Air cooling device for protective clothing and system thereof

Abstract

An apparatus for cooling air between a garment and a wearer of the garment and a protective garment cooling system are disclosed wherein the apparatus comprises a cooling unit comprising a plurality of heat transfer modules for cooling air and one or more fans for cooling the air, one or more fans for pushing air through the heat transfer modules, where each heat transfer module includes a sealable volume for placing a phase change material to cool the air and a channel through the sealable volume, the channel forming an air passageway in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more fans; wherein the channel further comprises a plurality of inner fins extending from the channel inner wall into the air passage and a plurality of outer fins extending from the channel outer wall into the sealable volume; wherein heat can be transferred from air in the air passage to any phase change material in the sealable volume.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Technical Field. This invention relates to a personal device, preferably worn by a wearer of protective clothing, for reducing heat stress in the wearer of protective clothing by cooling the air and distributing the cooled air to desired areas of the body. In a preferred embodiment, the personal device is worn between the wearer and the protective clothing, thereby cooling the air between the wearer's body and the outer shell of the protective clothing.

[0002] Related technical description. Published PCT patent applications WO 2015 / 151368-A1 and WO2017 / 018532-A1, granted to Kawahara, disclose a portable air circulation device that can be worn by an operator. This device is mounted inside the operator's clothing and applies cooled air to the worker's body. The device cools the hot air by exchanging heat with a phase change material. Unfortunately, this design can only provide sufficiently cooled air (temperature difference greater than 10°C) for a very limited time (typically less than 30 minutes). This can cause difficulties, as the worker may have to stop working and purify themselves before accessing the device to restore the desired cooling function.

[0003] What is needed is a device that can cool the air in the space between the body and clothing for a longer period of time. Specifically, it is desirable to have a device that can reduce the temperature of the air in the space between the body and clothing by at least 10 degrees Celsius and continuously supply that air, preferably for at least 2 hours, to address any heat stress problems associated with chemical protective clothing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to an apparatus for cooling air between clothing and a wearer, wherein the apparatus includes a cooling unit comprising a plurality of heat transfer modules and one or more fans, the plurality of heat transfer modules being used to cool air, and the one or more fans being used to drive air through the heat transfer modules, wherein each heat transfer module includes: a) A sealable volume for housing phase change material to be cooled by air, and b) A channel through a sealable volume, forming an air passage in fluid communication with at least one of one or more fans. The channel further includes: i) Multiple internal fins extending from the inner wall of the channel into the air passage, and ii) Multiple external fins extending from the outer wall of the channel into the sealable volume; Heat can be transferred from air in the air passage to any phase change material in the sealable volume.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a cooling system for a wearer of protective clothing, the cooling system including means for cooling air between the protective clothing and the wearer, the means further having conduits for delivering cooled air to one or more desired areas of the wearer, wherein the means includes a cooling unit comprising a plurality of heat transfer modules and one or more fans, the plurality of heat transfer modules for cooling the air, the one or more fans for propelling air through the heat transfer modules and further propelling and distributing the cooled air to the wearer via the conduits, and wherein the means further includes a housing for supporting and holding the plurality of heat transfer modules in a desired position, the housing including openings for accessing the plurality of heat transfer modules, the housing further having one or more openings for the conduits.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a protective clothing system for cooling a wearer of protective clothing, the system comprising protective clothing and a cooling system, the cooling system including means for cooling air between the protective clothing and the wearer, the means further having conduits for delivering cooled air to one or more desired areas of the wearer, wherein the means includes a cooling unit comprising a plurality of heat transfer modules and one or more fans, the plurality of heat transfer modules for cooling the air, the one or more fans for propelling air through the heat transfer modules and further propelling and distributing the cooled air to the wearer via the conduits, and wherein the means further includes a housing for supporting and holding the plurality of heat transfer modules in a desired position, the housing including openings for accessing the plurality of heat transfer modules, the housing further having one or more openings for the conduits; and wherein the means further includes equipment for the wearer to wear the means, the equipment supporting the housing between the clothing and the wearer of the clothing; and the protective clothing having a sealable opening for accessing the opening of the housing of the means for inserting and removing the heat transfer modules when the means are worn. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a device for cooling air between clothing and a wearer. The device has a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and two fans for propelling air through the heat transfer modules. The figure includes a generic version of a housing for supporting and holding the multiple heat transfer modules in a desired position; the housing is shown with the lid open.

[0008] Figure 2 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a heat transfer module, which includes a sealable volume for placing a phase change material to cool the air.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an illustration of one embodiment in which two mirror-image half-modules are combined with each other to form an insulated channel for air passage through a sealable volume, wherein each half-module provides half of the channel.

[0010] Figure 4 A reservoir for phase change materials in a half-module is shown, which has multiple external fins extending from the outer wall of the channel into a sealable volume.

[0011] Figure 5 This is an illustration of one embodiment of a fully assembled heat transfer module formed by attaching two half-modules to each other, the two half-modules having a shape that forms an insulating channel through a sealable volume, wherein each half-module provides half of the channel.

[0012] Figure 6 A method for adding a liquid phase change material to one half of the reservoir of a heat transfer module is demonstrated.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating one possible arrangement of multiple heat transfer modules connected in parallel within a cooling unit, wherein the channels of the heat transfer modules form independent air passages, each air passage being in fluid communication with at least one fan.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating one possible arrangement of multiple heat transfer modules connected in series in a cooling unit, wherein the channels of the heat transfer modules form an air passage that is in fluid communication with at least one fan.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating one possible arrangement of multiple heat transfer modules when the cooling unit has two or more series of heat transfer modules, wherein these series are arranged in parallel with each other, and the channels of each series of the two or more series of heat transfer modules form an independent air passage, each air passage being in fluid communication with at least one fan.

[0016] Figure 10 This is an illustration of one embodiment of a half-module, which has two separate U-shaped half-channels with multiple internal fins, and the two channels are mirror images of each other.

[0017] Figure 11 A reservoir for phase change material in a half-module is shown, which has two separate U-shaped semi-channels that are mirror images of each other. The channels have multiple external fins extending from the outer wall of each channel into a sealable volume.

[0018] Figure 12A reservoir for phase change material in a half-module is shown, which has two separate U-shaped half-channels that are mirror images of each other, and further has a sealed top that closes the reservoir and forms a sealable volume.

[0019] Figure 13 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a heat transfer module having two separate U-shaped semi-channels, the heat transfer module including a sealable volume for placing phase change material to cool the air.

[0020] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A method is demonstrated for adding a liquid phase change material to one half of a heat transfer module having two separate U-shaped half-channels that are mirror images of each other; the reservoir is then sealed by attaching a sealing top to the closed reservoir.

[0021] Figure 16 This is an illustration of one embodiment in which two half-modules having two separate U-shaped half-channels that are mirror images of each other are combined to form two independent isolation channels through a sealable volume for two independent air passages, with each half-module providing half of each channel.

[0022] Figure 17 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a fully assembled heat transfer module formed by attaching two half-modules to each other, the two half-modules having two separate U-shaped half-channels that are mirror images of each other; the two half-modules have a shape that forms two independent insulating channels through a sealable volume, wherein each half-module provides half of each channel.

[0023] Figure 18 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a device for cooling air between clothing and a wearer. The device has a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and at least one fan. The heat transfer modules are used to cool the air, and the fan is used to push the air through the heat transfer modules. The figure includes the base of a version of a housing for supporting and holding the multiple heat transfer modules in a desired position; the outer cover of the housing is removed from the base and is not shown. Additionally, the figure shows the arrangement before the heat transfer modules are horizontally inserted into the sides of the housing base.

[0024] Figure 19This is an illustration of an embodiment of a device for cooling air between clothing and a wearer. The device includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and at least one fan. The heat transfer modules are used to cool the air, and the fan is used to push the air through the heat transfer modules. The figure shows the base of a version of the housing for supporting and holding the multiple heat transfer modules in a desired position; the outer cover of the housing is removed from the base and is not shown. Additionally, the figure shows the heat transfer modules now installed in the base of the housing.

[0025] Figure 20 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a device for cooling air between clothing and a wearer. The device includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and at least one fan. The heat transfer modules are used to cool the air, and the fan is used to push the air through the heat transfer modules. The device is contained within a housing for supporting and holding the multiple heat transfer modules in a desired position. In this view, the housing is closed, with the outer cover of the housing attached to the base.

[0026] Figure 21 and Figure 22 This illustration shows a worker before donning protective clothing, wearing a version of an enclosed enclosure containing devices for cooling the air between the clothing and the wearer. The enclosure is shown worn over the worker's work clothes on their back. An inlet / outlet in the enclosure's outer cover is also shown, allowing the heat transfer module to be removed and replaced without removing or opening the enclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This invention relates to a device for cooling air between clothing and the wearer, comprising a cooling unit including a plurality of heat transfer modules and one or more fans. The heat transfer modules are used to cool the air, and the fans are used to drive the air through the heat transfer modules. The heat transfer modules may further be provided with a phase change material (PCM) to provide cooling for the device. Preferably, the device utilizes and cools the air between the wearer and the clothing shell, and preferably, the device is worn between the wearer and the clothing shell. The device preferably cools the air in the space surrounding the human body within the clothing shell and circulates the cool air within the clothing shell to maintain body comfort when wearing the clothing. In addition to the improved device design discussed herein, cooling performance can be further maximized by mechanically or electrically controlling the fan speed in response to changes in ambient temperature.

[0028] The device includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and one or more fans. The heat transfer modules are used to cool air, and the fans are used to propel air through the heat transfer modules. Each heat transfer module includes a sealable volume for housing a phase change material to cool the air and a channel through the sealable volume, the channel forming an air passage in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more fans. The channel further includes: multiple internal fins extending from an inner wall of the channel into the air passage; and multiple external fins extending from an outer wall of the channel into the sealable volume; wherein heat can be transferred from the air in the air passage to any phase change material in the sealable volume.

[0029] Heat is absorbed or released when a material changes from a solid to a liquid or vice versa, or when the internal structure of a material changes; phase change materials (PCMs) are therefore called latent heat storage (LHS) materials. PCMs are cooled primarily by the energy absorbed during the phase change from solid to liquid, because latent heat, or heat of fusion, is typically much higher than sensible heat. During cooling, the PCM melts at the phase change temperature (PCT), storing a significant amount of energy within it.

[0030] To use a PCM to cool hot air, the heat from the hot air must typically be transferred to a thermally conductive material, which then transfers the heat to the PCM. The inventors have discovered that the key to extending cooling time is better management of the thermally conductive material / PCM interface. They found that the PCM in direct contact with the thermally conductive material melts first, forming a liquid boundary layer between the PCM and the material. This liquid boundary layer creates a temperature gradient between the thermally conductive material and the PCM, and this gradient increases as the liquid layer grows. Consequently, even though sufficient PCM remains solid and is theoretically usable for cooling, the liquid layer hinders heat transfer from the thermally conductive material to the PCM, thus shortening the PCM's lifespan.

[0031] In the heat transfer module of the present invention, the thermally conductive material preferably includes: (a) a material forming an air passage through a sealable volume; (b) a material extending from the inner wall of the channel into a plurality of internal fins in the air passage; and (c) a material extending from the outer wall of the channel into a plurality of external fins in a sealable volume that can accommodate or house the PCM.

[0032] The thermally conductive material for the channels, as well as the internal and external fins, is preferably metallic, with representative materials being aluminum, steel, copper, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, aluminum is the preferred thermally conductive material because it provides a balance between thermal conductivity and cost. While some non-metallic materials have higher corrosion resistance potential, they are generally considered unsuitable for use as thermally conductive materials for the channels, as well as the internal and external fins, due to their typically much lower thermal conductivity.

[0033] The inventors believe that multiple external fins extending from the outer wall of the channel into the sealable volume play a major role in extending the cooling life of the device. These external fins provide additional surface area for the thermally conductive material to contact the PCM; these fins extend into the body of the PCM and help dissipate the large area of ​​PCM within the sealable volume, thereby enabling more efficient utilization of the PCM. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the external fins that transfer heat to the PCM is preferably equal to or greater than the surface area of ​​the internal fins that transfer heat from the air, and in some preferred embodiments, the surface area of ​​the external fins is greater than the surface area of ​​the internal fins.

[0034] The overall shape, size, and number of the internal and external fins need to be balanced between heat exchange surface area and airflow resistance. The internal fins preferably help to break laminar airflow on the inner surface of the channel, and in some preferred embodiments, the internal fins have the shape of individual circular pins extending from the inner surface or inner wall of the channel. In some embodiments, each channel has at least ten individual internal fins.

[0035] External fins extend from the outer surface or outer wall of the channel into the sealable volume to contact the PCM, and the shape, size, and number of the external fins are selected to provide a large surface area for contact with the PCM to achieve heat transfer. In some preferred embodiments, these fins have a flat rectangular shape, allowing them to extend to the limits of the length, width, and thickness of the sealable volume. If desired, some or all of the internal fins extending into the interior of the channel can be directly connected to the external fins extending from the exterior of the channel, and can be in the form of round pins, rectangles, or some combination of both. In some embodiments, the channel has a combination of multiple metal round pins extending through the channel wall, which act as both internal and external fins, wherein the channel has multiple additional metal rectangular fins extending from the exterior of the channel into the sealable volume to contact the PCM. In some embodiments, each channel has at least ten individual external fins.

[0036] It should be understood that extending the cooling life of PCM in a device is not just a matter of providing more cooling, but rather a matter of how to more effectively utilize the heat dissipation material provided by PCM to extend the life of the heat transfer modules in the cooling device.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an illustration of one embodiment of a device 10 for cooling the air between clothing and the wearer. The device includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules 11 for cooling the air and two fans 12. A housing 14 for supporting and holding the multiple heat transfer modules in a desired position is also shown.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an illustration of one embodiment of a heat transfer module 20, which includes a sealable volume 21 for housing a phase change material to allow air cooling. As shown in this embodiment, for ease of manufacture, the heat transfer module 20 includes two mirror-image half-modules 23. Each half-module 23 has a separate sealable volume 21 formed by sealing a reservoir 24 with a sealing top 25.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, when two mirror-image half-modules 23 are attached to each other, a channel 22 is formed through the sealable volume, with each half-module providing half of the channel. As shown, the preferred shape of the channel is a curved shape, generally in the form of a general "U" or sine wave, which travels back and forth within the module to increase the residence time within the module. Other channel shapes are also considered usable, but completely straight channels that pass directly through the module in a straight line are generally considered undesirable because they typically provide a shorter residence time within the module. Curved channels, particularly curved channels including fins, provide a complex structure that extends the travel time of air through the module and helps provide sufficient heat exchange time. Additionally, as shown, the curved channels arranged in the module allow any condensate that may form within the channel to flow downwards by gravity and can be collected in a reservoir at the bottom of the housing if needed. The channel 22 further includes a plurality of internal fins 26 extending from the inner wall of the channel into the air passage. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the internal fins extend from one wall of the channel, a feature that simplifies the process of milling the half-module from the aluminum block. Similarly, as... Figure 3 As shown, the fin is preferably a single circular pin centered in the channel, but other types of fins are also possible.

[0040] Figure 4 A reservoir 24 for PCM in a half-module 23 is shown, the half-module having a plurality of external fins 27 extending from the outer wall of the channel into the sealable volume. As shown, preferably, the fins are round pins, round pins with rectangular protrusions, rectangular protrusions, or some combination thereof; the fins are attached to and extend from the outer wall of the channel into the reservoir. An optional filling port 46 for filling the reservoir with PCM is also shown.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an illustration of one embodiment of a fully assembled heat transfer module 11 formed by attaching two half-modules 23 to each other. These two half-modules 23 have the shape of forming an insulated channel through a sealable volume of the heat transfer module. The two sealable volumes are formed by two reservoirs and their associated sealing tops, wherein each half-module provides half of the channel.

[0042] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the depth 42 of the channel entering the half-module is preferably about half the thickness 44 of the half-module, meaning that the total depth 55 of the channel is approximately equal to half the thickness of the entire module. Preferably, the outer fins 27 extend from the outer wall of the channel into each reservoir, particularly to half the thickness of each reservoir excluding any portion of the outer wall of the channel, and preferably, each outer fin extends into the reservoir thickness to the surface of the sealing top of the reservoir, leaving at most a small gap between the outer edge of the outer fin and the sealing top. This gap (if present) is considered to be preferably about 10% or less of the distance between the inner surface of the sealing top when sealed onto the reservoir and the surface of the outer wall of the channel. Additionally, the outer fins 27 extend into the reservoir between the outer walls of the channel. In some embodiments, the outer fins are configured such that the PCM can move freely throughout the reservoir without restriction; that is, the fins do not form any isolating internal recesses in the reservoir that might otherwise hinder the filling of the entire reservoir with PCM, nor do they form localized areas that might otherwise impair cooling performance.

[0043] Figure 6 A method is shown for adding liquid phase change material 61 to reservoir 124 of semi-module 123. The term "phase change material" (PCM) is generally used to describe materials that absorb or release a relatively large amount of latent heat by utilizing a phase change (e.g., melting, freezing, etc.) at a relatively constant temperature. The most commonly used PCM is water / ice, where, for example... Figure 6 As shown, water is added to a reservoir and the reservoir is sealed; then the half-module or fully assembled module is cooled to freeze the water. The frozen module is then used in a cooling device. Other types of PCMs are also possible, including brine solutions or salt hydrates, where the salt can be, but is not limited to, soluble halides, sulfates, nitrates, or phosphates of Group 1 or Group 2 metals, and mixtures thereof; aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and / or polyols; and organic PCMs, such as compositions containing paraffin, fatty acids and esters, and sugar alcohols, which can be petroleum-based or derived from renewable resources. PCM compositions may also contain: gelling agents to increase the viscosity of the composition in its liquid phase to reduce the risk of leakage; and / or other additives, such as corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, and biocides.

[0044] The performance of PCM is related to its phase transition temperature (PCT). In some embodiments, PCM has a PCT of -10°C to 0°C. In some embodiments, PCM has a PCT of -10°C to -5°C. In some preferred embodiments, PCM is an aqueous solution of approximately 10% by weight potassium chloride in distilled water, which has a PCT in the range of -10°C to -5°C.

[0045] The device includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and one or more fans, the multiple heat transfer modules being used to cool air and the one or more fans being used to push air through the heat transfer modules. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment includes a device 10 comprising a cooling unit comprising four heat transfer modules 11, which may include a PCM for cooling air, and two fans 12. In this particular arrangement, each fan pushes air through two heat transfer modules. Each fan may be located at the inlet or outlet of a heat transfer module, but each fan preferably draws air through the heat transfer module to cool it, and then blows the cooled air to the desired area between the wearer and the garment shell.

[0046] In some embodiments, each fan used to move air through the heat transfer module is a siroccofan, a centrifugal fan with forward-curved blades that can move large volumes of air. However, essentially any fan of sufficient size and performance to distribute air as needed can be used. Preferably, each fan is attached to or mounted on the housing and is in fluid communication with one or more channels in one or more heat transfer units. Thus, like the housing, each fan is preferably used when the device is worn inside protective clothing.

[0047] Advantageously, each fan operates on electricity, preferably supplied by a portable power source compatible with the voltage / ampere rating required by each fan. The portable power source can be a battery or other power supply unit. Preferably, the portable power source is a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Preferably, the portable power source is attached to or mounted on the housing and is equipped with any number of switches or controllers for operating the portable power source or each fan. Thus, like the housing, the portable power source is preferably used when the device is worn inside protective clothing.

[0048] Preferably, the portable power supply is attached to or mounted on the housing in a manner that allows for the quick replacement of a used or depleted portable power supply with a new or fully charged one. If desired, the protective clothing may further feature a dedicated power access panel.

[0049] Furthermore, an external power source may not be desirable in many applications because such an external power source typically requires an attachment cable, which can limit mobility; if mobility is not an issue, the device can be equipped with an external socket or port for attaching an external power source.

[0050] If needed, the individual switches or controllers used to operate the portable power supply or each fan can optimize wearer comfort. For example, when the device is first turned on, the temperature of the cooled air is very low, and then the temperature gradually rises as the device is used, causing the cooling effect to diminish over time. On the other hand, the wearer's heat stress increases over time. Therefore, in some embodiments, the device has a controller that automatically controls the speed of each fan to control the amount of air pushed through the device. For example, when the device is turned on, the controller can automatically set the speed of each fan to a low level, and then increase the speed of each fan at a pre-selected time or in response to the air temperature measured by a sensor. The increase in fan speed can be gradual or incremental, reaching the highest speed at the end of the wearing cycle to provide maximum cooling when the wearer's heat stress is at its peak.

[0051] In some embodiments, one or more of the heat transfer modules may be interchangeable with one or more other heat transfer modules. In one example, for maximum flexibility, all heat transfer modules may be interchangeable. In another example, there may be two or more different sets of heat transfer modules, or one module may have additional features not found in other modules, such as a condensate reservoir. As discussed earlier herein, the shape and slope of the channels in the heat transfer modules allow any condensate in the channels to flow downwards by gravity to be collected in an optional condensate reservoir at the bottom of the housing.

[0052] In some embodiments, multiple heat transfer modules are arranged in parallel in a cooling unit, wherein the channels of the heat transfer modules form independent air passages, and each air passage is in fluid communication with at least one fan. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating one possible arrangement of the heat transfer module in this embodiment, showing one orientation of the air channel, assuming a vertical cut through one half of the heat transfer module to reveal a cross-section. Additionally, fins are not shown because this diagram is only used to illustrate parallel arrangements of the heat transfer modules and possible orientations / arrangements of the curved channels.

[0053] Multiple heat transfer modules are shown arranged side-by-side in a horizontal direction, with a first heat transfer module 71 on the left and a second heat transfer module 72 on the right. Each heat transfer module has a channel that forms a continuous air passage through each module. As shown, there is a first air passage 73 through the first heat transfer module 71 and a second air passage 74 through the second heat transfer module 72. This type of arrangement illustrates the meaning of multiple heat transfer modules arranged in parallel in a cooling unit, where the channels of the heat transfer modules form independent air passages. In this case, parallel arrangement means that there are at least two parallel air passages in the cooling device; however, the actual shape of the channels and / or air passages can be different.

[0054] In some embodiments, a plurality of heat transfer modules are arranged in series in a cooling unit, wherein the channels of the heat transfer modules form an air passage that is in fluid communication with at least one fan. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating one possible arrangement of the heat transfer module in this embodiment, showing one orientation of the air channel, assuming a vertical cut through one half of the heat transfer module to reveal a cross-section. Additionally, fins are not shown because this diagram is only used to illustrate the arrangement of the heat transfer module and the possible orientation / arrangement of the curved channel.

[0055] Multiple heat transfer modules are shown arranged vertically, one stacked on top of another, with a first heat transfer module 81 on top and a second heat transfer module 82 at the bottom. Each heat transfer module has a channel that forms a continuous air passage through each module. As shown, there is an air passage 83 passing through the second heat transfer module 82, which continues through the first heat transfer module 81. This type of arrangement illustrates the meaning of multiple heat transfer modules arranged in series in a cooling unit, where the channels of the heat transfer modules form air passages. In this case, series arrangement means that the same air passage continues through multiple heat transfer modules in the cooling device, with the inlet and outlet of the channel in each heat transfer module aligned to form a continuous air passage. As previously mentioned, the actual shape of the channels and / or air passages may differ in different heat transfer modules.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cooling unit has two or more series of heat transfer modules, wherein these series are arranged in parallel with each other, and the channels of each of the two or more series of heat transfer modules form an independent air passage, each air passage being in fluid communication with at least one fan. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating one possible arrangement of the heat transfer module in this embodiment, showing one orientation of the air channel, also assuming a vertical cut through one half of the heat transfer module, thus presenting a cross-section; and similarly, fins are not shown, as this diagram is only used to illustrate the arrangement of the heat transfer module and the possible orientation / arrangement of the curved channel.

[0057] Figure 9Multiple heat transfer modules are shown, with two series of heat transfer modules arranged side-by-side in a horizontal direction. The first series 91 has heat transfer modules on the left, and the second series 92 has heat transfer modules on the right. Each series of heat transfer modules has a channel that forms a continuous air passage through all modules in that series. As shown, there is a first air passage 93 through the heat transfer modules of the first series 91 and a second air passage 94 through the heat transfer modules of the second series 92. This type of arrangement illustrates the meaning of multiple heat transfer module series arranged in parallel with each other, where the channels of each of these two or more series of heat transfer modules form an independent air passage. In this case, parallel arrangement means that there are at least two parallel air passages in the cooling device; however, the actual shape of the channels and / or air passages can differ in any series of heat transfer modules or in any heat transfer module.

[0058] Figures 10 to 20 A preferred embodiment of the apparatus including a cooling unit is further illustrated, the cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules. Figure 10 This is an illustration of one embodiment of a half-module 123, which has two separate U-shaped half-channels 122, each half-channel having a plurality of internal fins 126 (in this case, round pins), and the two half-channels are mirror images of each other.

[0059] Figure 11 A reservoir 124 for phase change material is shown in a half-module 123, which has two separate U-shaped half-channels that are mirror images of each other. The channels have multiple external fins 127 extending from the outer wall of each channel into a sealable volume 121.

[0060] Figure 12 A reservoir for phase change material is shown in a half-module 123, which has two separate U-shaped half-channels that are mirror images of each other, and further has a sealed top 125 that closes the reservoir 124 and forms a sealable volume.

[0061] Figure 13 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a heat transfer module having two separate U-shaped semi-channels, the heat transfer module including a sealable volume for placing phase change material to cool the air. Figures 10 to 13 The diagram also shows an optional filling port 146 for filling a reservoir with PCM, which is provided with a closing cap 146a.

[0062] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A method is shown for adding liquid phase change material 161 to reservoir 124 of one half of a heat transfer module 123, which has two separate U-shaped half-channels that are mirror images of each other; the reservoir is then sealed by attaching a sealing top 125 to close the reservoir.

[0063] Figure 16 This is an illustration of one embodiment in which two half-modules 123 having two separate U-shaped half-channels 122 that are mirror images of each other are combined to form two independent isolation channels through a sealable volume for two independent air passages, with each half-module providing half of each channel.

[0064] Figure 17 This is an illustration of one embodiment of a fully assembled heat transfer module 111 formed by attaching two half-modules 123 to each other, the two half-modules having two separate U-shaped half-channels that are mirror images of each other; the two half-modules having a shape that forms two independent insulating channels through a sealable volume, wherein each half-module preferably provides half of each channel.

[0065] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a device for cooling air between clothing and a wearer. The device includes a cooling unit comprising a plurality of heat transfer modules 111 and at least one fan 181. The heat transfer modules are used to cool the air, and the fan is used to push the air through the heat transfer modules. The figure includes a base 182 of a version of a housing for supporting and holding the plurality of heat transfer modules 111 in a desired position; the outer cover of the housing is removed from the base and is not shown. Additionally, the figure shows the heat transfer modules 111 horizontally inserted into inlets and outlets located on the sides of the housing base 182. Figure 18 The heat transfer module before insertion is shown. Figure 19 The installed heat transfer module is shown. Figure 18 and Figure 19 These two figures further illustrate a device with conduits for delivering cooled air to one or more desired areas of the wearer. In this embodiment, a neck air outlet conduit 185 provides cooled air to the head and neck region, and opposing underarm air outlet conduits 186 on either side of the device provide cooled air to the underarm and shoulder regions. The air inlet of the device, located at the bottom of the base, is not shown in these views.

[0066] Figure 20This is an illustration of an embodiment of a device for cooling air between garments and the wearer, the device having a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and at least one fan for cooling air and for propelling air through the heat transfer modules; the device is contained within a housing for supporting and holding the multiple heat transfer modules in a desired position. In this view, the housing is closed, with the shown housing cover 200 attached to a base 182. In this embodiment, the cover snaps onto the base using tabs / holes 189 in two portions, and the cover further has openings (not shown) for an air outlet duct, a battery compartment inlet / outlet, and an air inlet. If desired, the housing may include various doors or latching mechanisms to hold the modules internally when the device is in use. Similarly, the housing may be isolated to separate the device from both the environment and the wearer.

[0067] Figure 7 and Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a single-channel module with air inlets and outlets positioned far apart on the left and right sides of the device. This necessitates two fans or a manifold fan to drive air through the two channels. If desired, these individual modules can be arranged or flipped so that the channel inlets and outlets are located together in the center, making them more easily operable with a single fan, similar to... Figures 10 to 17 An example of a dual-channel module is shown.

[0068] The device (which includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and one or more fans, the multiple heat transfer modules for cooling air and the one or more fans for propelling air through the heat transfer modules) can cool the temperature of air supplied from the space between the body and clothing by at least 10 degrees Celsius and can continuously supply cooled air, preferably for at least 2 hours, to address any heat stress issues associated with chemical protective clothing.

[0069] Additionally, a device incorporating any of these heat transfer module arrangements may further include one or more condensate reservoirs for collecting moisture condensed in the channels. Although not shown in the figures, one or more condensate reservoirs are preferably positioned within the device, at or near the bottom of the device, and in liquid fluid communication with one or more channels present in the device, such that any moisture condensed in the channels during air cooling simply flows downwards by gravity into the condensate reservoir for later drainage. Furthermore, the condensate reservoir may include a material for capturing condensate, such as a sponge or sponge-like material, and this sponge or sponge-like material may be removed and replaced with a dry version, or wrung out and replaced, to remove the captured condensate during use of the device.

[0070] In some embodiments, the device further includes equipment for the wearer of the clothing to wear the device. Such equipment can be any type of vest, straps, support straps, or other structure that supports the device on the person wearing the clothing; support can be provided whether the device is operating to supply cooled air to the worker or when the device is not operating (typically before and after use).

[0071] Figure 21 and Figure 22 This illustration shows a worker before donning protective clothing, wearing a version of the enclosed housing 210 containing devices for air cooling between the clothing and the wearer. The housing is shown worn like a backpack over the worker's work clothes on their back. An inlet / outlet in the housing's outer cover is also shown, allowing for easy removal and replacement of the heat transfer module without removing or opening the housing; simply slide the used heat transfer module out of the enclosed housing. Figure 22 As shown, it was replaced with a new heat transfer module.

[0072] In the broadest sense, equipment for wearable devices can allow the device to be worn over clothing, provided that the device (and clothing) are supplied with inlet and outlet channels to draw air from inside the clothing, pass that air to a cooling device outside the clothing worn by the wearer, where the air is cooled, and then the air is supplied back into the clothing. However, if the device is placed outside the clothing, there is a risk of contamination of the device unless other covering measures are taken.

[0073] Preferably, the equipment for wearing the device allows the device to be positioned between the clothing and the wearer, and in some embodiments, the equipment for wearing the device positions the device on the wearer's back.

[0074] In some preferred embodiments, the device further includes conduits for delivering air to or from the device; the conduits are in fluid communication with one or more air passages and one or more fans within the device. For example, air inlet conduits may be present that use at least one fan in the device to advance air, draw air from an area between the garment shell and the wearer, and propel the air to a heat transfer module where the air is cooled, and the at least one fan may simply blow the cooled air from the device via one or more outlet vents. In a more practical example, at least one fan draws air from between the garment shell and the wearer in an area surrounding the device via one or more inlet vents and propels the air to and through a heat transfer module where the air is cooled; the cooled air is then delivered to a desired area of ​​the wearer's body via one or more conduits. Combinations of these examples are also possible, such as using one or more inlet conduits to draw inlet air from the lower part of the body, cool the air, and then using one or more outlet conduits to distribute the air to the upper part of the body. In some embodiments, the conduits are configured to deliver cooled air to the wearer's armpits and neck, but other conduit arrangements are also possible.

[0075] like Figure 6 and Figure 14 As shown, or through the use of an optional fill port, in one embodiment, the device allows a user to decide and use a PCM of his / her choice. For example, a user can add the PCM to an open reservoir and then seal or close the reservoir to hold the PCM, or inject the desired PCM into a sealed / closed reservoir via the optional fill port. Alternatively, the device may further include a phase change material in the sealable volume of the heat transfer module; that is, the heat transfer module may be provided with PCM already loaded into the reservoir, and optionally, in some preferred embodiments, the reservoir or sealable volume is permanently sealed or closed at the factory after the addition of the PCM, which both avoids the need to add PCM to the heat transfer module and reduces or prevents any potential leakage of PCM from the heat transfer module.

[0076] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a cooling system for a wearer of protective clothing, the cooling system including means for cooling air between the protective clothing and the wearer, the means further having conduits for delivering the cooled air to one or more desired areas of the wearer. The means includes a cooling unit comprising a plurality of heat transfer modules and one or more fans, the plurality of heat transfer modules for cooling the air, and the one or more fans for propelling the air through the heat transfer modules and further propelling and distributing the cooled air to the wearer via the conduits. The means further includes a housing, such as, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 20 As shown, the housing is used to support and hold multiple heat transfer modules in desired positions. The housing includes openings for accessing the multiple heat transfer modules, and further has one or more openings for attaching conduits. If desired, the openings for accessing the multiple heat transfer modules can be made closable.

[0077] In some embodiments, the cooling system may further include equipment for positioning the housing of the device on the back of the wearer, as previously described herein. In some embodiments, the cooling system may further include one or more condensate reservoirs for collecting moisture generated by the cooling unit, as previously described herein.

[0078] In some specific embodiments, the cooling system includes a housing that supports and holds two heat transfer modules, and conduits are configured to deliver cooled air from the cooling unit to the wearer's armpits and neck.

[0079] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a protective clothing system for cooling a wearer of protective clothing, the protective clothing system comprising protective clothing and a cooling system. The cooling system includes means for cooling air between the protective clothing and the wearer; the means further having conduits for delivering cooled air to one or more desired areas of the wearer. The means also includes a cooling unit comprising a plurality of heat transfer modules and one or more fans, the plurality of heat transfer modules for cooling the air, and the one or more fans for propelling air through the heat transfer modules and further propelling and distributing the cooled air to the wearer via the conduits. The means also includes a housing for supporting and holding the plurality of heat transfer modules in a desired position, the housing including openings (optionally closable openings) for accessing the plurality of heat transfer modules. The housing additionally has one or more openings for attaching the conduits. The means further includes equipment for the wearer to wear the means, the equipment supporting the housing between the clothing and the wearer of the clothing. The protective clothing additionally has a sealable opening for accessing the opening of the means housing for inserting and removing heat transfer modules when the means are worn.

[0080] In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus in the protective clothing system further includes a condensate reservoir for collecting moisture generated by the cooling unit, as previously described herein.

[0081] In some preferred embodiments, the equipment for wearing the protective clothing system positions the housing on the wearer's back, and the sealable opening of the protective garment is located on the back of the garment. In some preferred embodiments, the housing of the cooling system supports and holds two heat transfer modules, and ducts are configured to deliver cooled air to the wearer's armpits and neck.

[0082] The sealable opening of the protective clothing is located on the back or side of the garment and preferably includes a touch panel made of protective clothing fabric that can be pulled off the garment to access the housing when the garment is worn. Once the touch panel is opened, the housing can be opened, allowing one or more used heat transfer modules to be replaced to restore cooling without the wearer removing or unfastening the entire protective clothing. Preferably, the sealable opening may be provided with a sliding fastener or hook-and-loop fastener that can be opened to allow the touch panel to be pulled off the garment. The sealable opening may have various other features or arrangements as needed. For example, the sealable opening may have a liner that separates the housing from the wearer's body or otherwise provides additional exposure protection to the wearer when the touch panel is opened. Such a liner will additionally require inlet and outlet touch ports for vents or ducts to allow air inside the garment to be pushed into the housing and then returned between the garment shell and the wearer.

[0083] In some embodiments, protective clothing is a fully enclosed chemical-resistant suit. In some embodiments, protective clothing includes any type of coverall, whether hooded or hoodless. In some embodiments, protective clothing includes any type of shirt, jacket, trousers, or combination garment.

[0084] Protective clothing further preferably includes protective clothing fabric. From a compositional point of view, the term "protective clothing fabric" is intended to include a wide variety of protective clothing fabrics, barrier fabrics, laminates, and membranes. The term "protective clothing fabric" also includes nonwoven and / or woven and / or braided fabrics and laminates of such materials with membranes or multilayer membranes. In some preferred embodiments, the protective clothing fabric, and therefore the clothing material, is a multilayer membrane and nonwoven laminate. In some embodiments, the clothing material is a nonwoven material resistant to liquid and / or particle penetration, such as a Tyvek® spunbond polyethylene nonwoven. Other useful protective clothing fabrics offer protection against a wide variety of threats and include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in the following U.S. Patent Nos.: 5,626,947 (Hauer et al.); 4,855,178 (Langley); 4,272,851 (Goldstein); 4,772,510 (McClure); 5,035,941 (Blackburn); 4,214,321 (Nuwayser); 4,920,575 (Bartasis); 5,162,148 (Boye); 4,833,010 (Langley).

[0085] Some specific protective clothing fabrics include those made from flash-spun polyethylene sheets, which are spun and then slightly bonded, followed by a softening treatment; or without subsequent softening treatment. One method of providing such a flash-spun sheet is described in Janis 5,972,147. Another method of providing the sheet is to point-bond the sheet by passing a loosely consolidated flash-spun polyethylene sheet between one or more heated rollers with raised bumps and an elastic roller, as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,478,141 to Dempsey et al. When a softer flash-spun sheet is desired, any sheet can be softened by passing it through a pin or stud softening device, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,811,979 and 3,920,874 to Dempsey et al. Any sheet can be further coated with various compositions or laminated onto a film to form a treated, coated, or film-laminated product.

[0086] Other protective clothing fabrics include spunbond nonwovens, meltblown sheets, and spunbond combinations of melt-spun and meltblown layers (e.g., SMS), electro-spun sheets, and any combination thereof. The term "nonwoven" refers to a planar sheet structure comprising at least one web of randomly distributed fibrous material, rather than a woven or braided fabric made of interlaced yarns or interlocking loops. In some preferred embodiments, the fibrous material in the nonwoven sheet is a synthetic polymer; in some embodiments, the synthetic polymer is a thermoplastic polymer. In some preferred embodiments, the fibrous material in the nonwoven sheet structure does not contain added adhesives; that is, the fibrous material is bonded to the sheet by melting the fiber cross-sections in the sheet structure without adding additional adhesive compounds to the sheet. "Fiber-like" means that the material in the nonwoven sheet possesses some fibrous properties. Such fibrous properties can be provided by, for example, truncated fibers, continuous or semi-continuous fibers, and / or tufted fiber structures. The fibrous material can comprise a single material or multiple materials, as a combination of different fibers or as a combination of similar fibers each comprising different materials.

[0087] In some embodiments, prior to any additional treatment, coating, or film lamination, the fibrous nonwoven sheet structure may have a basis weight of 75 g / m² or less. In some more preferred embodiments, the fibrous nonwoven sheet structure or protective clothing fabric has a basis weight of 55 g / m² or less; and in some most preferred embodiments, the fibrous nonwoven sheet structure or protective clothing fabric has a basis weight of 45 g / m² or less. In some embodiments, the fibrous nonwoven structure or protective clothing fabric has a basis weight of 125 g / m² or less. In some embodiments, the fibrous nonwoven structure or protective clothing fabric has a basis weight of 70 g / m² or less.

[0088] In some embodiments, clothing comprising protective fabric is Class A, B, C, or D protective clothing. Class A clothing is used in situations requiring the highest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection, and is typically fully enclosed vapor protective clothing. Class B clothing is used in situations requiring the highest level of respiratory protection but a lower level of skin protection. Preferably, devices for cooling the air are used in conjunction with Class C or D clothing. Class C clothing is used in situations where atmospheric pollutants, liquid splashes, and other direct contact will not adversely affect or be absorbed by any exposed skin. Class D clothing is used in situations where contamination only constitutes interference. There may be situations where combinations of protective clothing rated Class A, B, C, or D can be used together.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cooling the air between clothing and the wearer of the clothing, wherein, The device includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and one or more fans. The multiple heat transfer modules are used to cool air, and the one or more fans are used to push air through the heat transfer modules. Each heat transfer module includes: a) A sealable volume for housing phase change material to be cooled by air, and b) A channel through the sealable volume, the channel forming an air passage in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more fans. The channel further includes: i) A plurality of internal fins extending from the inner wall of the channel into the air passage, and ii) A plurality of external fins extending from the outer wall of the channel into the sealable volume; Heat can be transferred from the air in the air passage to any phase change material in the sealable volume.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, One or more heat transfer modules can be interchanged with any other heat transfer module.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of heat transfer modules are arranged in parallel in the cooling unit, and the channels of the heat transfer modules form independent air passages, each air passage being in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more fans.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of heat transfer modules are arranged in series in the cooling unit, and the channels of the heat transfer modules form an air passage, which is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more fans.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The cooling unit has two or more series of heat transfer modules arranged in parallel with each other, and the channels of each series of heat transfer modules form an independent air passage, each air passage being in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more fans.

6. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising equipment for the wearer of the garment to wear the device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The equipment for wearing the device is designed to be worn between the clothing and the wearer of the clothing.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The equipment for wearing the device positions the device on the wearer's back.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a condensate reservoir for collecting moisture condensed in the channel.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a conduit for delivering air to or from the apparatus.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a phase change material in the sealable volume.

12. A cooling system for a wearer of protective clothing, the cooling system comprising means for cooling air between the protective clothing and the wearer, the means further comprising a conduit for delivering the cooled air to one or more desired areas of the wearer. in, The device includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and one or more fans. The heat transfer modules are used to cool air, and the fans are used to push air through the heat transfer modules and further push and distribute the cooled air to the wearer via the duct. The device further includes a housing for supporting and holding the plurality of heat transfer modules in a desired position, the housing including openings for accessing the plurality of heat transfer modules. The housing further has one or more openings for the conduit.

13. The cooling system of claim 12, further comprising equipment for positioning the housing of the device on the back of the wearer.

14. The cooling system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The device further includes a condensate reservoir for collecting moisture generated by the cooling unit.

15. The cooling system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The housing supports and holds two heat transfer modules, and the conduits are configured to deliver cooled air to the wearer's armpits and neck.

16. A protective clothing system for cooling a wearer of protective clothing, the system comprising the protective clothing and a cooling system. The cooling system includes means for cooling the air between the protective clothing and the wearer, the means further having conduits for delivering the cooled air to one or more desired areas of the wearer. in, The device includes a cooling unit comprising multiple heat transfer modules and one or more fans. The heat transfer modules are used to cool air, and the fans are used to push air through the heat transfer modules and further push and distribute the cooled air to the wearer via the duct. The device further includes a housing for supporting and holding the plurality of heat transfer modules in a desired position. The housing includes openings for accessing the plurality of heat transfer modules, and further has one or more openings for the conduit. The device further includes equipment for the wearer to wear the device, the equipment supporting the housing between the garment and the wearer; and The protective clothing has a sealable opening for accessing the opening of the device housing to allow insertion and removal of the heat transfer module when the device is worn.

17. The protective clothing system of claim 16, wherein, The equipment for wearing the device positions the housing on the back of the wearer, and the sealable opening of the protective clothing is located on the back or side of the clothing.

18. The protective clothing system as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein, The device further includes a condensate reservoir for collecting moisture generated by the cooling unit.

19. The protective clothing system as described in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The housing supports and holds two heat transfer modules, and the conduits are configured to deliver cooled air to the wearer's armpits and neck.

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