer of the air conditioning systems and decrease thermal pollution resulting from the discharging of waste heat. A water circulation system within an air conditioning unit draws outdoor air into an air inlet passage. A discharge water pipe is located at one side of an indoor heat exchanger to use water in the water circulation system as a heat exchange medium. A large portion of air conditioning load is removed before the incoming air reaches the indoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: Cooling equipment, which may be connected to the water discharge from a working or operating machine with a water (20/20′) cooling circuit (2) to make the water re-circulate once cooled (24), characterized in that the cooling equipment comprises: at least one cooling tower (21-21′) with an extended surface for wetting and evaporation; at least one air flow generator device (3-31) for easing the evaporation; at least one closed cycle frigorific circuit (1) whose condenser (12) is placed downstream (12′) of the cooling tower (21-21′) with respect to the air flow (3-31) and whose evaporator (14) is placed downstream of the water cooling circuit (2) for exchanging heat with the cooled water (22) in the cooling tower (2-21′) for then making the water re-circulate in the operating machine (24).

Abstract: An air cooler has a casing containing two air flow paths through one of which cooled fresh air is supplied to a house, while the other receives stale air from the house. An efficient heat exchanger pre-cools the fresh air with the heat extracted from the stale air, Further cooling is achieved by evaporative cooling of water from two honeycomb structures respectively spanning the two air flow paths. A pump circulates cooled water to the upper end of one of the structures from the lower end of the other structure which receives, at its upper end, the water which has percolated down through the upper structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing the decrease of the efficiency of heat transfer, caused by frost formation, in a precooler of an air breathing engine. In the precooler, the heat exchanger tube is provided. Into the heat exchanger tube, liquid hydrogen serving as a coolant is supplied. The main air flow is sent to the precooler via the intake duct, and the main air flow which is cooled down there, is then sent to a compressor of the air breathing engine. Via the nozzle provided in the middle of the intake duct, ethanol is mixed into the main air flow. Ethanol is carried into the precooler, and condenses together with the water vapor on the surface of the heat exchanger tube. A frost layer thus formed has less cavities and low thermal resistance as compared to that formed when the water vapor condenses solely. Therefore, the decrease of the performance of the heat exchanger, which is caused by the frost formation, can be prevented.

Abstract: A temperature-humidity controller for a semiconductor equipment comprises a housing; an inlet pipe for introducing processing air, which has a discharging portion for flowing the air into an inner portion of the housing; a water supplying means for supplying water into the inner portion of the housing so as to contact with the processing air from the discharging portion of the inlet pipe thereby simultaneously performing dehumidifying and humidifying processes; a cooling means for cooling the water at a dew point; a heating means for heating the air at a desired temperature, which is dehumidified and humidified by the water supplying means; an outlet pipe for supplying the heated air to the semiconductor equipment.

Abstract: A new fundamental structure that is simply and inexpensively formed offers a wide variety of functional attributes. The structure is formed from thin film sheet stock by pressure induced formation of select arrays of depressions and raised portions. The patterns formed provide an approximate minimal surface. Composite structures created by selective arrangement of the deformed sheets provide a highly functional arrangement of passageways and support lattice. These structures have low density, high strength, and select fluid carrying and heat exchange capabilities.

Abstract: A system for cooling, heating and fire-protecting an enclosure or dwelling, consisting of six principal entities acting in cooperation. The first is an expansive system of wide, shallow ducting installed just outboard and against the innermost wall layers of the peripheral walls, ceiling and at times, the floor, thermally intimate but physically isolated from the interior volume of the enclosure. The second is an evaporatively-cooled air source, supplying the duct system, which cools the innermost wall layers and in turn, the interior volume, by radiation and convection. The third entity, being an encompassing layer of efficient insulation, just outboard of the ducting and within the enclosure, biasing the cooling and heating action to the interior volume. The fourth is a network of hot-water circulating tubes, lying within, or adjacent to said cooling ducts, and against the innermost wall layer, or inboard plate thereof.

Abstract: For cooling and/or heating a machine casing, a method and an arrangement is disclosed in which the machine casing is provided with cooling channels in which pipes are received. Between the pipes and the walls of the cooling channels, a cavity remains through which a cooling medium is circulated. A liquid heat exchange medium is circulated through the pipes. In order to vary the heat energy exchanged per time unit between the pipes and the machine casing, the kind of the medium circulating in the cavities is changed, or its composition is changed, or the flow velocity of the heat exchange medium is varied, or any desired combination of the above measures is realized. Thus, the heat flow, i.e. the exchange of heat energy per time unit, can easily be influenced by the provision of cavities between machine casing and heating or cooling medium by controlling its limiting heat exchange factors, i.e. thermal conductivity and heat transfer resistance.

Abstract: A two-phase small channel heat exchange matrix simultaneously provides for heat transfer and mass transfer between the liquid and vapor phases of a multi-component mixture at a single, predetermined location within a separation column, significantly improving the thermodynamic efficiency of the separation process. The small channel heat exchange matrix is composed of a series of channels having a hydraulic diameter no greater than 5.0 millimeters for conducting a two-phase coolant. In operation, the matrix provides the liquid-vapor contacting surfaces within the separation column, such that heat and mass are transferred simultaneously between the liquid and vapor phases. The two-phase coolant allows for a uniform heat transfer coefficient to be maintained along the length of the channels and across the surface of the matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for cooling supply air in an air-conditioning installation, comprising a heat transfer device for transferring heat between supply air and exhaust air by means of heat transfer surfaces; and a humidifying device for humidifying heat transfer surfaces on the exhaust air side. In order that supply air could be cooled more efficiently, the heat transfer surfaces on the side of supply air and exhaust air are separated into separate heat exchangers; and the heat transfer surfaces are selected in such a way that the surface temperature of the heat transfer surfaces on the exhaust air side is close to the dew-point temperature of exhaust air.

Abstract: A contra flow air to air heat exchanger, and an evaporative air conditioner employing such a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger (10) utilises a series of stacked plates (24), each having curved deep groove corrugations which form channels (27) with an adjacent plate which are inclined at a small angle with the channels (28) of the first plate (24), each stack of plates (24) having two inlet ducts (14, 16) and two outlet ducts (18, 20) and (19, 21).

Abstract: A method of cooling a first stream of air in an air conditioning system. The first stream of air is dehumidified and cooled in first and second indirect evaporative coolers for purposes of conditioning a second stream of air for introducing to a conditioned space.

Abstract: To improve both heat transfer and evaporation in a heat exchanger (10, 25, 42) of an air cooler, there are provided a number of spaced narrow wet wicks (13) over which air flows transversely, and those wicks (13) are sandwiched between impervious spacer sheets (11, 12), the surface configuration of the spacer sheets (11, 12) being non-planar so as to increase the areas of the wicks (13) over which air flows, and also to increase air turbulence and thereby mixing, the increased mixing not only assisting in the evaporation of water from wicks (13) but also assisting in the heat transfer through the spacer sheets (11, 12) which define the air passages containing the wicks (13).

Abstract: In an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) for exchanging indoor air with outdoor air. The ERV having a housing including first and second input ports, and, first and second exhaust ports, and a heat exchanger core. The ERV further having a first blower for drawing indoor air into the ERV through the first input port, through the heat exchanger core and out the first exhaust port, and a second blower for drawing outdoor air into the ERV, through the second input port, through the heat exchanger core and out the second exhaust port. A means for defrosting the ERV is taught having a first bypass from the first exhaust port to the first input port and second bypass from the second exhaust port to the second input port. Dampers close the first exhaust port and the exhaust port when defrost of the heat exchanger core is needed.

Abstract: A heater control for controlling operation of a heater switch (12) in an evaporative cooler having an alternative heater mode in which a heater element (40) is energized and part of the air flow is blanketed by a shutter (37) controlled by a slide (24) or other operator. The slide (24) has a cam face (25) which directly or indirectly compresses a spring (22) as the shutter (41) is closed, the spring (22) otherwise biasing the heater switch (12) to its open contact state, but when the spring (22) is compressed, the switch (12) reverts to its closed contact state to energize the heater element (40).

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a fan for forcing air through an air path. An endless belt filter travels through a water tank and across the air path to exchange heat with air passing through the belt filter. A heater is provided for selectively heating the water. A moisture collecting filter disposed in the air path downstream of the belt filter removes moisture from the air. Sensors detect the volume and temperature of the water in the tank for actuating either or both of the heater and a warning buzzer. A speaker is mounted in the air conditioner housing and is connectible to a radio. A switching circuit causes radio sound from the speaker to be muted and instead causes the speaker to emit the warning buzzer when the latter is activated by a sensor.

Abstract: This invention provides a heating/cooling system including a heating/cooling apparatus, the apparatus comprising a blower unit connected to a heat exchanger unit and both units are enclosed within a duct structure which is continuous from an upstream input end to a downstream output end. The blower unit comprises an electric motor direct-coupled to an impeller and the heat exchanger unit comprises a heat transfer assembly and both blower and heat exchanger units are of a size and configuration as to facilitate their mounting within the space defined by, for example, a pair of building floor joists. The space between the floor joists may be enclosed to function as a return air duct to the apparatus. The heating/cooling apparatus may be adapted for humidifying and dehumidifying air being pumped through the apparatus by the blower unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a cab, for example a motor vehicle passenger compartment, communicating with a supply duct for supplying air to the compartment and an exhaust air duct for exhausting air from the compartment. The apparatus includes at least two sorbent reactors provided with a sorbent such as zeolite or the like, each reactor having a reaction chamber. First and second air streams alternately flow through each of the reaction chambers such that while the first air stream is flowing through the first reactor and undergoing adsorption in the selected reaction chamber, the second air stream is simultaneously flowing through the other reactor where desorption takes place, thereby allowing for continuous heating or cooling of the cab.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for improving the environment in buildings having a large open area, such as poultry buildings, utilizes an electronic ignition to control the temperature and humidity environment. The electronic ignition controls, in a pulsating fashion, the flow of gas feeding a pilot and burner and electrical powwer feeding electro-mechanical relays powering an assortment of blower, circulating fans, as well as a water pump used to distribute water to a water misting cooling arrangement coupled to a main blower and circulating fans to aid in cooling a building. The system includes a set of emergency cooling fans, thermal shut-down switch activates an alarm device to assure a safe and controlled environment in the building.

Abstract: An integrated precision humidity and temperature control system of research laboratory quality is disclosed in which air flow, water spray and refrigeration apparatuses are sequenced automatically by solid state controls linked in a cooperative manner. Very stable and precise relative humidity and control air temperature constancies are maintainable.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a housing containing upper and lower layers of fluid, the upper layer being less dense than the lower layer. The large and sharp density gradient at the interface between the upper and lower layers acts to prevent mixing of the two layers. A plurality of vertically oriented tubular sleeves that are closed at each end and filled with fresh water are located in the housing such that the axial ends of each tubular sleeve are in different ones of the layers. Heat added to the liquid in the lower layer is transferred to the liquid in the upper layer through the medium of the water contained in the tubular sleeves.

Abstract: The regular packing element is formed by layers of inclined deflecting elements. The deflecting elements are arranged in criss-crossing relation to each other and provide continuous flow channels which are open at both ends. In addition, the flow channels are open laterally to the flow channels of the adjacent layers of the deflecting elements. The packing provides for an improved and accelerated mass transfer between two media flowing through the packing in countercurrent.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus which produces a particularly high-quality fresh air atmosphere in large industrial plant buildings, the high-quality atmosphere being provided to the lower two meters of height with simultaneous heat recovery from the exhaust air and exhaust air purification. The apparatus includes a feed air tower which, as a component built in series, eliminates many of the costly ventilation ducts, reduces fuel costs to a low level, and prevents remixing with poor air from the upper layers of the air in the plant.