U.S. patent application number 09/968133 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-14 for portable marine air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Invention is credited to Schooley, Frank W..
Application Number | 20020017108 09/968133 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23794509 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020017108 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schooley, Frank W. |
February 14, 2002 |
Portable marine air conditioner and dehumidifier
Abstract
An air cooling and humidifying device using water from a body of
water includes an air to water heat exchanger for transferring heat
from air surrounding the exchanger to water contained in the
exchanger. A water transmitting hose is communicably connected to
the exchanger. The hose includes an intake portion submersible in
the body of water for transmitting water from a location beneath
the surface of the body of water wherein the water temperature is
below the ambient air temperature and introducing the water through
the exchanger. The hose also includes an exhaust portion for
discharging water from the exchanger into the body of water. The
pump is operably connected to the intake portion for moving water
through the intake portion, the exchanger and the exhaust portion.
An air circulating device directs ambient air through the exchanger
such that the ambient air is cooled by water in the exchanger.
Inventors: |
Schooley, Frank W.;
(Matlacha, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William E. Noonan
Post Office Box 07338
Fort Myers
FL
33919
US
|
Family ID: |
23794509 |
Appl. No.: |
09/968133 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09968133 |
Oct 1, 2001 |
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09451980 |
Nov 30, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/240 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63J 2/04 20130101; Y02T
70/72 20130101; Y02T 70/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/240 |
International
Class: |
B63B 025/26 |
Claims
Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are
within the following claims:
1. An air cooling and dehumidifying device using water from a body
of water, said device comprising: an air-to-water heat exchanger,
said exchanger for transferring heat from air surrounding said
exchanger to water contained in said exchanger; a water
transmitting hose communicably connected to said exchanger, said
hose including an intake hose portion submersible in the body of
water for transmitting water from a location wherein the water
temperature is below the ambient air temperature and introducing
the water through said exchanger, and an exhaust hose portion for
discharging water from said exchanger into the body of water; a
pump operably connected to said intake hose portion for moving
water through said intake portion, said exchanger and said exhaust
portion; and an air circulating device for directing ambient air
through said exchanger such that the ambient air is cooled by water
in the exchanger.
2. The device in claim 1 in which said air moving device comprises
a fan.
3. The device of claim 1 in which said intake portion transmits
water from a location approximately 10 feet below the surface of
the body of water.
4. The device of claim 1 in which said pump is suspendable by said
intake hose portion and submersible in the body of water.
5. The device of claim 1 further including a drain connected to
said exchanger for collecting condensed water from said
exchanger.
6. The device of claim 1 further including a strainer connected to
a distal part of said intake portion for filtering debris from
entering said intake hose portion.
7. The device of claim 1 in which said intake hose portion is
submersible to a depth of not greater than 30 feet in the body of
water.
8. The device of claim 1 in which said exhaust hose portion is
submersible in the body of water and positionable therein such that
resistance to the movement of water through said hose and said
exchanger from said intake hose portion to said exhaust hose
portion is reduced and pumping of such water is facilitated.
9. A marine vessel cabin air cooling device using water from a body
of water below the vessel, said device comprising: an air-to-water
heat exchanger, said exchanger for transferring heat from air
surrounding said exchanger to water contained in said exchanger; a
water transmitting conduit communicably connected to said
exchanger, said conduit including an intake hose portion
submersible in the body of water exteriorly of the vessel for
transmitting water from a location wherein the water temperature is
below the ambient air temperature and introducing the water through
said exchanger, and an exhaust hose portion for discharging water
from said exchanger into the body of water; a pump operably
connected to said intake hose portion for moving water through said
intake hose portion, said exchanger and said exhaust hose portion;
and an air circulating device for directing ambient air through
said exchanger such that the ambient air is cooled by water in the
exchanger.
10. The device in claim 9 in which said air moving device comprises
a fan.
11. The device of claim 9 in which said intake hose portion is
submersible to a depth below the lowest part of the hull of the
vessel.
12. The device of claim 9 in which said pump is suspendable by said
intake hose portion and submersible in the body of water exteriorly
of the vessel.
13. The device of claim 9 further including a drain connected to
said exchanger for collecting condensed water from said
exchanger.
14. The device of claim 9 further including a strainer connected to
a distal part of said intake hose portion for restricting debris
from entering said intake portion.
15. The device of claim 9 in which said intake hose portion is
submersible to a depth of not greater than 30 feet in the body of
water.
16. The device of claim 9 in which said exhaust hose portion is
submersible in the body of water and positioned therein such that
resistance to the movement of water through said hose and said
exchanger from said intake hose portion to said exhaust hose
portion is reduced and pumping of such water is facilitated.
17. A method for cooling air using water from a body of water, said
method comprising: operably connecting a pump to an intake hose;
submerging said intake hose in the body of water to a selected
location below the surface of the body of water wherein the water
temperature is below the ambient air temperature; operating said
pump to collect water; directing the water through said intake hose
to an air-to-water heat exchanger wherein heat from the air is
transferred to the water; directing ambient air through said heat
exchanger to cool the ambient air; and discharging the water from
the heat exchanger through an exhaust hose after ambient air has
been cooled by the water.
18. The method of claim 17 in which said intake hose portion is
submerged to a depth and the water is pumped from a location below
the lowest part of the hull of the vessel.
19. The method of claim 17 in which said pump is submerged to a
depth not greater than 30 feet in the body of water.
20. The method of claim 17 in which said exhaust portion is
positioned in the body of water such that resistance to the
movement of water through said hose and said exchanger from said
intake hose portion to said exhaust hose portion is reduced and
pumping of such water is facilitated.
21. The device of claim 1 in which said intake hose portion
includes a pair of distinct hose segments interconnected by said
pump.
22. The device of claim 9 in which said intake hose portion
includes a pair of distinct hose segments interconnected by said
pump.
23. The device of claim 1 in which said intake hose portion
includes a plurality of distinct hose segments that are releasably
interconnectable to one another.
24. The device of claim 9 in which said intake hose portion
includes a plurality of distinct hose segments that are releasably
interconnectable to one another.
25. The device of claim 1 in which said intake hose portion is
adjustably submersible to a selected one of a plurality of depths
in the body of water.
26. The device of claim 9 in which said intake hose portion is
adjustably submersible to a selected one of a plurality of depths
in the body of water.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/451,980 filed Nov. 30, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a device for cooling and
dehumidifying air using cool water directly from natural bodies of
water. More particularly, this invention relates to a system for
cooling and dehumidifying air onboard marine vessels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are literally millions of boats in the United States,
both power and sail that have sleeping accommodations aboard. But
sleeping aboard a stuffy vessel, closed up due to rain or insect
attack is uninviting at best. There are also millions of boats with
cabins that remain closed for extended periods of time, growing
mildew in the enclosed, humid space.
[0004] Marine air conditioners and dehumidifiers are common on
larger boats such as those about 32 feet and longer. Due to their
complexity, such conventional systems are heavy and expensive.
Smaller vessels cannot afford the space, weight or high cost of the
conventional technology in air conditioning units. Conventional air
conditioners and dehumidifiers also require substantial amounts of
110 VAC power to operate. Although the field of marine air
conditioners is a mature art, and the efficiency of most commercial
units is indisputable, the cost and complexity associated with this
technology are very high.
[0005] Marine air conditioners and dehumidifiers of the
conventional type generally have an evaporator coil, condenser coil
and compressor containing a refrigerant, commonly Freon.TM., or
another compressible gas. The condenser coil can either be cooled
using ambient air as is the case with window or hatch mounted units
(Machen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,569) or water-cooled (Dodge, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,848,536). Water-cooled units generally use water drawn from
just under the vessel through a common thru-hull fitting. This
water is usually filtered aboard and then circulated through the
condenser to cool the Freon.TM. and returned to the surrounding
water through another thru-hull fitting. The condensers on these
units are by convention and necessity small and consequently need a
large volume of cooling water running through them. Due to the
amount of water, these units can't normally be left on for long
periods, as the filters tend to clog with waterborne debris. These
large volumes of filtered water tend to use substantial energy to
pump. The 110 or 220 volt alternating current (VAC) from the unit
powers the pumps on conventional marine air conditioners. The
combination of seawater and high electrical potential can damage
the underwater gear of a vessel due to current leakage. This high
electrical potential also has caused deaths by electrocution.
[0006] Compressors are somewhat electrically inefficient and create
waste heat, adding to the cooling load of the AC system. Even the
most efficient of these machines use a great amount of electrical
power. Compressors are somewhat noisy and often located in engine
rooms and other locations with difficult access. Controlling this
noise is therefore often a problem.
[0007] The compressor and fans on conventional marine air
conditioning and dehumidifying units use 110 or 220 VAC power. This
power is only available from a dock or, in the case of larger
vessels, from a generator. To use these systems away from the dock
the vessel must have an electric generator. Generators add weight,
expense and complexity to the vessel. They also have the potential
to add fuel, oil and exhaust to the environment. Moreover,
generators and their related fuel, exhaust, electrical and cooling
systems require space for installation. In addition to the
installation, generators need space around them to allow access for
maintenance. Many vessels do not have sufficient room for a
generator to provide power to the AC unit. Generators are also
somewhat noisy. A generator running all night has spoiled many a
quiet anchorage.
[0008] There are prior art coolers and dehumidifiers such as
(Rojas, U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,062; Liu, U.S. Pat. No. 3,961,496; Ku,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,961,496 and Bibi, U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,742) that use
ice or ice water or cold packs. These cold sources are normally
previously frozen with existing (compressor driven) refrigeration
technology. This approach has limited utility as the ice or cold
pack cools only as long as the ice lasts. Replacement ice is heavy
to transport and may not be readily available.
[0009] There also exists prior art regarding cooling with well
water and tap water (Caron, U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,865). Caron's
cooler uses tap water and a 110-volt fan to cool a room. Fresh
water is quickly becoming a precious natural resource. Tap water is
not normally cold on vessels and certainly not normally available
in quantities to be wasted for cooling.
[0010] Presnell, U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,653 discloses a marine air
conditioner wherein chilled water is pumped through a heat
exchanger so that the air in the enclosed cabin of a boat may be
cooled. This device requires the use of an insulated compartment
for storing a chilled liquid and frozen material such as ice. This
ice must be periodically replenished. As a result, the air
conditioning system has limited effectiveness and efficiency.
Unless the vessel has the capacity to store a large amount of ice
or other frozen material, the air conditioning system can function
properly for only a fairly short time. Transporting and
replenishing the frozen material can be inconvenient and expensive.
The shipboard pump employed by Presnell also consumes a
considerable amount of energy, which is costly and inefficient.
[0011] Boating presently has a need for a simple and easy to use
cooler and dehumidifier that uses very little electric power. As
described above, conventional systems are relatively inconvenient,
costly and energy inefficient particularly for smaller vessels.
[0012] Prior art exists for ocean thermal energy conversion or
OTEC. Worldwide, 80% of the earth's seawater has a temperature of
40.degree. F. or less. The thermocline, generally defined as the
boundary between relatively warm, mixed surface water and cold
deep-seawater is well documented. Water temperature layers are
generally defined as follows:
[0013] surface mixed layer which is warm and uniform in
temperature
[0014] (0 to .apprxeq.100 m depths)
[0015] thermocline where temperature decrease is largest
[0016] (100 m to .apprxeq.1000 m depths
[0017] deep sea where temperature is cold and fairly uniform
[0018] (1000 m to 5000 m, depths)
[0019] There is an established lab at Keahole Point, the Natural
Energy Lab of Hawaii that is working on research using OTEC. This
program uses very cold deep-seawater for various purposes including
power generation. The power is generated using the differences in
temperature of deep-seawater and warm surface water. They are also
researching crop farming, fish farming and air conditioning using
OTEC. The air conditioning systems are using close-loop fresh water
to seawater heat exchangers and even some seawater to air heat
exchangers to cool spaces. This very cold water is pumped from the
deep ocean, typically from a depth of 2,000' or more, far below
what is known as the surface mixed water layer. These systems,
although practical for a large, land-based operation, typically
require large amounts of energy to pump the water to the surface
for use. These systems also need pipelines 2000' deep or more to
reach the very cold water source and are not practical for use with
surface, marine vessels.
[0020] Nilsson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,049 discloses the use of
seawater to cool the engine and related components of a ship. A
plurality of large shipboard impeller pumps 2, 3, 4 and 5, which
are operated by control equipment 32, deliver the seawater to heat
exchangers 1. Although this system has been used to cool engine
components, it has not been employed for marine air conditioning
purposes. The Nilsson system would likely be unduly complicated and
inefficient for such purposes.
[0021] It is not generally known, but several feet below the
surface of most relatively calm bodies of water there is an
abundant source of cool water. During many years spent captaining
vessels, I always dove down to check the set of the anchor. It was
always a surprise to encounter cool water at about ten feet below
the surface. Even in warm water bodies with surface water
temperatures in the 80.degree. to 90.degree. F. range, a few feet
down there is almost always a boundary between the warm surface
water and the much colder water near the bottom. This was almost
always true even in the hottest of tropical anchorages. Vessels use
anchorages and harbors because they are relatively calm. The calm
surface minimizes water mixing and allows the naturally cool water
layer below the warm surface layer to remain relatively
undisturbed. Depending on circumstances, temperatures below about
80.degree. F. are cool enough to be useful as a coolant in an air
conditioning system in a hot cabin if the energy cost is low. In
the tropics, relatively undisturbed water over 10 feet down is
sometimes cooler than 70.degree. F., a very useful temperature for
cooling purposes. In northern latitudes, the sea, lake and river
water is almost always much colder than 70.degree. F. at these
easily reached depths. The present invention takes advantage of
this useful and inexhaustible resource (i.e. the cool subsurface
water).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide for an improved marine air conditioning and dehumidifying
system that is extremely convenient and economical to use and which
provides for greatly improved and very effective cooling and
dehumidifying of the cabin and other enclosed areas of a marine
vessel.
[0023] It is a further object of this invention to provide an air
conditioning and dehumidifying system that is extremely energy
efficient and which does not consume large amounts of electricity
or require the handling and storage of ice or other frozen
material.
[0024] It is a further object of this invention to provide an air
conditioning and dehumidifying system that is effective for all
types of marine vessels but is particularly effective for use on
relatively small, modestly powered boats and sailboats.
[0025] It is a further object of this invention to provide a marine
air conditioning and dehumidifying system that is especially
convenient and effective for use on extended voyages, and which may
be used effectively in various climates and geographic
locations.
[0026] It is a further object of this invention to provide a marine
air conditioning and dehumidifying system that employs a relatively
simple and easy to use construction and which significantly reduces
the complexity, expense and mechanical problems that often
accompany conventional systems.
[0027] It is a further object of this invention to provide an air
conditioning and dehumidifying system that may be used in various
environments and locations which are close to a body of water.
[0028] It is a further object of this invention to provide a marine
air conditioner and dehumidifier that requires a low voltage so
that energy is conserved and the risk of electrocution is
reduced.
[0029] It is a further object of this invention to provide a marine
air conditioner and dehumidifier that is environmentally safe.
[0030] It is a further object of this invention to provide a marine
air conditioner and dehumidifier that is readily adjustable so that
the user can conveniently access cool subsurface water from various
selected depths to achieve optimal cooling of the ambient air.
[0031] It is a further object of this invention to provide a marine
air conditioner and dehumidifier that is conveniently portable and
easy to use and store.
[0032] This invention results from a realization that a simple,
portable and yet highly effective and energy efficient marine air
conditioner and dehumidifier may be achieved by pumping naturally
cool subsurface water from an ocean; sea or lake through an air to
water heat exchanger and directing ambient air over the heat
exchanger so that the air is cooled. This invention results from a
further realization that the operation of this system is improved
significantly in effectiveness and efficiency by operably
connecting the pump to an intake conduit and suspending the pump by
the intake conduit such that the pump and intake conduit are
submerged beneath the body of water being tapped. This particular
structure provides a number of advantages. Submerging the pump
(typically exteriorly of the marine vessel or other environment to
be cooled) helps prime the pump and keeps it cool during the
pumping operation. Utilizing an intake hose or other form of
adjustable length conduit that is submerged exteriorly of the
vessel permits the user to conveniently access cool subsurface
water and various selected depths. I have also realized that
operation of the pump is facilitated further by discharging the
water from the heat exchanger through an exhaust conduit that is
also submerged in the water and positioned such that the movement
of water through the system is assisted by a siphon-like effect.
This uses less power, reduces the force required to lift water into
the heat exchanger, facilitates pumping and reduces stress upon the
pump so the pump life is extended and a more efficient operation is
exhibited.
[0033] This invention features an air-cooling device using water
from a body of water. The device includes an air to water heat
exchanger for transferring heat from air surrounding the exchanger
to water contained in the exchanger. A water transmitting hose is
communicably connected to an inlet and outlet of the exchanger. The
hose includes an intake portion submersible in the body of water
for transmitting water from a location beneath the surface of the
body of water wherein the water temperature is below the ambient
air temperature and introducing that water through the heat
exchanger. The hose further includes an exhaust portion for
discharging water from the heat exchanger into the body of water. A
pump is operably connected to the intake portion of the hose. The
pump may be optionally suspendable by the intake portion and
submersible in the body of water for moving water through the
intake portion, the exchanger and the exhaust portion. An
air-circulating device directs ambient air through the exchanger
such that the ambient air is cooled by water in the exchanger. The
device may also be used to dehumidify the ambient air.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the air-cooling device is used to
cool the cabin of a marine vessel or a similar environment. In such
cases, the pump is preferably submersible in the body of water
exteriorly of the vessel and below the hull. Preferably, the intake
portion of the device is submersible to a depth of not greater than
30 feet. The exhaust portion may also be submersible in the body of
water and positioned therein such that operation of the pump
creates a siphon-like effect to assist the movement of water
through the intake and exhaust portions and through the heat
exchanger.
[0035] The air-circulating device may include a fan. The intake and
exhaust hose portions may include respective hose segments. The
intake portion preferably transmits water from a location
approximately 5 feet below the hull of the vessel. The intake hose
may comprise separate interconnected hose segments, which aid in
adjusting the intake depth. A drain may be connected to the heat
exchanger for collecting condensed water from the exchanger. A
strainer may be connected to a distal part of the intake portion
for filtering debris from entering the intake portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Other objects, features and advantages will occur from the
following description of a preferred embodiment and the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective, partly exploded view of the air
conditioner and dehumidifier of this invention;
[0038] FIG. 2 is an elevational, party schematic view of the air
conditioner and dehumidifier being used to cool a sailboat; and
[0039] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the use of
the apparatus of this invention to cool a powerboat.
[0040] There is shown in FIG. 1 a portable air conditioner and
dehumidifier I according to this invention. Apparatus 1 is
particularly designed to cool the cabin or other area of a marine
vessel. It should be understood, however, that the apparatus may
also be employed to cool other environments such as a cabin, tent,
RV, boat house, etc. located proximate a body of water. As used
herein, "body of water" is intended to refer to all types of
natural bodies of water including oceans, seas, rivers, bays,
lakes, etc.
[0041] Apparatus 1 includes an air to water heat exchanger 6. Heat
exchanger 6 generally features a conventional air-to-water heat
exchanger construction. Preferably, this device includes pure
copper tubes, which provide for extremely efficient heat exchange.
Heat exchanger 6 may also feature aluminum fins, which are
hot-dipped for corrosion resistance and for enhancing heat
transfer. The heat exchanger may be provided with a protective zinc
anode. It should be understood, however, that this invention is
intended to include virtually any manner of air-to-water heat
exchanger that is capable of transferring heat from the ambient air
to water contained in the tubes of the heat exchanger.
[0042] A water-transmitting conduit 7 is communicably connected to
heat exchanger 6. Conduit 7 includes an intake portion 14 and an
exhaust portion 12. Intake portion 14 particularly includes a pair
of hose distinct segments 3 and 5, which are interconnected by a
pump 4. The operation of the pump is described more fully below.
Exhaust portion 12 likewise includes an elongated, generally
tubular hose. Various types of hoses, tubes and pipes may be
employed in the conduit of apparatus 1. As used herein "hose" is
intended to comprise all types of flexible and rigid conductors
including but not limited to various tubes, pipes, etc. Preferably
each hose and hose segment is composed of a high quality urethane
or similar material. Such material has excellent thermo-retention
properties and is resistant to mildew formation, abrasion and
kinking. Vinyl and other materials may also be employed for the
hoses. Hose segment 5 is communicably attached to a tubular inlet
16 of heat exchanger 6. Exhaust hose 12 is similarly connected to a
tubular outlet 18 of the heat exchanger. Hose segments 3 and 5
comprise suction hoses respectively connected to the inlet and
outlet ports of pump 4. More particularly, the suction hoses are
joined communicably to the pump by unbreakable polycarbonate
quick-disconnect devices (not shown). These devices are
conventional and various other means may be used to secure the hose
segments to the pump within the scope of this invention.
[0043] A strainer 2 is attached to a distal end portion of hose
segment 3. Preferably this strainer is composed of nylon with glass
weights inside. Various alternative strainers may also be employed
for apparatus 1. The strainer should be connected to hose segment 3
in such a way that debris is filtered and prevented from entering
the hose when apparatus 1 is operated in the manner described
below. The glass weights (not shown) are utilized to dislodge
underwater growth that collects within the filter. Between uses,
strainer 2 may be disconnected from hose 3 and shaken vigorously.
The weights loosen and dislodge the debris from inside the filter.
The filter may then be rinsed and reattached to the hose for
further use.
[0044] Pump 4 typically comprises a battery-operated suction pump
that is electrically connected to a standard 12-volt DC battery
(not shown). Once again, a variety of known pumps may be employed
within the scope of this invention. For example, pump 4 may feature
a brushless DC motor with an estimated life of approximately
100,000 hours. The pump may include a magnetically driven impeller
that does not require a shaft seal. This conserves power and
reduces the possibility of water leaking into the motor housing.
Preferably, an efficient device having a capacity of pumping about
1.5 gallons of water per minute is employed. Operating on the
12-volt battery, such a pump utilizes less then two amps of
electricity at 12 VDC. As a result, highly energy efficient
performance is achieved.
[0045] Heat exchanger 6 is mounted in a case or housing 10. The
case 10 or such other enclosure as is used for the apparatus should
be constructed of a rugged plastic or similar material that
provides long durable use. A pair of fans 8 (or an alternative air
moving device) are also mounted in case 10 facing and juxtaposed
adjacent to heat exchanger 6. The fans preferably employ brushless
motors to provide for extended service life. They may also feature
a conformal coating on their circuit boards to resist corrosion.
The fan rotor may include two fully sealed ball bearings.
Preferably, each fan employs a two-speed operation and uses a
second winding in the motor to drive the fan at the lower speed.
This structure is used instead of a heat-generating resistor in
order to save power when operating at the slow speed. It should be
understood that a wide variety of alternative cases, housings and
enclosures may be utilized for mounting fans 8 in proximity with
heat exchanger 6. Alternative numbers and types of fans may also be
employed within the scope of this invention. Blowers and other air
moving devices may also be used.
[0046] Electric power supplied to fans 8 through a switch 11 and a
connected electric cord (not shown) from a separate power source
(not shown). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the power cord can
be wound around the handle of case 10 for storage. In other
versions of this invention, the power cord may be secured within a
compartment of an alternative case or housing. The cord may be
stored in any acceptable manner such that it may be neatly and
conveniently stored between uses.
[0047] Apparatus 1 is deployed on a marine vessel (or alternatively
in some other location proximate a body of water) in the manner
shown in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 2, the vessel being cooled comprises a
sailboat S. In FIG. 3, the subject environment is a powerboat P.
Apparatus 1 is set up by placing storage case 10 and juxtaposed
heat exchanger 6 and fans 8 on a generally level surface in the
cabin or other location to be cooled. The pump and fans are
electrically connected to a 12-volt DC power supply through
appropriate wiring (not shown). The intake and exhaust conduits are
then communicably secured to heat exchanger 6 and introduced into
the body of water. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, intake hose
segments 3 and 5 and interconnected pump 4 are submerged in body of
water W. Exhaust hose 12 is similarly submerged in the body of
water. As a result, pump 4 is effectively suspended by conduit 14
and, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, submerged exteriorly of the
marine vessel. In alternative embodiments, the pump may be mounted
on board the vessel or otherwise above the surface of water W.
[0048] In operation, apparatus 10 is electrically actuated to start
pump 4 and fans 8. Water is drawn toward and sucked into intake
conduit 14 as indicated by arrows 20. The water passes through
strainer 2 filtering seaweed and other debris from the water. The
collected and strained water is then pumped upwardly through hose
segments 3 and 5 and into heat exchanger 6. Therein the cool
seawater passes through the tubing of the heat exchanger. Fans 8
operate to move air through the heat exchanger and specifically
across the fins and tubing thereof. As the air is moved across heat
exchanger 6, it is naturally cooled by the cooler subsurface water
passing through the heat exchanger. This cools and dehumidifies the
flowing ambient air so that the cabin or other relevant environment
is cooled. In addition, water vapor tends to condense on heat
exchanger 6 thereby dehumidifying the cooled air. Condensation is
collected through a drain 9 and directed to a sink, bilge,
container or other suitable location (not shown). Heat from the
cooled and dehumidified air is transferred into the seawater within
the heat exchanger. This water returns to the body of water W
through discharge outlet 18 and exhaust hose 12. See discharge
arrows 22.
[0049] The intake end of hose 3 is submerged to a depth at which
the water temperature is below the ambient air temperature. At
least in temperate and tropical climates, this is typically below
the lowest part of the hull of a vessel on which the air
conditioner is mounted. Various devices are known for measuring the
water temperature at selected depths. These devices may be used
before as the apparatus is deployed in order to determine the
appropriate depth for that location. The intake end of hose 3
carrying strainer 2 is typically positioned at a depth of about 3
feet-30 feet. Positioning the opening of the intake hose about 5
feet below the lowermost point of the hull is beneficial for
obtaining cool subsurface water. Lowering the distal end of the
intake hose segment 3 to an overall depth of 10 feet-30 feet is
also particularly preferred. At this depth, the water W below the
surface is usually cool enough to provide effective heat exchange
and cooling. At greater depths, the effort required to pump the
water becomes greater and pumping efficiency is less. It should be
understood, however, that water may be collected from depths
somewhat shallower than 10'. The intake hose should be lowered into
the water such that the strainer is close to but does not touch the
bottom. This reduces the possibility that the strainer will become
excessively fouled or clogged with material on the bottom. Using a
strainer helps to prevent clogging of the pump, conduits and heat
exchanger. This is particularly important because of the relatively
compact size of these components. Absence of a strainer would make
those components quite susceptible to clogging.
[0050] It is helpful, but not critical for pump 4 to be submerged
in the water W exteriorly of the vessel. This achieves a number of
significant advantages. In particular, the pump is conveniently
primed for operation by the surrounding body of water.
Additionally, as pump 4 operates, the ambient water keeps it cool
and helps it to run more efficiently. This significantly increases
the service life of the pump. The pump may be positioned at various
depths beneath the surface of water W thereby assisting in setting
intake depth.
[0051] It is also quite important that exhaust hose 12 remain
submerged below the surface in body of water W during the operation
of apparatus 1. The outlet end of the hose is positioned in the
water to achieve a siphon-like effect. As pump 4 operates, water is
transmitted relatively effortlessly through the system and returned
to its source (body of water W). The movement of water through the
intake and exhaust hoses and the heat exchanger is facilitated
considerably by the siphon-like effect. By the same token, the
effort the pump is required to exert to move the water through the
system is reduced considerably. Effectively, the only resistance to
water flow is the frictional resistance offered by the hoses.
Without this siphon-like effect, the pump would be required to work
very hard drawing water from below the surface and raising it to
the heat exchanger. The pump would have to lift all of the water
used by the device against gravity. Using the siphon-like effect,
the pump has only to overcome the friction of the hoses, moving
water more efficiently through the device. The submerged
positioning of the intake and exhaust hoses provides for an
extremely energy efficient operation and prolonged pump life.
Maintenance and replacement costs are reduced greatly.
[0052] Deploying the intake hose portion exteriorly of the vessel
allows optimally cool subsurface water to be conveniently accessed
at various selected depths. It is convenient for the user to adjust
the depth to which the intake hose is submerged, for example, by
selectively raising or lowering the hose over the side of the
vessel. It should also be understood that various numbers and
lengths of hose segments may be employed. For example, as shown in
FIG. 2, a pair of interconnected hose segments 26 and 28 may be
attached to and depend from pump 4, which is itself connected to
and suspended by upper hose segment 5. The individual hose segments
may have assorted lengths within the scope of this invention. They
may be interconnected by various known means of connection. The
strainer may be attached directly to the suspended and submerged
pump. Alternatively, various lengths and numbers of intake hose
segments may be attached below the pump so that water may be
collected from selected depths. In this manner, the boater may
conveniently adjust the depth of the intake hose portion at a
particular mooring or anchoring site to collect water having a
desirable temperature for cooling the air. The hoses described
herein are particularly convenient to use on small vessels. As
previously situated, in most cases the intake hose is submersible
to at least a depth beneath the hull of the vessel. Conventional
pumps fixed in the hull with their suction attached to a thru-hull
fitting and without suction hoses outside the hull do not provide
the depth adjustment of the present invention and are not within
the scope of this invention.
[0053] When cooling is no longer required or the vessel is changing
location, the intake and exhaust hoses, as well as pump 4 are
retrieved by simply pulling these items back into the vessel. The
components are stored quickly and conveniently.
[0054] Apparatus 1 is extremely energy efficient. It operates on
less than 2 amps current at 12-volts DC. Because low voltage and
current are used, the apparatus presents little or no risk of an
electrical hazard or explosion. The system requires much less power
than is required by conventional air conditioning systems. The
apparatus may be run by the standard battery of the marine vessel
and can operate for extended periods of time without unreasonably
draining the battery. The system does not require an expensive
generator or fossil fuels. As previously described, operation of
the pump is facilitated considerably because the pump and the
conduits are deployed and arranged to take advantage of the
siphon-like effect. The submerged pump is also cooled naturally by
the surrounding body of water. Moreover, unlike conventional air
conditioning systems, which include heat producing compressors,
apparatus 10 does not generate waste heat as it simply transfers
the heat from the ambient air to the naturally cool water.
[0055] Apparatus 1 is very lightweight, compact and portable. It
may be transported from a boat to another remote location such as a
cabin, camping tent, motor home or cabin proximate a body of water.
The air conditioner/dehumidifier provides similar advantages for
cooling and dehumidifying such locations. Unlike certain devices of
the prior art, apparatus 1 does not require the purchase,
transport, storage or handling of ice or other frozen materials. As
a result, the apparatus is extremely effective for use on extended
voyages and trips. Inconvenience and expense are reduced
considerably. Complex equipment such as compressors, condensers,
expansion valves, etc. are eliminated. The system is extremely
lightweight and easy to assemble and disassemble. Very few moving
parts (only the fan and pump) are employed.
[0056] Apparatus 10 is also very environmentally friendly. It does
not require the use of Freon.TM. or other cooling gases. As
previously stated, it does not require the use of fossil fuels such
as gasoline or oil. Minimal electricity is consumed. The apparatus
also operates very quietly and will not interfere with fishing,
sleeping or other activities.
[0057] From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus of this
invention provides for cooling and dehumidifying air using cool
water directly from natural bodies of water. While this detailed
description has set forth particularly preferred embodiments of the
apparatus of this invention, numerous modifications and variations
of the structure of this invention, all within the scope of the
invention, will readily occur to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, it is understood that this description is illustrative
only of the principles of the invention and is not limitative
thereof.
[0058] Although specific features of the invention are shown in
some of the drawings and not others, this is for convenience only,
as each feature may be combined with any and all of the other
features in accordance with this invention.
* * * * *