TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to air-conditioning. More particularly, it relates to a device to provide comfort cooling to a user.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Earth’s atmosphere is trapping more heat due to greenhouse gases, causing average temperatures to rise globally. As Earth is warming up, heat waves are becoming more and more common. Heat waves occur when a very high temperature is observed for several days and nights. Higher temperatures can also lead to other changes around the world because increasing air temperature directly affects the oceans, patterns of weather, rain and snow, and plants and animals. The warmer it gets, the more severely it impacts the people. Most heat disorders occur because the victim is overexposed to heat. Living in optimal temperature is essential for survival of all life, including humans.
[0004] Comfort cooling is used in residential houses and office buildings. It is designed to cool spaces primarily to create comfortable temperatures for occupants ( mostly humans). Air-conditioning for comfort cooling is well known. Similarly, automotive air-conditioning to provide comfort cooling where closed spaces can be maintained (for instance, cars, vehicle cabins and the like) is already well-established. However typically, such vehicles are expensive to own and operate. Hence such air-conditioned vehicles are beyond the reach of many. In their attempts to provide cheap modes of transportation for general public, government authorities also focus more on non-air-conditioned public transport rather that air-conditioned one. Further, some vehicles such as 2-wheelers or three wheelers just do not offer a closed space that is the pre-requisite for effective air-conditioning to happen.
[0005] Further, present air-conditioning devices for comfort cooling are not very efficient since, to cool a human, a much larger volume of air than that is immediately surrounding the human body surface needs to be cooled to comfort temperatures. This leads to higher equipment 2
manufacturing, operation and maintenance costs. As can be readily understood, all related operations (manufacturing, producing energy for operating the air-conditioners etc) in turn lead to more global warming, thus creating a vicious circle.
[0006] Hence, there is a need for a device for comfort cooling that is economical to produce and maintain, and can be used for providing comfort to humans in open spaces such as two-wheelers and tri-wheelers in an efficient manner.
[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as 3
if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[00012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device to provide comfort cooling that is easy and economical to manufacture, compact, light weight and portable.
[00013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device to provide comfort cooling that can be used for individual cooling such as that required by users of open vehicles like two wheeler, three-wheelers and tractors, soldiers etc.
[00014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device to provide comfort cooling that uses low power.
SUMMARY
[00015] The present disclosure relates to comfort cooling. More particularly, it relates to a device that uses thermoelectric cooling effect to cool humans.
[00016] In an aspect, present invention elaborates upon a device to provide comfort cooling to a user, the device comprising: a cooling machine configured to provide cool air; and a jacket configured to be worn by the user and receive the cool air to provide the comfort cooling. The cooling machine can include: a housing configured to receive air; a Peltier plate disposed at 4
least partially within the housing, the Peltier plate configured to cool the received air ; and an outlet configured in the housing to discharge cool air.
[00017] In yet another aspect, the Peltier plate can be operatively coupled to an exhaust unit to cool hot side of the Peltier plate.
[00018] In an aspect, the Peltier plate can be operatively coupled to a set of radiator fins through which air is passed in order to cool the air.
[00019] In another aspect, the jacket can include a plurality of embedded tubes, the tubes configured to receive the cool air and discharge the cool air inside the jacket to directly cool the user’s body.
[00020] In yet another aspect, the cooling machine can be detachable from the jacket.
[00021] In an aspect, the housing can be configured with a suction unit to receive the air.
[00022] In another aspect, the Peltier plate can be supplied DC power by means of a power supply external to the device.
[00023] In yet another aspect, the exhaust unit can include a heat sink mounted over hot side of the Peltier plate, and a fan configured to force air through the heat sink.
[00024] In an aspect, the cooling machine can comprise a plurality of Peltier plates configured in a cascade configuration.
[00025] In another aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a warming device to provide comfort warming to a user, the warming device comprising: a warming machine configured to provide warm air wherein the warming machine can include : a housing configured to receive air, a Peltier plate disposed at least partially within the housing, the Peltier plate configured to warm the received air; and an outlet configured in the housing to discharge warm air; and a jacket configured to be worn by the user and receive the warm air to provide the comfort warming.
[00026] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The 5
drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[00028] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of a cooling machine in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[00029] FIG. 1B illustrates a jacket to receive, circulate and discharge cool air generated by the cooling machine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00030] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a Peltier plate in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00032] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00033] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[00034] The present disclosure relates to comfort cooling. More particularly, it relates to a device that uses thermoelectric cooling effect to cool humans.
[00035] In an aspect, present invention elaborates upon a device to provide comfort cooling to a user, the device comprising: a cooling machine configured to provide cool air; and a jacket configured to be worn by the user and receive the cool air to provide the comfort cooling. The cooling machine can include: a housing configured to receive air; a Peltier plate disposed at 6
least partially within the housing, the Peltier plate configured to cool the received air ; and an outlet configured in the housing to discharge cool air.
[00036] In yet another aspect, the Peltier plate can be operatively coupled to an exhaust unit to cool hot side of the Peltier plate.
[00037] In an aspect, the Peltier plate can be operatively coupled to a set of radiator fins through which air is passed in order to cool the air.
[00038] In another aspect, the jacket can include a plurality of embedded tubes, the tubes configured to receive the cool air and discharge the cool air inside the jacket to directly cool the user’s body.
[00039] In yet another aspect, the cooling machine can be detachable from the jacket.
[00040] In an aspect, the housing can be configured with a suction unit to receive the air.
[00041] In another aspect, the Peltier plate can be supplied DC power by means of a power supply external to the device.
[00042] In yet another aspect, the exhaust unit can include a heat sink mounted over hot side of the Peltier plate, and a fan configured to force air through the heat sink.
[00043] In an aspect, the cooling machine can comprise a plurality of Peltier plates configured in a cascade configuration.
[00044] In another aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a warming device to provide comfort warming to a user, the warming device comprising: a warming machine configured to provide warm air wherein the warming machine can include : a housing configured to receive air, a Peltier plate disposed at least partially within the housing, the Peltier plate configured to warm the received air; and an outlet configured in the housing to discharge warm air; and a jacket configured to be worn by the user and receive the warm air to provide the comfort warming.
[00045] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of a cooling machine in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure while FIG. 1B illustrates a jacket to receive, circulate and discharge cool air generated by the cooling machine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00046] In an aspect, device of the proposed invention can include a cooling machine as illustrated in FIG. 1A. Cool air generated by cooling machine can be provided to a jacket as illustrated in FIG. 1B.The jacket can be worn by a user to receive comfort cooling.
7
[00047] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of a cooling machine 100 of the proposed invention in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure. In an aspect, the cooling machine 100 can include a housing 102 to accommodate various components of the cooling machine 100 as described further In an exemplary embodiment, two Peltier plates 104-1, 104-2 (collectively referred to as Peltier plates 104, and individually referred to as Peltier plate 104 herein after) can be disposed at least partially within the housing 102.
[00048] As known, a Peltier plate can have a hot side and a cold side when DC power is applied to it. An exhaust unit 106 (shown as 106-1, 106-2 collectively referred to as exhaust units 106, and individually referred to as exhaust unit 106 herein after) can be mounted on hot side of Peltier plate 104. Exhaust unit 106 serve to dissipate heat from hot side of Peltier plate 104 to the atmosphere. Cold side of each Peltier plate 104 can be coupled to a plurality of radiator fins 108 (interchangeably termed as cooling fins herein), thereby cooling the radiator fins when the Peltier plate 104 is supplied DC power. Housing 102 can further include an inlet port 114 configured with a suction unit 112 that sucks in ambient air (which is to be cooled, and hence can be interchangeably termed as hot air). Suction unit 112 can be operable by an electric motor ( not shown ) and can have a set of radiator fins 110 to dissipate its heat.
[00049] In an embodiment, an outlet port 116 can be operatively coupled with the housing 102 to discharge cooled air, as elaborated further. Outlet port 116 can be made detachable to provide flexibility to the device 100.
[00050] In an embodiment, exhaust unit 106 can comprise of a fan and a heat sink to dissipate heat more effectively away from surface (hot side) of the Peltier plates 104.
[00051] In an aspect, as ambient air is provided to housing 102 by suction unit 112 it can pass through the plurality of radiator fins 108. Since the radiator fins are cool (due to their coupling with cold side of Peltier plate 104), heat can be transferred from hot air to them, thereby cooling the air. This cool air can then be discharged from air outlet 116. Due to such transfer, radiator fins 108 can become hot, and transfer such heat to Peltier plates 104. Peltier plate 104 can in turn transfer the heat using Peltier effect (as elaborated further) to its hot side and from there; such heat can be dissipated by means of exhaust unit 106 as already elaborated.
[00052] In yet another aspect, the suction unit 112 can include a suction pump configured to draw in ambient air to the housing 102.
8
[00053] Cool air discharged from air outlet 116 can be used for various purposes. In an aspect such cool air can be made to flow into tubes that can be configured in a user’s jacket, using an appropriate configuration of pores, guide vanes etc. provided in the jacket as illustrated in FIG. 1B.
[00054] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a jacket 140 can comprise a plurality of tubes 142 embedded into the jacket. Tubes 142 can receive cool air via inlet 144. Further, tubes 142 can have pores shown as 146. As cool air circulates in tubes 142 it can get discharged via pores 146 in a controlled manner directly over the user’s body thereby providing comfort cooling to the user.
[00055] In this manner, cooling machine 100 can continuously supply cool air to jacket 140 and thereby, a user/human wearing jacket 140 can be provided comfort cooling.
[00056] In this manner the jacket, and hence its wearer, can achieve a comfortable cool temperature. It can be appreciated that such a jacket can be used in all kinds of vehicles, including non-air-conditioned ones that do not have enclosed spaces, for instance two-wheelers, tractors, and three wheelers. Since the device is light-weight and portable it can readily be used by individuals to provide them individual cooling. Such applications can include, for example, soldiers. Further, the volume of air to be cooled to provide comfort to the wearer can be much lesser than in other present air-conditioning devices. In this manner, heat load on the device can be less and so the device can be more effective. Also, proposed device eliminates use of refrigerant gases as are used in existing systems along with associated components such as compressor, control systems etc., thereby making for a much simpler device.
[00057] Proposed device can have various alterations/modifications. For instance, Peltier plate 104 can be configured on its hot side with a cooling pad over which exhaust unit 106 can be mounted for increased cooling of the hot side. The cooling pad can receive droplets of coolant (for instance, from cooling system of vehicle in which the device proposed is configured) and provide evaporative cooling to Peltier plate 104. For a two-wheeler rider, the cooling machine can be carried in the front in such a manner that incoming airflow as the vehicle moves can provide further cooling to the hot side of the Peltier plate. All such modifications and alterations are fully a part of the present disclosure.
[00058] Further, while the proposed invention has been explained using two Peltier plates, it can readily be understood that the device can be configured with only one Peltier plate. Or a
9
plurality of Peltier plates can be configured in a cascade configuration in order to achieve a higher temperature differential across the configuration and thereby provide more cooling. All such modifications and alterations are fully a part of the present disclosure.
[00059] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a Peltier plate in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[00060] As known, a Peltier plate provides cooling using Peltier effect (also known as thermoelectric effect). A Peltier plate has two sides, and when a DC electric current flows through it, heat is transferred from one side of the plate to another, so that one side gets cooler while the other gets hotter. The ‘hot’ side is attached to a heat sink so that it remains at ambient temperature, while the ‘cool’ side goes below room temperature, and can be used to in turn provide cooling effect to other media ( such as fluids, for example air in present invention) either directly or by using a heat exchanger configuration.
[00061] In an aspect, the Peltier plate 104 can have a terminal marked +ve that can be connected with positive terminal of a battery and a terminal marked –ve that can be connected with negative terminal of the battery. In this manner, appropriate DC power can be supplied to a Peltier plate 104 when cooling is required.
[00062] As can be readily understood, an external DC current can be supplied by any other alternate means and thus the size of cooling machine 100 can be considerably reduced.
[00063] It can be readily understood that reversal of power supply to the Peltier plate terminals can enable the device described to be operated in a reverse manner. That is, the device disclosed can intake cold air, warm the incoming air, and supply warmed air instead to the tubes 142 of jacket140. In this manner, a similar device for providing comfort warming ( in winters, for example ) instead of cooling can be made. All such modifications are fully a part of the present disclosure.
[00064] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

We Claim:
1. A device to provide comfort cooling to a user, said device comprising:
a cooling machine configured to provide cool air, said cooling machine comprising:
a housing configured to receive air;
a Peltier plate disposed at least partially within the housing, said Peltier plate configured to cool the received air; and
an outlet configured in said housing to discharge cool air; and
a jacket configured to be worn by the user and receive the cool air to provide the comfort cooling.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the Peltier plate is operatively coupled to an exhaust unit to cool hot side of said Peltier plate.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein said exhaust unit comprises a heat sink mounted over hot side of said Peltier plate, and a fan configured to force air through said heat sink.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said Peltier plate is operatively coupled to a set of radiator fins through which air is passed in order to cool the air.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the jacket comprises a plurality of embedded tubes, said tubes being configured to receive said cool air and discharge said cool air inside said jacket to directly cool the user’s body.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cooling machine is detachable from the jacket.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein said housing is configured with a suction unit to receive the air.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein said Peltier plate is supplied DC power by means of a DC power supply external to said device.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said cooling machine comprises a plurality of Peltier plates configured in a cascade configuration.
10. A warming device to provide comfort warming to a user, said device comprising:
a warming machine configured to provide warm air, the warming machine comprising:
a housing configured to receive air,
12
a Peltier plate disposed at least partially within the housing, said Peltier plate configured to warm the received air ; and
an outlet configured in said housing to discharge warm air;
and
a jacket configured to be worn by the user and receive the warm air to provide the comfort warming.