Cooling apparatus

Abstract

A cooling apparatus for cooling a space is provided that comprises a container filled with a first refrigerant wherein the first refrigerant is maintained in a temperature substantially below zero degrees Celsius; a heat exchanger configured to allow flow of a second refrigerant within the heat exchanger so as to cool the space; and tubing submerged within the first refrigerant in the container, wherein the second refrigerant is circulating between the heat exchanger and the tubing in the container.

Description

[0001] COOLING APPARATUS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosed subject matter relates to cooling apparatuses and devices. More particularly, the present disclosed subject matter relates to an improved cooling apparatus for cooling an indoor space with massive energy savings.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Air conditioning systems and cooling apparatuses are considered massive energy consumers, whether it is a home air conditioning system or a central system that conditions air of several rooms, stories, or huge spaces. A standard air conditioning system function as a humidifier by which a liquid refrigerant circulates in a refrigeration cycle 100 as shown in Figure 1. The refrigerating cycle 100 comprises an evaporator 102 configured to receive the liquid refrigerant, a condenser 104 for facilitating heat transfer, an expansion valve 106 to regulate the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator, and a compressor 108 that pressurizes the refrigerant. The evaporator 102 is the cold side of the air conditioning system 100, which is positioned in an interior space that should be kept cool. Cooled air that is shown in the drawing as arrows 111 is getting out of the evaporator.

[0006] Optionally or additionally, the evaporator 102 comprises a fan 110 that facilitates the flow of the cooled air over the chilled coils through which the liquid refrigerant circulates, into the room. The hot side of the refrigerating cycle 100 comprises a compressor 108, a condenser 104, and optionally, another fan (not shown in the figure), to vent hot air that is indicated by set of arrows 113 coming off the compressed refrigerant to the outside environment. An expansion valve 106 is provided between the condenser 104 and the evaporator 102. The expansion valve 106 regulates the amount of compressed liquid refrigerant moving from the condenser 104 and into the evaporator 102. The pressure of the refrigerant in the evaporator 102 drops, thereby expands and experiencing a phase change back into a gas. The compressor 108 pressurizes the refrigerant gas as part of the i process of turning it back into a liquid before it enters the condenser 104. These are the main components of an air conditioner having a refrigerant flowing in between in the direction of the arrow shown inside the refrigerating cycle 100.

[0007] In household air-conditioning systems, the evaporator is positioned within the house, allowing the cold air to enter a room while the other components are positioned outside. In central air conditioning systems and in very large buildings, like hotels and hospitals, the exterior condensing unit is often mounted on the roof.

[0008] As mentioned herein before, the air conditioning systems are of energy consumption. The flow of the refrigerant between the indoor units and the outdoor units bears extensive maintenance, losing energy and therefore, extensive costs. There is a need to reduce the expenses for the air-conditioning systems, home systems as well as central systems.

[0009] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosed subject matter, a cooling apparatus for cooling a space is provided that comprises: a container filled with a first refrigerant wherein the first refrigerant is maintained in a temperature below zero degrees Celsius; a heat exchanger configured to allow flow of a second refrigerant within the heat exchanger so as to cool the space; and tubing submerged within the first refrigerant in the container, wherein the second refrigerant is circulating between the heat exchanger and the tubing in the container.

[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a pump is provided to said tubing that pumps the second refrigerant from an outlet of the tubing to the heat exchanger and circulates the second refrigerant back to the tubing through an inlet.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the tubing is a cooling coil.

[0013] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the heat exchanger is an evaporator used in conventional air-conditioning systems. In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the temperature of the first refrigerant is between -35 and -40 degrees Celsius.

[0014] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant comprise a mixture of antifreeze materials selected from a group of materials consisting ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, petroleum-based liquid, water a combination thereof or the like.

[0015] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the first refrigerant is further diluted with about 10-15% water.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the container filled with the first refrigerant is cooled by a refrigeration cycle.

[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, wherein the tubing is made of thermal conductive materials selected from a group of materials consisting stainless steel, aluminum, brass, carbon steel, copper, tantalum, titanium, advanced carbon, silicone carbide composites, a combination thereof and the like.

[0018] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the heat exchanger is provided with a fan.

[0019] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the heat exchanger are made of a thermal isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a combination thereof or the like.

[0020] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, wherein pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the evaporator are provided with an isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of fiberglass, polyurethane, mineral wool, aerogel, perlite, a combination thereof or the like.

[0021] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the cooling apparatus is further comprising a tube that circulates the first refrigerant in the vicinity of the pipes. In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a second pump is provided to pump the first refrigerant from the container and circulate it through the tube.

[0022] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the pipes and the tube are passing through sealable holes in the container.

[0023] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the first refrigerant can be circulated in an additional cooling cycle by which an additional appliance is being cooled.

[0024] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the additional appliance is selected from a group of appliances such as refrigerator and a water cooler.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, a cooling apparatus for cooling a space converted from an air conditioning system is provided that comprises condenser, evaporator, compressor, and an expansion valve, the cooling apparatus comprising: a container filled with a first refrigerant wherein the first refrigerant is maintained in a temperature below zero degrees Celsius; and tubing submerged within the first refrigerant in the container, wherein the tubing is filled with a second refrigerant that is circulating between the tubing in the container and the evaporator.

[0026] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the container filled with the first refrigerant is cooled by a refrigeration cycle.

[0027] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the container filled with the first refrigerant is cooled by the compressor and the expansion valve.

[0028] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the tubing is a cooling coil.

[0029] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the temperature of the first refrigerant is between -35 and -40 degrees Celsius.

[0030] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the first refrigerant comprises a mixture of antifreeze materials selected from a group of materials consisting ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, petroleum-based liquid, a combination thereof or the like. In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the heat exchanger are made of a thermal isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a combination thereof or the like.

[0031] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the evaporator are provided with an isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of fiberglass, polyurethane, mineral wool, aerogel, perlite, a combination thereof or the like.

[0032] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the cooling apparatus is further comprising a tube that circulates the first refrigerant in the vicinity of the pipes.

[0033] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a second pump is provided to pump the first refrigerant from the container and circulate it through the tube.

[0034] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the pipes and the tube are passing through sealable holes in the container.

[0035] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the first refrigerant can be circulated in an additional cooling cycle by which an additional appliance is being cooled.

[0036] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the additional appliance is selected from a group of appliances such as refrigerator and a water cooler.

[0037] In accordance with a third aspect of the present subject matter, a method for converting a conventional air-conditioning system is provided that comprises a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, and an expansion valve to an energy-saving cooling system comprising: disconnecting the evaporator; providing a container with a first refrigerant therein; maintaining the first refrigerant in a temperature below zero degrees Celius; immersing a tubing within the first refrigerant; and circulating a second refrigerant between the condenser and the tubing. In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the method further comprises connecting the compressor to the container so as to maintain the temperature.

[0038] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the temperature is between -35 and -40 degrees Celsius.

[0039] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a refrigerating system is connected to the container so as to maintain the temperature.

[0040] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the first refrigerant comprises a mixture of antifreeze materials selected from a group of materials consisting ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, petroleum-based liquid, a combination thereof or the like.

[0041] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the method further comprises connecting pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the heat exchanger, wherein the pipes are made of a thermal isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a combination thereof or the like.

[0042] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the tubing is a cooling coil.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosed subject matter belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosed subject matter, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosed subject matter only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosed subject matter in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosed subject matter, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in practice.

[0045] In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art air conditioning system;

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates an air-cooling apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates an air-cooling apparatus, in accordance with some other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0049] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the air-cooling apparatus shown in Figure 3 used for other purposes, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

[0050] Figure 5A schematically illustrates an example of air conditioning system for a facility and its power consumption, in the prior art, and

[0051] Figure 5B schematically illustrates an example of an air conditioning system, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and the power consumption. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0052] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The drawings are generally not to scale. For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings.

[0053] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", and "having" together with their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". The term "consisting of" has the same meaning as "including and limited to".

[0054] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0055] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0056] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this disclosed subject matter may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range.

[0057] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0058] It is an object of the present subject matter to substantially reduce the cost of air conditioning systems by energy savings and reducing maintenance costs. Air conditioning systems have been shown to consume almost 70 percent of the energy consumed by home appliances. Eliminating parts of the air conditioning systems that bear high energy consuming technology is desired. The system of the present subject matter can be incorporated within an existing water-based evaporator of a conventional air conditioning system or can be a fully built system. Therefore, the air-cooling system of the present subject matter comprises an evaporator, which can be an evaporator from a conventional system, configured to allow flow of cold refrigerant within tubes that cools the air in the surrounding environment. As mentioned, the evaporator can be an evaporator of an air conditioning system that acts as a heat exchanger, but can also be any type of heat exchanger that allows flow of liquid within tubes, plates, channels, a combination thereof or the like, or an AHU (air handling unit) that is used in connection with chillers for institutes and massive spaces. In this document, the terms heat exchanger, evaporator, AHU are used interchangeably.

[0059] The portion of the condenser and the compressor of the refrigerating cycle is eliminated and instead, the air-cooling system according to the present subject matter further comprises a reservoir of refrigerant received within a container that is maintained in a cold temperature (below zero degrees Celsius) using a refrigeration cycle.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, the compressor of the former air-conditioning system is being used with other components to maintain the low temperature of the refrigerant reservoir. The system further comprises tubing having an inlet and an outlet that is placed within the cold refrigerant in the container and a pump that pumps the cold liquid from the outlet to the evaporator and circulates the liquid back to the tubing in the container.

[0061] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling system that is cost effective and uses some of the components of conventional high-energy consuming air conditioning systems. It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a method of converting the conventional high-energy consuming air conditioning system to a cooling system that is a low- energy consuming system.

[0062] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide a cost-effective cooling apparatus.

[0063] Referring now to Fig. 2 illustrating an air-cooling apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0064] The air-cooling system 200 comprises an evaporator 202 that is similar to the evaporator 102 that is shown hereinbefore in the prior art air-conditioning system, as an example. Optionally, a fan 210 is provided to facilitate the cool air to flow into the surrounding of the indoor room that is to be air cooled as shown by arrows 211.

[0065] The air-cooling system 200 is further provided with a container 204 that is filled with a first refrigerant, wherein the container and first refrigerant 204 are kept in a temperature that is lower than zero degrees Celsius. The first refrigerating liquid is preferably a refrigerant that can be maintained in temperatures between -35 and -40 degrees Celsius. Refrigerants reaching such temperatures can be liquids that comprise mixtures of antifreeze materials such as ethylene glycol- based or diethylene glycol liquid or petroleum-based liquids that act as antifreeze agents dissolved in water. Preferably, the first refrigerant in the container 204 is further diluted with water in an extent of about 10-15% water. When the low temperature is maintained, some of the water freeze on the sides of the container 204. Additional additives can be added to the mixture such as inhibitors (sodium benzoate) and embittering agents (denatonium benzoate). Commercially available antifreeze liquids that can be used in the system are Peak Antifreeze and Auto Cool Expert as examples. The first refrigerating liquid is maintained in low temperature using a refrigerating apparatus 230 based on a refrigerating cycle or the compressor of the air conditioning system that is now redundant. The container is preferably covered with an isolating material to prevent loses to the hotter environment.

[0066] An elongated tube, preferably shaped as a cooling coil 206 is submerged within the liquid in container 204; the cooling coil 206 is made of a material that is thermal conductive such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, carbon steel, copper, tantalum, titanium, advanced carbon, silicon carbide composites, a combination thereof and the like, cooling coil 206 has two openings at two ends of the tube wherein at one of the ends, a pump 208 is provided to withdraw a second refrigerant that is received in the tube, from the cooling coil 206 and direct it to evaporator 202 through a pipe 212. Pipe 212 passes through a hole 214 in the upper side of container 204. The second refrigerant that is directed and flowing towards the evaporator 202 and back is kept at a very low temperature. In order to maintain this low temperature, the pipe 212 is preferably made of a thermal isolating material or provided with an isolating material. The pipe can be made of silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a combination thereof or the like. The flexible pipe can be reinforced with steel spiral, as an example. The pipe 212 can also be provided with isolating material such as fiberglass, polyurethane, mineral wool, aerogel, perlite, a combination thereof or the like.

[0067] The second refrigerant flows through pipe 212 and into evaporator 202, where a heat exchange occurs, and cool air is discharged from the evaporator. Optionally, fan 210 facilitates movement of the cool air away from the heat exchanger and to the interior of the space to be cooled. There is no phase change of the fluid while flowing through the evaporator or through the system; there is only temperature change in which the temperature of the second refrigerant is being heated while passing through the evaporator. The second refrigerant exits the evaporator 202 and re-enters through tube 216 to the cooling coil 206 in a higher temperature from the temperature it exits the cooling coil. Within the cooling coil 206, the second refrigerant returns to its original temperature through heat exchange with the surrounding first refrigerant. The second refrigerant returns to the cooling coil 206 through another pipe 216 that passes through a hole 218 in the wall of container 204. It should be said that both holes 214 and 218 through which pipes 212 and 216, respectively, pass, are fluidically sealed to prevent loss of the first refrigerant.

[0068] It should be noted that the second refrigerant is maintained in a temperature that is below zero degrees centigrade and is kept in a liquid state when in is received within the coil in the container. If the first refrigerating liquid is kept in temperature that is between -35 and -37 degrees Celsius, the second refrigerant should be kept liquid in such conditions. Optionally or additionally, the second refrigerant is the same as the first refrigerant, however, the second refrigerant is not mixed with additional water and is maintained in very low temperature, which is below zero degrees Celsius, when it runs through the pipes.

[0069] It should be noted that there is no need to lower the pressure of the liquids using vacuum, as an example, to maintain or reach temperatures that are below zero Centigrade, in this case, temperatures of about -35 and -40 degrees Celsius. The temperature is achieved by using a simple refrigerating system such as a compressor of a home food refrigerator.

[0070] Reference is now made to Figure 3 illustrating an air-cooling apparatus, in accordance with some other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0071] The basic system is similar to the air-cooling system that is shown in Figure 2 above, however, in the present embodiment, the air-cooling system 300 is further provided with an additional tube 304 having two openings on both sides wherein both sides of the tube are placed within the container 204 with the first refrigerant liquid and while the middle part of tube 304 is placed in a loop adjacent to the both pipes, pipe 212 and pipe 216. The tube also passes through holes 214 and 218. A second pump 302 is configured to withdraw refrigerant liquid from the container 204 into one of the openings at one of the ends of tube 304 and circulate it through the tube 304 back to container 204. The circulation of the cold liquid adjacent to the pipes that transfer the second refrigerant from the cooling coil 206 to the evaporator 202 and back to the cooling coil assists in maintaining a cold environment in the surrounding of the pipes.

[0072] It should be noted that since a part of the cooling system is a refrigerant reservoir, the reservoir can be used for additional purposes that needs cooling ability.

[0073] Reference is now made to Figure 4 schematically illustrating the air-cooling apparatus shown in Figure 3 used for other purposes, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0074] A reservoir of cold refrigerant 400 is provided within a container 402 that is being cooled to a very low temperature, below zero degrees Celius and preferably at about -35°C, is maintained in the low temperature using a conventional refrigerating cycle 404 having at least an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve. As mentioned hereinbefore, a cooling coil 406 is provided within the cold container 402; a refrigerant is provided within the cooling coil 406. The two refrigerants can be the same and can be a different refrigerant.

[0075] The reservoir of cold refrigerant 400 is placed within an indoor room can be used for many applications. A first application is to use the reservoir in order to cool the space of the indoor room, as explained previously in regard with Figures 2 and 3. A pump 408 that is connected to the cooling coil-406 and withdraw the refrigerant, directs the refrigerant towards an evaporator 410 placed in the room through a pipe (not shown in Figure 4) that is placed within a hose 412. The evaporator 410 can be a conventional evaporator from a prior art system or a dedicated evaporator that acts as a heat exchanger. The refrigerant circulated within the tubes of the evaporator 410 and returns through another pipe (not shown in Figure 4) that is placed also within the hose 412. The refrigerant is being heated within the evaporator 410 but returns to its original temperature upon its return to the cooled reservoir 400.

[0076] Optionally or additionally, an additional pump 414 can be provided within the container 402 or outside of it and is fluidically connected with the refrigerant that is received within the container 402. Two pipes (not shown in the figures) are provided within a hose 416 that directs the refrigerant to a small refrigerator 418 and cools the air inside it. The refrigerant cycles between the container 402, where it is cold, and the refrigerator 418, where it cools the air within the refrigerator and returns in a relatively higher temperature to the container 402, where it cools down.

[0077] Optionally or additionally, yet another pump 420 can be provided within the container 402 and is fluidically connected with two pipes (not shown in the figures) that are provided within a hose 422 that directs the refrigerant to a water cooler machine 424 and cools the water that is withdrawn from the machine. The refrigerant cycles between the container 402, where it is cold, and the water cooler machine 418, where it cools the water within the machine and returns in a relatively higher temperature to the container 402, where it cools down.

[0078] As mentioned herein before, the disclosed air conditioning system is highly effective regarding energy consumption relative to prior art systems. In massive facilities, where there are numerous spaces to be cooled at a certain time, the efficiency of the air conditioning system of the present subject matter is even more expressed. As an example, the inventor of the present subject matter simulated power that is required to cool a hotel that contains fifty rooms in which the average room size is twenty square meters. In each room, an AHU (air handling unit) consumer with a power of 2 horsepower (hp) is installed. The fifty AHUs will consume a total of 100 hp.

[0079] Reference is now made to Figure 5A schematically illustrating an example of air conditioning system for a facility and its power consumption, in the prior art.

[0080] The size of the chiller that is needed to cool the AHUs is determined by calculating the total number of the AHUs. In this example, a 100 hp chiller is combined with two 40 hp units and another 20 Hp unit. In addition, there are pumps that circulate water from the chiller to the AHU floor and from the chiller to the cooling tower.

[0081] In case twelve rooms turn on the air conditioner at the same time, the compressor that will start working is of 40 hp. For the entire floor, the water is circulated by pumps that are large energy consumers, when only 24 hp are needed. In conclusion, the electricity consumption is high and more than necessary.

[0082] Reference is now being made to Figure 5B schematically illustrating an example of an air conditioning system, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and the power consumption.

[0083] An eighty-liter container system should be installed in each room of the twelve rooms while every system comprises a 0.33 hp compressor. Another 2 hp backup system will be placed in every three rooms and will be activated if necessary. The cooling apparatuses of the present invention are disconnected from the chillers and are placed near the room so that the cooling water path is shortened by tens of meters. In addition, there is a bypass cooling for the line between the cooling system and the evaporator or heat exchanger in order to save energy.

[0084] The cooling apparatuses of the present invention are connected to the same operating unit of the AHU in the hotel rooms and when the AHU turns on, the pump flows refrigerant at a temperature of -35 degrees Celsius to the AHU and back to the container of the system. In such a system, there is a thirty -meter-long cooling coil immersed in the container so that the liquid in the cooling coils that comes out of the AHU is cooled and returned. In the example shown in the figure, twelve rooms activate the necessary air conditioner using the 0.33 hp compressor and therefore, 4 hp are required as well as a backup unit of 2 Hp. It should be noted that the cold reservoir can be used to cool objects, air, fluids, a combination thereof or the like, in addition to its main use as an air-cooling apparatus.

[0085] It should be mentioned that temperature sensors, flow meters, valves, pressure gauges, controllers, remote controllers, interfaces, and other accessories can be added to the apparatuses shown hereinbefore without limiting the scope of the present subject matter. Such accessories are not shown herein from simplicity reasons.

[0086] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

Claims1. A cooling apparatus for cooling a space comprising: a container filled with a first refrigerant wherein the first refrigerant is maintained in a liquid state in temperature below zero degrees Celsius; a heat exchanger configured to allow flow of a second refrigerant within the heat exchanger so as to cool the space; and tubing submerged within the first refrigerant in the container, wherein the second refrigerant is circulating between the heat exchanger and the tubing in the container and wherein when the second refrigerant is within the tubing, it is kept in liquid state in a temperature below zero degrees Celsius.

2. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a pump is provided to said tubing that pumps the second refrigerant from an outlet of the tubing to the heat exchanger and circulates the second refrigerant back to the tubing through an inlet.

3. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the tubing is a cooling coil.

4. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is an evaporator used in conventional air-conditioning systems.

5. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the temperature of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant is between -35 and -40 degrees Celsius.

6. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant comprise an antifreeze material or a mixture of antifreeze materials selected from a group of materials consisting ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, petroleum-based liquid, water, a combination thereof or the like.

7. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the first refrigerant is further diluted with about 10-15% water.

8. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the container filled with the first refrigerant is cooled by a refrigeration cycle.

9. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the tubing is made of thermal conductive materials selected from a group of materials consisting stainless steel, aluminum, brass, carbon steel, copper, tantalum, titanium, advanced carbon, silicone carbide composites, a combination thereof and the like.

10. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is provided with a fan.

11. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the heat exchanger are made of a thermal isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a combination thereof or the like.

12. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the evaporator are provided with an isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of fiberglass, polyurethane, mineral wool, aerogel, perlite, a combination thereof or the like.

13. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the cooling apparatus is further comprising a tube that circulates the first refrigerant in the vicinity of the pipes.

14. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 13, wherein a second pump is provided to pump the first refrigerant from the container and circulate it through the tube.

15. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the pipes and the tube are passing through sealable holes in the container.

16. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first refrigerant can be circulated in an additional cooling cycle by which an additional appliance is being cooled.

17. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the additional appliance is selected from a group of appliances such as refrigerator and a water cooler.

18. A cooling apparatus for cooling a space converted from an air conditioning system comprising condenser, evaporator, compressor, and an expansion valve, the cooling apparatus comprising: a container filled with a first refrigerant wherein the first refrigerant is maintained in a temperature below zero degrees Celsius; tubing submerged within the first refrigerant in the container, wherein the tubing is filled with a second refrigerant that is configured to circulate between the tubing in the container and the evaporator, and wherein the second refrigerant is maintained in a temperature below zero degrees Celsius.

19. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the container filled with the first refrigerant is cooled by a refrigeration cycle.

20. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the container filled with the first refrigerant is cooled by the compressor and the expansion valve.

21. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the tubing is a cooling coil.

22. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the temperature of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant is between -35 and -40 degrees Celsius.

23. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant comprise an antifreeze material or a mixture of antifreeze materials selected from a group of materials consisting ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, petroleum-based liquid, water, a combination thereof or the like.

24. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the first refrigerant is further diluted with 10-15% water.

25. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 118, wherein pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the heat exchanger are made of a thermal isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a combination thereof or the like.

26. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 1, wherein pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the evaporator are provided with an isolating material selected from a group of materials consisting of fiberglass, polyurethane, mineral wool, aerogel, perlite, a combination thereof or the like.

27. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the cooling apparatus is further comprising a tube that circulates the first refrigerant in the vicinity of the pipes.

28. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 27, wherein a second pump is provided to pump the first refrigerant from the container and circulate it through the tube.

29. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the pipes and the tube are passing through sealable holes in the container.

30. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the first refrigerant can be circulated in an additional cooling cycle by which an additional appliance is being cooled.

31. The cooling apparatus for cooling a space as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the additional appliance is selected from a group of appliances such as refrigerator and a water cooler.

32. A method for converting a conventional air-conditioning system that comprises a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, and an expansion valve to an energysaving cooling system comprising: disconnecting the evaporator; providing a container with a first refrigerant therein; maintaining the first refrigerant in a fluid state and in a temperature below zero degrees Celius; immersing a tubing within the first refrigerant; and circulating a second refrigerant between the condenser and the tubing while maintained in the temperature.

33. The method as claimed in Claim 32, further comprising: connecting the compressor to the container so as to maintain the temperature.

34. The method as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the temperature is between -35 and -37 degrees Celsius.

35. The method as claimed in Claim 32, wherein a refrigerating system is connected to the container so as to maintain the temperature.

36. The method as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant comprise an antifreeze material or a mixture of antifreeze materials selected from a group of materials consisting ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, petroleum-based liquid, water, a combination thereof or the like.

37. The method as claimed in Claim 36, wherein the first is further diluted with about 10-15% water.

38. The method as claimed in Claim 32, further comprising: connecting pipes in which the second refrigerant is circulated between the tubing and the heat exchanger, wherein the pipes are made of a thermal isolatingmaterial selected from a group of materials consisting of silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a combination thereof or the like.

39. The method as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the tubing is a cooling coil.

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