U.S. patent application number 09/923843 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for interfacing of thermal storage systems with air conditioning units.
This patent application is currently assigned to Instatherm Company. Invention is credited to Carr, Peter.
Application Number | 20020020185 09/923843 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26918160 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020020185 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carr, Peter |
February 21, 2002 |
Interfacing of thermal storage systems with air conditioning
units
Abstract
Efficient apparatus and methods are disclosed for interfacing
active thermal stores, or cooling loops, to a secondary water loop
for decreasing the temperature of an airflow by providing a
continuously regenerating water loop that directs chilled water
onto a thermally conductive heat exchanger, said loop further
comprising supplying water for the loop by collecting water from
the heat exchanger.
Inventors: |
Carr, Peter; (Cary,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Instatherm Company
|
Family ID: |
26918160 |
Appl. No.: |
09/923843 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60223816 |
Aug 8, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/310 ; 62/171;
62/434 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 1/3204 20130101;
F25D 17/02 20130101; B60H 1/3202 20130101; B60H 1/3233 20130101;
F24F 1/0059 20130101; Y02E 60/14 20130101; B60H 1/32331 20190501;
F24F 5/0017 20130101; F28D 20/02 20130101; Y02B 30/54 20130101;
F24F 1/0007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/310 ; 62/434;
62/171 |
International
Class: |
F28D 005/00; F28D
003/00; F25D 017/02 |
Claims
That which is claimed:
1. A method for cooling an air stream comprising the steps of:
providing a thermal storage reservoir having an inlet and an
outlet, said reservoir comprising a thermal storage mass; providing
a thermally conductive heat exchanger having a heat exchanger inlet
and a heat exchanger outlet, said heat exchanger inlet and heat
exchanger outlet directing the flow of a heat exchange fluid
through the heat exchanger; providing a primary water loop having
an amount of water directed through a conduit, said conduit in
communication with the thermal storage reservoir; providing a fluid
disperser having a disperser inlet and a dispenser outlet, said
disperser inlet in communication with the conduit such that water
in the water loop is directed from the reservoir to the dispenser
inlet; dispersing water from the conduit through the disperser
outlet and onto an outer surface of the heat exchanger; reclaiming
water from the surface of the heat exchanger and directing the
reclaimed water to the collected water to the reservoir; and
providing an airflow having a first temperature in the direction of
the heat exchanger and past the heat exchanger such that the air
after passing the heat exchanger has a second temperature lower
that the first temperature.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the water loop is an
open water loop.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the lower air
temperature is caused by the sensible heat in the water.
4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a blower to
assist in creating the airflow.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disperser comprises
a manifold having openings through which water is directed to the
heat exchanger.
6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
providing a pump to pressurize the water loop in the direction of
the disperser.
7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a sterilizer
for purifying the water in the water loop.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the sterilizer is an UV
lamp.
9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
providing a filter in communication with the conduit.
10. The method according to claim 4, wherein the blower is
connected to a power source capable of powering the blower.
11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
providing a control for controlling the flow of water in the water
loop.
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the lower temperature
of the air is due to a cooling effect from the water, a majority of
the cooling effect derived from the sensible heat in the water, and
a minority of the cooling effect is from water evaporation.
13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the thermal storage
reservoir comprises a thermal storage mass.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the thermal storage
mass is a phase change material.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the phase change
material is a gas hydrate.
16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the thermal storage
mass is water.
17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wherein the heat
exchanger is an evaporator.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the evaporator is an
air conditioning evaporator.
19. An apparatus for cooling air comprising: a thermal storage
reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, said reservoir comprising
a thermal storage mass; a thermally conductive heat exchanger
having and outer surface and an inlet and an outlet, said inlet and
outlet directing the flow of a heat exchange fluid into and out
from the heat exchanger; a primary water loop having an amount of
water directed through a conduit inlet into a conduit, said conduit
in communication with the thermal storage reservoir; a fluid
disperser in having a disperser inlet and a disperser outlet, said
disperser in communication with the conduit such that water in the
water loop is directed from the reservoir outlet to the disperser
inlet; a blower for creating airflow having a first temperature,
said airflow directed in the direction of the disperser and past
the heat exchanger such that the airflow has a second temperature
after passing the heat exchanger that is less than the first
temperature; and a collector for collecting water from the outer
surface of the heat exchanger, said collector in communication with
the conduit inlet.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the water loop is
an open water loop.
21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the disperser
comprises a manifold having openings through which water is
directed to the heat exchanger.
22. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a pump
to pressurize the water loop in the direction of the disperser.
23. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a
sterilizer for purifying the water in the water loop.
24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the sterilizer is
an UV lamp.
25. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a
filter in communication with the conduit.
26. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the blower is
connected to a power source capable of powering the blower.
27. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a
control for in communication with the pump controlling the flow of
water in the water loop.
28. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the thermal
storage reservoir comprises a thermal storage mass.
29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the thermal
storage mass is a phase change material.
30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the phase change
material is a gas hydrate.
31. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the thermal
storage mass is water.
32. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the wherein the
heat exchanger is an evaporator.
33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the evaporator is
an air conditioning evaporator.
34. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a drain
for draining water from the water loop.
35. A method for cooling an air stream comprising the steps of:
providing a primary refrigerant loop containing refrigerant, said
refrigerant loop comprising a heat exchanger having a heat
exchanger inlet and a heat exchanger outlet, said outlet in
communication with a first conduit in communication with the heat
exchanger outlet to a compressor and a condenser and a heat
exchanger inlet; providing a secondary water loop having an amount
of water directed through a second conduit, said conduit in
communication with the heat exchanger; providing a fluid disperser
having an disperser inlet and a disperser outlet, said disperser
provided in communication with the second conduit such that water
in the secondary water loop is directed from the heat exchanger to
the disperser inlet; dispersing water from the conduit through the
disperser outlet and onto the surface of the heat exchanger;
providing a thermally conductive water contacting surface proximate
to the disperser outlet; providing an airflow having a first
temperature in the direction of the water contacting surface and
past the water contacting surface, such that the airflow after
passing the water contacting surface has a second temperature lower
that the first temperature; and reclaiming water from the surface
of the water contacting surface and directing the reclaimed water
to a second water loop inlet.
36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the secondary water
loop is an open water loop.
37. The method according to claim 35, wherein the second airflow
temperature is caused by the sensible heat in the water.
38. The method according to claim 35, further comprising a blower
to assist in creating the airflow.
39. The method according to claim 35, wherein the disperser
comprises a manifold having openings through which water is
directed to the water contacting surface.
40. The method according to claim 35, further comprising the step
of providing a pump to pressurize the secondary water loop in the
direction of the disperser.
41. The method according to claim 35, further comprising a
sterilizer for purifying the water in the water loop.
42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the sterilizer is an
UV lamp.
43. The method according to claim 35, further comprising the step
of providing a filter in communication with the conduit.
44. The method according to claim 38, wherein the blower is
connected to a power source capable of powering the blower.
45. The method according to claim 35, further comprising the step
of providing a control for controlling the flow of water in the
water loop.
46. The method according to claim 35, wherein the lower temperature
of the air is due to a cooling effect from the water, a majority of
the cooling effect derived from the sensible heat in the water, and
a minority of the cooling effect is from water evaporation.
47. The method according to claim 35, further comprising the step
of providing a thermal storage reservoir in communication with the
secondary water loop.
48. The method according to claim 35, further comprising the step
of providing a thermal storage reservoir in communication with the
primary refrigerant loop.
49. The method according to claim 47, wherein the thermal storage
reservoir comprises a thermal storage mass selected from the group
consisting of gas hydrate and water.
50. The method according to claim 48 wherein the thermal storage
reservoir comprises a thermal storage mass selected from the group
consisting of gas hydrate and water.
51. The method according to claim 35, wherein the wherein the water
contacting surface is an evaporator.
52. An apparatus for cooling air comprising: a primary refrigerant
loop containing an amount of refrigerant, said refrigerant loop
comprising a heat exchanger having a heat exchanger inlet and a
heat exchanger outlet, said outlet in communication with a first
conduit, said first conduit in communication with the heat
exchanger outlet, a compressor, a condenser and a heat exchanger
inlet; a secondary water loop having an amount of water directed
through a second conduit, and through the heat exchanger; a fluid
disperser having an disperser inlet and a disperser outlet, said
disperser in communication with the second conduit such that water
in the secondary water loop is directed from the heat exchanger to
the disperser inlet; a thermally conductive water contacting
surface located proximate to the disperser for receiving water
dispersed thereon from the disperser outlet and onto the surface of
the water contacting surface; a blower for creating an airflow,
said airflow having a first temperature in the direction of the
water contacting surface and past the water contacting surface,
such that the airflow after passing the water contacting surface
has a second temperature lower that the first temperature; and a
collector for reclaiming water from the surface of the water
contacting surface, said collector in communication with the
secondary water loop conduit.
53. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the secondary
water loop is an open water loop.
54. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the disperser
comprises a manifold having openings through which water is
directed to the water contacting surface.
55. The apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising the
step of providing a pump to pressurize the secondary water loop in
the direction of the disperser.
56. The apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising a
sterilizer for purifying the water in the secondary water loop.
57. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the sterilizer is
an UV lamp.
58. The apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising the
step of providing a filter in communication with the conduit.
59. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the blower is
connected to a power source capable of powering the blower.
60. The apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising the
step of providing a control for controlling the flow of water in
the secondary water loop.
61. The apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising the
step of providing a thermal storage reservoir in communication with
the secondary water loop.
62. The apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising the
step of providing a thermal storage reservoir in communication with
the primary refrigerant loop.
63. The apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the thermal
storage reservoir comprises a thermal storage mass selected from
the group consisting of gas hydrate and water.
64. The apparatus according to claim 62 wherein the thermal storage
reservoir comprises a thermal storage mass selected from the group
consisting of gas hydrate and water.
65. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the wherein the
water contacting surface is an evaporator.
66. A building comprising the apparatus of claim 19.
67. A building comprising the apparatus of claim 52.
68. A vehicle comprising the apparatus of claim 19.
69. The vehicle according to claim 68, wherein the vehicle is
selected from the group consisting of planes, trains, trucks,
automobiles, campers and boats.
70. A vehicle comprising the apparatus of claim 51.
71. The vehicle according to claim 70, wherein the vehicle is
selected from the group consisting of planes, trains, trucks,
automobiles, campers and boats.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/223,816, filed Aug. 8, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cost-effective
methods and apparatuses for interfacing a thermal storage system
with an existing or new air conditioning system. More specifically,
the present invention relates to an efficient method and apparatus
for using a recycled water loop as a coolant fluid to augment an
existing cooling system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to a simple and
cost-effective method for interfacing a thermal storage system with
an existing or new air conditioning unit to produce cooling system
performance benefits.
[0004] Thermal storage units and systems are known. However,
integrating such units and systems into a fully functional air
conditioning system has provided the field with significant
challenges. Three basic methods are traditionally used to
accomplish this integration. First, air coupled systems are used
whereby cool air charges this cool storage media and warm air is
passed over a cool storage media to be cooled when the thermal
storage system is discharged. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,922,998. Second, a secondary fluid is used to both charge a cool
storage reservoir and to discharge the cool storage reservoir. Here
an additional heat exchanger or the heater core (with the hot
engine coolant valved off) is used as the air cooling means. See,
for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,038. In a special embodiment of
this, an evaporator having (in addition to the fins in intimate
contact with passages for evaporating refrigerant) a second set of
passages also is in intimate contact with the aforementioned fins.
A heat exchange fluid, such as an ethylene glycol/water mixture is
caused to flow between a cool storage system and through this
second set of evaporator passages. The heat exchange fluid and the
refrigerant passages is interleaved to maximize heat transfer from
the heat exchange fluid to the evaporating refrigerant during the
charge. Note that essentially all heat transfer from the store is
carried by fin conductivity between the two sets of passages. For
the discharge cycle, cold fluid is passed through this special
evaporator to remove heat from the air flowing over the fins.
Third, a separate refrigeration loop is used that is suitably
valved to evaporate refrigerant in passages within the storage
reservoir and cool (charge) the contents of the store. A heat
exchange fluid that can be caused to flow through the store is used
on discharge to transfer heat (using a heat exchanger) from the air
in the conditioned volume to the store.
[0005] In air coupled systems large volumes of air must be moved
over the thermal storage system in a manner that does not restrict
airflow. This usually means that the relatively large cool store
has to be in close proximity to the system evaporator, which can
present difficulties with respect to available space relative to
the size of the components involved. A secondary fluid system
certainly provides the flexibility of location, but adds another
loop to the system as well as at least one more heat exchanger. The
separate refrigerant loop adds a heat exchanger to the store and
necessitates redistribution of refrigerant into added high pressure
a/c lines. These additional components complicate installation and
operation, and allow for potentially undesirable oil migration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one preferred embodiment, the present invention
is directed to a method for cooling an air stream. In a discharge
cycle, a thermal storage reservoir is provided having an inlet and
an outlet, said reservoir preferably comprising a phase change
material. A thermally conductive heat exchanger having an inlet and
an outlet is provided, with the inlet and outlet directing the flow
of a heat exchange fluid through the heat exchanger. A primary
water loop is provided having an amount of water directed through a
conduit to the thermal storage reservoir inlet and away from the
reservoir through the reservoir outlet, such that said water
temperature decreases as the water is directed from the reservoir
outlet. A fluid disperser, having a disperser inlet and a disperser
outlet, is provided in communication with the conduit such that
water in the water loop is directed from the reservoir to the
dispenser inlet. Water is then dispersed from the conduit through
the disperser outlet and onto the surface of the heat exchanger.
Excess water from the heat exchanger surface as well as
condensation from the heat exchanger (depending on ambient
conditions) is collected and reclaimed in a collector and directed
to the reservoir to continuously feed the water loop. Finally, an
airflow is provided having a first temperature in the direction of
the heat exchanger. The airflow moves past the heat exchanger such
that the air, after passing the heat exchanger, has a second
temperature lower that the first temperature.
[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
an apparatus for cooling air comprising a thermal storage reservoir
having an inlet and an outlet, the reservoir preferably comprising
a phase change material. In a discharge cycle, a thermally
conductive heat exchanger is provided having an outer surface and
an inlet and an outlet, said inlet and outlet directing the flow of
a heat exchange fluid into and out from the heat exchanger. A
primary water loop having an amount of water directed through a
conduit inlet to the thermal storage reservoir inlet and away from
the reservoir outlet is in communication with the reservoir, such
that said water temperature decreases as the water is directed away
from the reservoir outlet and through the conduit in the direction
of the heat exchanger. A fluid disperser having a disperser inlet
and a disperser outlet is provided in communication with the
conduit such that water in the water loop is directed from the
reservoir outlet through the conduit to the disperser inlet. A
device such as a blower is provided for creating airflow having a
first temperature, the airflow directed in the direction of the
disperser and past the heat exchanger such that the airflow has a
second temperature after passing the heat exchanger that is less
than the first temperature. A collector for collecting and
reclaiming water from the outer surface of the heat exchanger is in
communication with the conduit inlet to provide a continuous feed
of water into the water loop.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed
to a method for cooling an air stream. A primary refrigerant loop
is provided comprising a heat exchanger, and preferably, a
compressor and condenser. A secondary water loop, preferably an
open water loop, is provided having an amount of water directed
through the heat exchanger, such that the water temperature
decreases as the water is directed away from the heat exchanger. A
fluid disperser is provided having a disperser inlet and a
disperser outlet. The disperser is provided in communication with
the second conduit such that water in the secondary water loop is
directed away from the heat exchanger to the disperser inlet. Water
is dispersed from the conduit through the disperser outlet and onto
a thermally conductive water contacting surface located proximate
to, and preferably downstream from the disperser outlet. An airflow
having a first temperature is then directed in the direction of the
water contacting surface and past the water contacting surface,
such that the airflow, after passing the water contacting surface,
has a second temperature lower that the first temperature. An
amount of water is collected and reclaimed for the water loop from
the surface of the water-contacting surface and directed through
the water loop to the second reservoir inlet on the reservoir.
Optionally, a thermal storage reservoir can be placed in
communication with either or both of the primary refrigerant loop
and the secondary water loop.
[0009] In still another embodiment, the present invention is
directed to an apparatus for cooling air comprising a refrigerant
loop in communication with a water loop, preferably an open water
loop. A primary refrigerant loop is provided comprising a first
conduit in communication with a heat exchanger, compressor and
condenser, with an amount of refrigerant circulating through the
primary refrigerant loop. A secondary water loop is provided having
an amount of water directed through a second conduit to the heat
exchanger and to a fluid disperser, such that said water
temperature decreases as the water is directed away from the heat
exchanger. A thermally conductive water contacting surface is
located proximate to the disperser for receiving water dispersed
thereon from the disperser outlet and onto the surface of the water
contacting surface. A blower is provided for creating an airflow in
the direction of the water contacting surface and past the water
contacting surface. The airflow has a first temperature from the
blower and is directed such that the airflow, after passing the
water contacting surface, has a second temperature lower that the
first temperature. A collector is positioned proximate to the water
contacting surface for collecting and reclaiming water from the
surface of the water contacting surface. The collector is in
communication with the secondary water loop inlet. Optionally, a
thermal storage reservoir can be placed in communication with
either or both of the primary refrigerant loop and the secondary
water loop.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the present
invention incorporating a cool storage system into a standard air
conditioning loop;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the present
invention wherein the water loop is in an open loop as a secondary
fluid in a secondary fluid air conditioning system;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a chart showing the charge results of one
embodiment of the present invention installed in a vehicle air
conditioning system;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a chart showing the discharge results of one
embodiment of the present invention installed in a vehicle air
conditioning system;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the logic sequence for the
charge operation of one method of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the logic sequence for the
discharge operation of one method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the
invention, the present invention is directed to a simple and
effective means of incorporating a cool storage system into a
standard air conditioning loop. FIG. 1 shows an apparatus
comprising a standard air conditioning cooling coil 14 with
refrigerant inlet 1 and outlet 2. The coil 14 is mounted in an air
duct 6. It should be noted that, while expanding refrigerant gas is
commonly used to transfer heat in the cooling coil 14, cooled
liquid can also be effectively used. The cooling coil 14 is mounted
over, or is adjacent to, a condensate tray 8. The condensate tray 8
is suitably sized to handle the water 10 that circulates when the
system is activated. A water distributor 32 is positioned to
deliver a distributed water flow 34 over the surface of the cooling
coil 14. The present invention contemplates the use of any device
capable of delivering a flow or stream of water or water vapor.
Such apparatuses include, for example, one or more flexible or
fixed rods or tubes with openings directing water or vapor streams
to sections of the coil. A blower 4 and an optional water droplet
eliminator 12, downstream of the cooling coil, complete the
components in the air stream. The droplet eliminator is preferably
a meshed component, such as a screen.
[0019] An optional ultraviolet light 16 is shown in the water line,
immediately downstream of the condensate tray. Ultraviolet lights
are one widely used means of eliminating harmful bacteria in water.
The light could be mounted at any desired position depending upon
the design and space constraints of the particular system, such as
within the thermal store 20 itself, or in the air duct 6 downstream
of the cooling coil, for example. The light is optional since it is
typically difficult for harmful bacteria to grow in flowing water
systems with continual replenishment from condensation. Similarly,
an optional water filter 18 is shown downstream of pump 30. The
filter can be located elsewhere in the water loop, as desired, or
in the thermal store itself, or may not be needed at all if the
intake air is clean enough. The thermal store 20 is shown to
contain thermal storage material 24 in containers that yield a heat
exchange surface between the thermal storage material and the
circulating water. Any thermal storage material with a phase change
temperature above the freezing point of water and below that of the
desired cooled air temperature is contemplated. For example, a gas
hydrate formed from refrigerant 134a and water with a sealed tube
phase change temperature of approximately 50.degree. F. is an ideal
candidate, but other gas hydrates could also be used, as could
waxes and hydrocarbons with appropriate melting points. Salt
hydrates and Glauber salts could also find applicability. The
system is not limited to these examples. A volume of water alone
could also form the thermal storage material. If water alone is
used, the containers and the associated heat exchange surface are
not necessary. An overflow drain 22 is provided at the desired
water level in the store to remove excess water accumulated in the
system by condensation of water from the air at the cooling coil.
The drain could be located elsewhere in the system, such as, for
example in the tray 8. Drain valve 28 is provided to drain water
from the system if the system encounters freezing conditions and
the system itself, or individual system components, are not
specifically designed to accommodate the expansion of the water.
Finally, pump 30 is incorporated into the system for water
circulation.
[0020] In one preferred embodiment the system operates as follows.
To charge the thermal store, refrigerant from the air conditioning
system flows into cooling coil 14 through line 1, absorbing heat
and then flows out of the cooling coil through line 2 and returns
to the air conditioning system compressor and condenser (not shown)
where the absorbed heat is released. Pump 30 is then activated to
circulate water 10 around the thermal storage loop. This water
flows into the dispenser 32 through the dispenser inlet 31 and
exits through the dispenser outlet 33 as a distributed stream 34
that passes over the cooling coil (heat exchanger) 14 where it is
cooled. If the blower 4 is also in operation, then the air will
also be cooled by the cooling coil to provide conditioned air
exiting from duct 6. If the cooling coil temperature is below the
dew point of the incoming air, then additional water will also
condense onto the cooling coil. This cooled circulating water, plus
any added condensed water, drains off the cooling coil into
condensate tray 8. The collected water flows out of the condensate
tray 8 through the condensate tray outlet 11 and into conduit 13,
and is irradiated by UV radiation emitted from an ultraviolet light
16 to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Next, the water enters the
thermal store 20 at the thermal store inlet 21 and flows over heat
exchange surfaces 26 behind which the thermal storage material 24
lies. The thermal storage material 24 loses heat to the water and
the somewhat warmed water flows out of the thermal store from
thermal store outlet 27 through pump 30. The flowing water has
filterable impurities removed by filter 18, and finally flows back
to distributor 32. The cycle is then repeated. Since condensed
water can be continually added to the system water inventory, an
overflow discharge 22 from the store drains excess water from the
loop. Finally, drain valve 28 remains closed during operation but
can be used to drain the system of water if the possibility of
freeze damage exists. It is understood that the cooling coil
described above performs the function of a heat exchanger.
[0021] According to the present invention, the cooling coil is made
from a thermally conductive material to assure the efficient
thermal transfer about its surface. In this way, the disperser need
not effect a uniform coverage of water flow of the surface of the
cooling coil to achieve a superior airflow temperature reduction.
Preferred thermally conductive materials include but are not
limited to aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys,
etc.
[0022] In one preferred embodiment, the present invention enables
the discharge of cooled air without operating the standard
compressor-based air conditioning system. To discharge a charged
system to provide cooled air, without operating the standard
compressor based air conditioning package, the following actions
are required according to FIG. 1. Blower 4 is activated and pump 30
is turned on. Water 10 then circulates from the condensate tray 8
past the optional ultraviolet light 16 into the thermal store 20.
As the water flows through the store 20, it contacts the heat
exchange surface 26 and gives up heat to the thermal storage
material 24. The cooled water exits the thermal store, passes
through the pump 30 and filter 18, and flows through dissperser 32.
The distributed water 34 from the dispenser is deposited onto the
cooling coil 14 surface. This cooled water cools the air passing
over it. As mentioned above, due to the thermally conductive nature
of the coil (heat exchanger), the coil surface is cooled
conductively in areas that the water does not physically reach,
allowing the entire coil to work to cool the flowing air. In the
event that water droplets are carried into the exiting air duct, a
screen 12 can be inserted to allow the air to pass through, but
direct the water droplets back to the condensate tray 8. While the
above describes a discharge, when the standard compressor-based air
conditioning package is not operational, the cool storage can also
be used to augment the cooling from the active compressor based
system when it cannot keep up with the load, or has just been
started. Again, it should be noted that even on discharge, if the
cooled air exiting cooling coil 14 is below the dew point of the
incoming air, then condensed water will be added to the water
inventory 10 and, if produced in excess, will then subsequently
drain from the excess water overflow 22. Conversely, if the water
circulating over cooling coil 14 is too warm to cool the incoming
air to its dew point, some evaporative cooling will occur. Water
will be lost from the inventory in this situation, but will be
typically replenished from condensation during the next charge
cycle.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, a secondary fluid air conditioning
system is depicted with water in an open loop as the secondary
fluid. In this embodiment the cooling effect is created by a vapor
compression refrigerant loop with the compressor 40 and condenser
42, connected to a refrigerant evaporator-to-water heat exchange
38. The apparatus also comprises an air to water contacting surface
36 mounted in an air duct 6. The surface 36 is mounted over or is
otherwise adjacent to a condensate tray 8. The condensate tray 8
and the drain 22 from such tray 8 are suitably sized to handle the
water 10 that circulates when the system is active. A water
distributor 32 to create a distributed water flow 34 over the
surface 6 is included. A blower 4 and an optional water droplet
eliminator 12, downstream surface 6, complete the components in the
air stream.
[0024] An optional ultraviolet light 16 for emitting UV radiation
to eliminate harmful bacteria is shown in the water line downstream
of the condensate tray 8. As stated above for the previous
embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the light could be mounted as shown
or mounted in other positions in the water flow lines, or placed
within air duct 6 downstream of the cooling coil. The light is
optional since it is typically difficult for harmful bacteria to
grow in flowing water systems with continual replenishment from
condensation. An optional water filter 18 is shown after the pump.
This filter can be located elsewhere in the water loop and may not
be needed at all if the intake air is clean enough. An overflow
drain 35 is provided at the desired water level in condensate trays
to remove excess water accumulated in the system by condensation of
water from the air at heat exchange surface 6. An optional drain
valve 28 is included to drain water from the system if the system
encounters freezing conditions and the system itself or individual
system components are not specifically designed to handle the
freezing of water. Finally, pump 30 is incorporated into the system
for water circulation.
[0025] In operation, to cool an air stream, the compressor 40 and
condenser 42 are activated along with pump 30 and blower 4. Pump 30
circulates water 10 around the secondary water loop through conduit
13. Water, cooled by the refrigerant evaporator to water heat
exchanger 38 flows through pump 30 and has filterable impurities
removed by flowing through filter 18. The water then flows to the
distributor 32 and the distributed stream 34 passes over the air to
water contacting surface 36 together with air from blower 4. The
air is cooled as it passes over surface 36 to provide conditioned
air exiting from duct 6. If the cold water temperature is below the
dew point of the incoming air then additional water will also
condense out onto surface 36. The cooled circulating water, plus
any added condensed water, drains into condensate tray 8. The
collected water flows out of the condensate tray 8 through the tray
outlet 11, and into the conduit 13. The water flow is then
contacted by ultraviolet radiation from an ultraviolet light 16 to
eliminate any harmful bacteria. The cycle is then repeated. Since
condensed water can be continually added to the system water
inventory, an overflow discharge 35 from the condensate tray serves
to remove this water. Finally, drain valve 28 remains closed during
operation but can be used to drain the system of water if the
possibility of freeze damage exists.
[0026] In other embodiments, it is understood that, although not
shown in the Figures, the thermal store from FIG. 1 could be added
to the water loop of FIG. 2 to allow air cooling, without the need
to operate the vapor compressor refrigerant loop. A further thermal
storage opportunity is also available for the embodiment of FIG. 2,
for example, wherein the refrigerant evaporator to water heat
exchanger 38 is designed to form ice on the refrigerant coils, with
this ice performing the thermal storage function. In this instance,
ice can be made without pump 30 operating if the ice is made at a
time when air-cooling is not required.
[0027] As is apparent from the above descriptions, a majority of
the cooling derived from the water loop is from the sensible heat
in the water, with only a minority of the cooling being derived
from the effects of water evaporation. For the purposes of this
application, "majority" means greater than 50%. In reality, in the
present invention, the sensible heat in the water is responsibly
for greater than 80% of the cooling, and more preferably is
responsible for greater than 90% of the cooling. It is further
understood that conditions may exist whereby the preferred methods
and apparatus of the present invention result in the sensible heat
in the water being responsible for up to 100% of the cooling. This
distinction sets the present invention apart from all methods known
to date.
[0028] In the invention disclosed herein, the condensed water is
used as the primary heat transfer fluid in both the charge and
discharge between the thermal store and the air conditioning
evaporator (water coupled store). For the embodiment as shown in
FIG. 1, to charge the system the thermal storage unit is filled,
preferably with distilled water or, in the alternative the air
conditioning system is allowed to run and the condensed water fills
the unit. The pump is activated to spray water uniformly over the
evaporator and allow the cold water to exit in the same manner as
condensed water would from the evaporator coils. According to
conventional, known processes, ordinarily, condensed water from the
evaporator is discarded from the system. However, according to the
present invention, the exiting cold water is directed to the
thermal store where heat is removed from the charging thermal
storage media. The cycle of operations is continued until the store
is fully charged. Excess water derived from the cooling of the
inlet air to below its dewpoint is added to the water inventory and
displaces an equivalent amount of water from the overflow.
Therefore, according to the present invention, water is therefore
continually replenished with fresh water. A typical residential,
and indeed an automotive air conditioner can typically dedicate
more than approximately 5000 Btu/hr to condensing water from the
air, or approximately 5 pints of freshly condensed water per
hour.
[0029] In general, therefore, circulating water is cooled by
passing the water over the coils/fins of an operating evaporator.
The water, in turn, removes heat from the thermal storage array to
charge the system. While there is no restriction to charging at
high blower speed, it would be more appropriate to charge when the
air conditioning system cycles to low load, or is about to cycle
off in the cooling of a building or vehicle.
[0030] In a building, for instance, electricity costs and air
conditioning system efficiency greatly favors evening/night time
charges. According to the present invention, according to one
preferred embodiment, charging would therefore be timed for the
evening. Whereas a typical evening operation would be "on" for 5-10
minutes and "off" for 10-20 minutes, the water circulation
according to the present invention would start immediately at the
end of this "on" cycle. The compressor would not stop, but would
keep running to charge the store. The blower may or may not run
during this charge cycle. When the thermostat called for more
building cooling, the water flow would return to full speed. The
cycle of operation would continue until the store was fully
charged. Note that during this process the compressor never needs
to shut down for a major efficiency benefit since cycling losses
would be greatly reduced.
[0031] In a vehicle, according to one preferred embodiment of the
present invention, charging will occur typically after the initial
cool-down has taken place and the air conditioning system is
operating with excess capacity available. As above, the water
circulation will occur when the air conditioning control system
indicates that the cooling load from the vehicle cabin is reduced
and/or the compressor is about to cycle off. Circulation will then
occur until such time as the air conditioning system requires more
"cool" in the cabin than the combination of charging and cabin
cooling can be supplied by the air conditioner. At this point, the
water flow to the store will be temporarily interrupted, to be
restarted when charging capacity is again available. In this way,
the compressor cycling losses can be avoided to a significant
extent. Note again that in many instances it will be appropriate to
circulate water and charge the storage system at the same time as,
for example, the cabin is being cooled depending on total load and
air conditioning system capabilities.
[0032] When the store is fully charged, the option then exists to:
(1) turn off the circulating pump and allow the a/c system to
revert to standard operation; (2) as in (1) but allow the pump to
come on periodically to recoup any stand losses of storage capacity
to the ambient; and (3) continue to use storage capacity to
lengthen the off and on cycles of the compressor to minimize
cycling losses.
[0033] According to preferred embodiments, the systems of the
present invention do not rely on the evaporation of water to
directly assist the charging of the store. For contrast, see for
example, the systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,588. Instead
water is employed as a secondary heat transfer fluid between the
store and the evaporator. In fact, according to the present
invention, in the typical charging operation condensation is
derived from the air, rather than causing water evaporation into
the air.
[0034] The discharge cycle, according to the preferred embodiments
of the present invention operates as follows. To achieve cooling
without running the air conditioning system compressor, the blower
is operated and the water-circulating pump is turned on. Cold water
will then bathe the evaporator coil and will cool the air flowing
through the coil/fins either directly from the water to the air or
by cooling the coil/fins, which then cools the air. Cooled air is
then circulated to the room/vehicle passenger compartment and the
warmed water recirculated over the cool storage media to be
re-cooled before again passing over the evaporator.
[0035] In some instances, such as pre-cooling of a hot vehicle it
would be advantageous to initially spray a mist of water downstream
of the evaporator to pre-cool the hot air ducts via evaporative
cooling prior to or in conjunction with passing/recirculating cold
water over the evaporator coil. In this preferred embodiment, a
small amount of water will be lost to evaporation, but this amount
will be reclaimed on the next charge or active air conditioning
operation. Rather than spraying downstream of the evaporator,
bathing the evaporator with ambient temperature water prior to
cooled water will serve a similar function in cooling the air that
flows through the evaporator. In this situation, system
modification will be required to select warm or cooled water. If
the store had not been charged or was fully discharged, then
bathing the evaporator with water will provide effective
evaporative cooling to the air flowing through the evaporator
depending on the humidity content of the incoming air.
[0036] According to the present invention, the systems contemplated
result in overall energy enhancement and pollution reduction. The
use of the invention in conjunction with existing air conditioning
systems reduces cycling losses on the air conditioning compressor,
saving energy and wear and tear on the conditioning unit. With
respect to the vehicle modifications resulting from the
incorporation of the present invention, engine idling is reduced or
eliminated while enabling occupants to keep cool when the vehicle
is parked for short durations (about 5 to 10 minutes). In this
embodiment, it is contemplated that only the blower and pump will
engage, with the engine remaining off. In effect this allows one to
"pre-cool" the car cabin before entering the car and starting the
engine. In addition, the present invention maintains more desirable
humidity levels within the passenger compartment during long
journeys, and maintains more comfortable air discharge
temperatures, without the present need for excess air-cooling
followed by air re-heat.
[0037] The present invention is also environmentally advantageous
as the invention facilitates "no-idle vehicle introduction" by
continuing to provide cooling when the engine cycles off. Such
advancements will become more useful if, for example, EPA
regulations around the world, covering small particle emissions,
further require future fuel-efficient "no-idle" strategies.
[0038] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the contemplated systems will typically be suitable for use with
phase change materials having phase change temperatures between
40-60.degree. F. Gas hydrates are one preferred choice for a cool
storage material. Hydrates can be described as "warm ice",
containing about 75% by weight water. Stated simplistically, this
water freezes, similar to ice, but with small gas molecules trapped
within the ice crystal structure. The trapped gas molecules
stabilize the ice so that it melts at temperatures well above
0.degree. C. For example 134a and CO.sub.2 hydrates are stable to
about 10.degree. C. Many gases form hydrates and a range of
temperatures are available. Unlike ice, hydrates shrink when the
starting liquid is frozen to a solid. This is a very important
practical benefit. In addition, hydrates have very high discharge
rates that are readily achievable from small systems. However,
other cool storage materials could be used, including a mass of
cold water alone as the storage system, or a mass of cold water in
combination with an additional cool storage media mass.
[0039] Water flow rates will be dependent on efficiency of water
distribution in the evaporator, efficiency of evaporator, and most
importantly the charge or discharge rates desired. Assuming a
10.degree. F. delta T in the water in and water out temperatures
with flow rates typically between one-third and six gallons per
minute, between about 1,500 and 30,000 Btu/hr would be delivered
through the system. Obviously flow rates could range much higher or
much lower depending on the selected system size.
[0040] As shown in the Figures there is only one pump and the store
is gravity fed. This may be practical in some instances, but the
present invention further contemplates also pumping fluid from the
store, as would be readily understood by those skilled in the field
of operational thermodynamics. Preferably, there should be little
or no water building up under the evaporator coil. Therefore, the
pump feeding the cool storage reservoir is preferably larger than
the pump feeding the water distribution system over the evaporator.
For example, two heads on the same motor would be preferred for
some systems, although this is only one of several possible
embodiments.
[0041] One preferred embodiment of the present invention is
adaptable for a vehicle system. The thermal store is positioned
below the air conditioning condensate drain. The condensate drain
and lines to the store preferably handle greater than about 11
liters/minute of water flow (plus any entrained air), by gravity
alone, with a minimal water head above condensate drain.
Condensate, from the standard operation of the air conditioning
system, drains out through the store by gravity. The water pump
operates only when the cooler is charging or discharging. Control
systems are used as would be readily understood by an engineer. One
or more small vacuum pumps are placed in line that operate when the
cooler is charging or discharging. The function of this pump is to
create the head for water flow and remove air from the thermal
store sump. This air reaches the sump by becoming entrained in the
water flow line from the condensate tray down to the thermal store.
If the accumulated air in the sump is not removed it will displace
water into the condensate tray and water build-up here is
undesirable. In addition to air, condensed water also needs to be
removed. This is especially true during long charging cycles. To
fulfill these functions the small vacuum pump has to be capable of
handling water and water-air mixtures as well as air alone. A 1.5
1/min free airflow capacity pump that will pull a 30 cm of mercury
vacuum at no flow is particularly preferred. It is possible to
eliminate a plurality of pumps by periodically stopping the pump
during the charging/discharging operation and allowing the system
to equilibrate. The frequency of flow interruption is system
dependent and determines the applicability of this approach. Other
pump combinations that ensure a "dry" condensate tray are equally
applicable. The system preferably employs a flap check, or similar
type valve, preferably at the system vent. As mentioned above,
control systems, which may be computer assisted, are employed as
would be readily understood.
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a spray or mist of water distributed evenly
over the evaporator coils. While this is a preferred embodiment,
the present invention contemplates any useful means of distributing
an even volume of water over the evaporator. For example, a water
slinger could be used, or a distribution manifold system can be
equally as effective or even more effective in achieving even
distribution. A water distribution manifold was found to be very
efficient at delivering a uniform water distribution for the
company vehicle type evaporator. Thin walled aluminum tubes
({fraction (3/16)}" OD) were extended down every other plate of the
plate and fin evaporator at the air inlet face of the evaporator.
The tubes were sealed at one end and 0.025" openings were drilled
every 0.125" down the tube length. The openings were oriented
towards one set of adjacent fins. Nine such tubes connected to a
water feed manifold constituted the distribution system and evenly
distributed flow at flow levels of from about 2 to about 3 gpm.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a filter filters out any
contamination that finds its way into the circulating water. As
well as helping keep the water clean, this filter will also protect
any fine spray nozzles or fine distribution manifold openings from
being plugged. The filter can also reside in the water flow lines
or the reservoir itself depending on the system design. In some
instances a filter may not be required at all.
[0044] A screen to remove any entrained water droplets in the air
stream exiting the evaporator is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This
again may or may not be required depending on air velocities, air
flow path and evaporator design. Overspray was easily eliminated
with a barrier of 0.2" thick open cell a/c filter mat. This mat
impacted the flow rate by less than about a 5 cfm reduction at the
150 cfm level. The barrier was mounted on a frame and held about
21/2" away from the outlet face of the evaporator. In general,
however, the more uniformly the water is distributed over the
evaporator surface, the less the likelihood of overspray. While
overspray was noted in several tests at high airflow rates, it was
generally due to poor water distribution. Correcting this
distribution took care of the overspray, without having to resort
to a spray elimination barrier.
[0045] A UV light is shown in FIGS. 1-2 in the feed line to the
thermal store. The light could be in the evaporator compartment or
in the store itself or indeed in several locations depending on
system configuration. Lights emitting UV radiation have been used
for decades to inhibit microbe growth in water or in wet
compartments like an evaporator compartment and are very effective.
With the water turnover through the store from an air conditioning
system, it is quite likely that there will not be a microbe
build-up in a standard air conditioning system with no store
attached. Therefore, a UV light may not be necessary for all
embodiments of this invention. Other purification techniques such
as ozone treatment could also be used if required.
[0046] The following examples found throughout this specification
are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention.
Example 1
[0047] To get a baseline the company test vehicle was run from Jun.
7, 1999, to Oct. 7, 1999, with an operational water coupled store.
There was no treatment of the water except the continuous
replacement of the water with condensate from the a/c system. On
Oct. 7, 1999 samples were taken and the water analyzed for
bacteriological count. The analysis showed the water still to be of
drinking water quality at the end of the test even though no
microbial growth inhibitor was used.
[0048] Since water is used in the flow lines and within the store
itself, provisions need to be made to handle winter environments.
Typically this will not be a problem with any phase change material
used in the system. For example, if gas hydrates are used then the
hydrate containment means will be designed for repeated freezing
and melting, but the potential freezing and expansion of the water
heat exchange fluid need to be handled. This can be accomplished in
several ways.
[0049] The unit can be drained leaving no water to freeze within
the store or lines. A freeze drain valve is one automatic way of
achieving the draining. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,770.
However, a manual valve could be equally as effective. In many
instances automatic draining can simply be achieved by operating
the system at the low humidity levels common throughout the country
during the cold weather. Evaporative cooling will deplete the store
of water, and the a/c system will be required infrequently and will
not replenish the loss. As the weather warms up, dew points rise,
the store will refill and normal operation will be restored. During
the cold weather period outside air alone, blown into the vehicle,
will be well able to precool or maintain cooling for a vehicle with
the engine off.
[0050] In situations where the store is used within a building or
other heated location then no special precautions need be taken. In
one embodiment, it is preferred that the system design allows all
the water in the lines to fully drain back into the thermally
insulated store. This will greatly increase the time that the
system has to be below 0.degree. C. before significant water
freezing occurs. This time can be extended further, or
indefinitely, by warming the store from another heat source when
winter conditions require such. In addition, the store can be
designed with enough free space to accommodate the expansion due to
ice formation for a freeze safe package. Flexible sides on the
store could also assist in containing any expansion.
[0051] The present invention is not limited to any particular
applications. Indeed in addition to automobiles and buildings, the
present invention can find usefulness incorporated into any
environment that needs climate control, including railway cars,
boats, campers, planes, buses and trucks, etc. A truck sleeper
system may comprise two evaporators; one to dedicated to the cab
compartment, and the other dedicated to the sleeper compartment.
These systems may require a slightly different water management
technique than depicted in the Figures. While the truck is on the
highway the sleeper may be unoccupied and little or no air is
circulated over the rear evaporator during vehicle a/c operation.
In this instance, the bulk of the excess water available will be
from the cab a/c unit and this should be ducted to the store to
provide continuous fresh water through the store. Charging and
discharging could then be accomplished by spraying over the
evaporator in the sleeper compartment.
[0052] For sleeper trucks without a rear evaporator, the main cab
evaporator can be used to cool a distributed water flow over the
evaporator, and then use this water to remove heat from a cool
storage reservoir. If the sleeper was cooled (and probably heated)
via air from the front a/c system, then distributing water over the
evaporator from the store will cool the air for the sleeper in a
manner similar to that previously discussed. However, if the truck
has a rear heater core but no rear evaporator, then after-charging
the store from the front evaporator cooling of the sleeper can be
accomplished with the engine off. Here cold water from the store is
distributed over the outside of the heater core to cool air blown
through the core. A water return path to the store is needed. With
the engine running, this circulation system could also generate
cold water at the active evaporator and recirculate this cold water
over the sleeper heater core to cool the air in the sleeper box
while the truck is operational. No second evaporator is required in
the sleeper box compartment. In this instance, the engine coolant
flowing through the heater core needs to be valved off.
[0053] Similarly, water over an extended surface, air flowing
through the extended surface and the water being recirculated
offers additional advantages. The water can act as the heat
exchange fluid in a secondary fluid air conditioning system.
Refrigerant gas is used in one loop to chill the water using a heat
exchanger while the chilled water is caused to recirculate over the
extended surface in direct contact with the air that is to be
conditioned. This operation can be accomplished with or without
cool storage, depending on the specific application. As long as the
cold water is at a temperature below the dew point of the incoming
air there will be a net gain of recirculating water in the open
loop. In addition to simplicity, low cost and water washing of the
air for pollutant removal from the air, this system provides the
most benign method of heat transfer of fluids for use in air
conditioning. Still further, since the system of the present
invention is outside of the occupied space, the primary refrigerant
loop can more safely use flammable or more noxious refrigerants
such as hydrocarbons and ammonia respectively.
[0054] There may be several occasions when a driver, for instance,
wants fresh air into the vehicle without air conditioning but knows
he/she will need cool air later in the day and wishes to charge the
storage unit. According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this can easily be accomplished by turning the a/c on
with little or no airflow, and then operating the water circulating
system over the evaporator and back to the store. In this manner
the a/c system will charge the store while the driver is free to
open the vehicle windows for fresh air. The same will be true for
buildings with the windows open.
Example 2
[0055] A system was set-up to test a Jeep evaporator under both
flowing air and water distributed over the evaporator. The
evaporator was set-up so that flowing refrigerant through it would
yield an evaporator out temperature of about 40.degree. F. The Jeep
evaporator is of the "plate and fin" type with slotted fins. The
unit comprised nineteen vertical plates to the inlet and outlet
headers on the top with horizontal slotted fins between each of the
vertical plates. To distribute water uniformly over the finned
surfaces, three 1/2" OD nylon tubes were arranged horizontally with
centers 1/2" 3" & 51/2" from the top of the fins. The tubes
were held about 0.25" away from the fins. At this closest point
19.times.0.089" diameter orifices were arranged on each tube. Each
orifice on each tube directly fed over the 0.25" gap, into a
section of fins defined by the vertical plates. The water was fed
on the air inlet side of the evaporator and drained out at the
bottom on the air outlet side of the evaporator. Excellent sheeting
action was achieved by this distribution means. The water flow rate
was set at 3 gallons per minute. The unit was set up in a Plexiglas
box so flow could be observed. Excellent sheeting action for the
water over the evaporator was observed, even with no airflow.
Airflow was reduced from 180 cfm airflow with dry evaporator to 160
cfm air flow with 3 gallons/min water flowing over evaporator.
Significant overspray was noted at the 160 cfm flow rate. No
overspray was noted at the 100 cfm flow rate. Following this test,
water distribution modification was made to allow airflow rates of
200 cfm without overspray. The heat exchanger with water flowing
over the surface was highly effective in transferring heat from air
to water on discharge. With a 40.degree. F. refrigerant out
temperature, substantial heat could be transferred from the water
to the refrigerant while still cooling the air.
[0056] Air in=76.3.degree. F.
[0057] Air out=48.5.degree. F. .about.4700 Btu/hr to the air
[0058] Water in=58.7.degree. F.
[0059] Water out=50.5.degree. F. .about.12,300 Btu/hr to the
store
[0060] This result shows the potential of using the full capacity
of the a/c system when cooling the air only requires a fraction of
the available capacity. This will allow rapid charging of a thermal
store. It also demonstrates how the store can be used to eliminate
the excessive compressor cycling that would be required if a 24,000
Btu/hr compressor was only required to deliver 4,700 Btu/hr
sensible cooling plus a modest latent load.
Example 3
[0061] The water coupled storage system with gas hydrate as the
primary cool storage media was incorporated into the company
vehicle using the system described in Example 2. The system
performed very well in the charging and pre-cooling tests
undertaken. The results are shown graphically as Jeep Charge #3 and
Jeep Discharge #3 (FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively). The control logic
for such charge and discharge operation is shown in FIGS. 5 and
6.
[0062] The water coupled store of the present invention provides a
low cost, efficient system for rapidly reducing the ambient
temperature of ambient air in a vehicle or building using an
environmentally safe water loop that never needs replenishing. The
benefits of evaporative cooling are available to the system even
when the cool store is exhausted. In addition the water loop
"washes" the air it comes into contact with, thus offering an air
purification system that reduces pollutants. A small photovoltaic
system can power the blower to keep blowing a small volume of
ambient air through the vehicle air duct system during a stand
period. This will keep the ducts cooler and as such require less
cooling or yield a better cooling effect from the thermal store.
The present invention further contemplates cooling any manner of
physical objects with the cold water flow conductively, for example
a steering wheel, seats, etc.
[0063] As mentioned above, in one embodiment the water couple
thermal storage of the present invention can be adapted for use
with large trucks with sleeper compartments alone, or in
combination with an air heater. Such an arrangement yields the
lowest possible cost (no valves, vacuum pump glycol, etc.), while
providing an exceedingly fast cool charge capability (2-3 hours).
In addition, the ease with which the present system can retro-fit
any existing air conditioning assembly makes it an ideal addition
for and vehicle building or vehicle. As also mentioned earlier, the
circulated air has its purity enhanced. With a water coupled unit
the sleeper air will be constantly water wash purified to the
benefit of the driver over conventional systems. The water used
will be continually cleaned by continually replacing with filtered
condensed water from the front heat exchanger when the truck is
driven with the a/c operational. A small bypass flow loop through a
carbon filter and/or a UV pencil light could also be added to the
water circulation loop to further enhance the ultimate quality of
the air. In addition, control settings can enable the system of the
present invention to charge, for example, only when the a/c is on
and the evaporator out temperature is below 48.degree. F. This
requires only one control thermistor and effectively prevents the
storage system from charging when all available cooling is directly
required for the passenger compartment. In this situation, charging
is started and stopped by simply operating or not operating the
small water-circulating pump.
[0064] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
* * * * *