Fluid heat exchanger assembly and personal cooling device

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a fluid heat exchanger assembly comprising: a fluid inlet; a cooler fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet having a cooler fluid outlet; a warmer fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and having a warmer fluid outlet; and at least one ceramic wafered thermoelectric device having a cooling wafer surface and an opposed warming wafer surface, positioned between the warmer fluid conduit and the cooler fluid conduit, such that the cooling wafer surface faces the cooler fluid conduit and the warmer wafer surface faces the warmer fluid conduit; whereupon electrical activation of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device the cooling wafer becomes relatively cool in comparison to the warmer wafer surface becoming relatively warm. Additionally, the heat exchanger assembly may receive ambient air flowing through a fluid inlet positioned within or on a vehicle such that the cooler fluid is directed into at least one item taken from the group of: a body-suit worn by a driver of a vehicle, apparel worn by a driver of a vehicle and protective equipment worn by a driver of a vehicle.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fluid heat exchanger assembly comprising: 
 a) a fluid inlet;    b) a cooler fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and having a cooler fluid outlet;    c) a warmer fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and having a warmer fluid outlet; and    d) at least one ceramic wafered thermoelectric device, having a cooling wafer surface and an opposed warming wafer surface, positioned between the warmer fluid conduit and the cooler fluid conduit, such that the cooling wafer surface faces the cooler fluid conduit and the warming wafer surface faces the warmer fluid conduit, and upon electrical activation, the cooling wafer surface becomes cool, and the warming wafer surface becomes warm relative to the temperature of the fluid within each conduit.    
     
     
         2 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the warmer fluid conduit and the cooler fluid conduit include a segment of rigid heat transfer material that contacts a respective warming wafer surface or cooling wafer surface.  
     
     
         3 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the segment of rigid heat transfer material is aluminum and contains a plurality of fluid paths.  
     
     
         4 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid inlet is tubular in shape.  
     
     
         5 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is air.  
     
     
         6 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the fluid inlet is positioned in a vehicle to receive ambient air flowing therein as the vehicle is moving, and the cooler fluid outlet is directed into at least one item taken from the group consisting of: a body-suit worn by a driver of the vehicle, apparel worn by a driver of the vehicle, and protective equipment worn by a driver of the vehicle.  
     
     
         7 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the item is a body-suit worn by a driver of a vehicle, the body-suit includes a plurality of fluid conduits extending into different portions of the suit, the plurality of conduits in the body-suit each have fluid outlets in their respective portions of the body-suit, and the plurality of conduits in the body-suit are each in fluid communication with the cooler fluid inlet.  
     
     
         8 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the item is a protective helmet worn by the driver of the vehicle.  
     
     
         9 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the fluid inlet is positioned with respect to a vehicle to receive ambient air flowing thereabout as the vehicle is moving, and the warmer fluid outlet is directed into at least one item taken from the group consisting of: a body-suit worn by a driver of the vehicle, apparel worn by a driver of the vehicle, and protective equipment worn by a driver of the vehicle.  
     
     
         10 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the item is a body-suit worn by a driver of a vehicle, the body-suit includes a plurality of fluid conduits extending into different portions of the suit, the plurality of conduits in the body-suit each have fluid outlets in their respective portions of the body-suit, and the plurality of conduits in the body-suit are each in fluid communication with the warmer fluid inlet.  
     
     
         11 . The fluid heat exchanger assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the item is a protective helmet worn by the driver of the vehicle.  
     
     
         12 . A method of exchanging heat between at least two fluid conduits comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing at least one ceramic wafered thermoelectric device having at least a cooling wafer surface and a warming wafer surface opposing the cooling wafer surface; and    b) positioning the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device to develop a thermal gradient between fluid within a conduit to be cooled and the cooling wafer surface of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device, and a thermal gradient between fluid within a conduit to be heated and the warming wafer surface of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of developing a thermal gradient includes the steps of: 
 b1) transferring heat from the fluid within the conduit to be cooled to the cooling wafer surface of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device;  
 b2) transferring heat between the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device's cooling wafer surface to the warming wafer surface; and  
 b3) transferring heat from the warming wafer surface of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device to the fluid within the conduit to be heated.  
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of: 
 c) increasing the fluid flow within at least one of the conduit to be cooled and the conduit to be heated by utilizing at least one of a fan and a pump.    
     
     
         15 . A fluid heat exchanging assembly comprising: 
 a) a fluid inlet;    b) a cooler fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and splitting into at least two parallel conduits between the fluid inlet and at least one cooler fluid outlet;    c) at least one warmer fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet;    d) at least two ceramic wafered thermoelectric devices, each having a cooling wafer surface opposing a warming wafer surface; a first one of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric wafered devices being positioned between the warmer fluid conduit and a first one of the parallel cooler conduits, such that the cooling wafer surface faces the first one of the parallel cooler conduits and the warming wafer faces the warmer fluid conduit, and the second ceramic wafered thermoelectric device being positioned between the warmer fluid conduit and a second one of the parallel cooler conduits, such that the cooling wafer surface faces the second one of the parallel cooler conduits and the warming wafer faces the warmer fluid conduit;    e) a power source operatively coupled to the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device; and    f) a warmer fluid outlet in fluid communication with the warmer fluid conduit.    
     
     
         16 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 g) at least one of a fan and pump operatively coupled to the fluid inlet directing fluid flow into the fluid inlet.  
 
     
     
         17 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 h) a combustion suppression fluid source; and  
 i) a three-way valve having a first inlet in fluid communication with the cooler fluid outlet, a valve and a second inlet in fluid communication with the combustion suppression fluid source;  
 wherein the three way valve is selectively switchable between at least a first and second orientation, the first orientation providing fluid communication between the cooler fluid outlet and the valve outlet and the second orientation providing fluid communication between the combustion suppression fluid source and the valve outlet.  
 
     
     
         18 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 17  wherein the valve outlet is in fluid communication with a conduit extending into an item of hazardous duty apparel.  
     
     
         19 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 17  wherein operation of the three-way valve is effectuated by a user of the assembly.  
     
     
         20 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 15  wherein the cooler fluid outlet is in fluid communication with a conduit extending into a protective equipment item.  
     
     
         21 . A fluid heat exchanging assembly comprising: 
 a) a fluid inlet;    b) a warmer fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and splitting into at least two parallel conduits between the fluid inlet and at least one warmer fluid outlet;    c) at least one cooler fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet;    d) at least two ceramic wafered thermoelectric devices, each having a cooling wafer surface opposing a warming wafer surface; a first one of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric devices being positioned between the cooler fluid conduit and a first one of the parallel conduits, such that the warming wafer surface faces the first one of the parallel conduits and the cooling wafer faces the cooler fluid conduit and the second ceramic wafered thermoelectric device being positioned between the warmer fluid conduit and a second one of the parallel conduits, such that the warming wafer surface faces the second one of the parallel conduits, and the cooling wafer surface faces the cooler fluid conduit;    e) a power source operatively coupled to the ceramic wafer thermoelectric device; and    f) a cooler fluid outlet in fluid communication with the cooler fluid conduit.    
     
     
         22 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 21  further comprising: 
 g) at least one of a fan and pump positioned in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and accelerating fluid flow into the fluid inlet.  
 
     
     
         23 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 22  further comprising: 
 h) a combustion suppression fluid source; and  
 i) a three-way valve having a first inlet in fluid communication with one of the warmer fluid outlet and the cooler fluid outlet, a valve outlet and a second inlet in fluid communication with the combustion suppression fluid source; and  
 wherein the three way valve is selectively switchable between at least a first and second orientation, the first orientation providing fluid communication between the one of the warmer fluid outlet and the cooler fluid outlet and the valve outlet and the second orientation providing fluid communication between the combustion suppression fluid source and the valve outlet.  
 
     
     
         24 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 23  wherein the cooling fluid outlet is in fluid communication with a conduit extending into an item of hazardous duty apparel.  
     
     
         25 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 23  wherein, operation of the three-way valve is effectuated by a user of the assembly.  
     
     
         26 . The assembly of  claim 23 , wherein operation of the three-way valve is automatically controlled.  
     
     
         27 . The fluid heat exchanging assembly of  claim 21  wherein the cooling fluid outlet is in fluid communication with a conduit extending into a protective helmet.  
     
     
         28 . A method of cooling the epidermis of a human being comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing at least one ceramic wafered thermoelectric device having at least a cooling wafer surface and an opposed warming wafer surface;    b) utilizing the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device to develop a thermal gradient between the fluid to be cooled and the cooling wafer surface of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device; and    c) directing the cooled fluid to a region in fluid communication with the epidermis of a human being.    
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the step of developing a thermal gradient includes the steps of: 
 b1) transferring heat from the fluid to be cooled to the cooling wafer surface of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device; and  
 b2) transferring heat between the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device's cooling wafer surface to the warming wafer surface.  
 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29  wherein the step of directing the cooled fluid to a region in fluid communication with the epidermis of a human being includes the steps of: 
 c1) wearing, by the human being, a body-suit including a plurality of fluid conduits extending into different parts of the body-suit, the plurality of fluid conduits in the body-suit each having fluid outlets; and  
 c2) introducing the cooled fluid into the plurality of fluid conduits.  
 
     
     
         31 . A method for protecting the epidermis of a human being comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing at least one ceramic wafered thermoelectric device having at least a cooling wafer surface and an opposed warming wafer surface;    b) utilizing the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device to develop a thermal gradient between the fluid to be cooled and the cooling wafer surface of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device;    c) directing the cooled fluid to a region in fluid communication with the epidermis of a human being; and    d) selectively injecting a combustion suppression fluid in place of, or along with, the cooled fluid when conditions for combustion are present.    
     
     
         32 . A method of cooling the epidermis of a human being comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing at least one ceramic wafered thermoelectric device having at least a cooling wafer surface and an opposed warming wafer surface;    b) utilizing the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device to develop a thermal gradient between the fluid to be cooled and the cooling wafer surface of the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device;    c) wearing hazardous duty apparel, by a human being, having a plurality of conduits for cooling fluid flow;    d) cooling the fluid so as to be at a temperature less than the ambient entering temperature of the cooling fluid; and    e) directing the cooling fluid into the plurality of conduits in the hazardous duty apparel.    
     
     
         33 . A personal cooling device for use with hazardous duty and/or racing equipment and/or apparel, comprising: 
 a) an air conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being in fluid communication with an air path extending into at least one item taken from a group consisting of: racing apparel, hazardous duty apparel, a protective helmet, a harness, a belt, a shoe, a glove, a sock and a body suit; and    b) at least one ceramic wafered thermoelectric device having a warming wafer surface opposing a cooling wafer surface, positioned in close proximity to the air conduit and such that the cooling wafer surface faces the air conduit, so as to allow heat transfer between the air conduit and the cooling wafer surface.    
     
     
         34 . The personal cooling device of  claim 33 , wherein the inlet is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle so as to be in fluid communication with ambient air flowing over the vehicle as the vehicle is moving, and the item is adapted to be worn by at least an operator of the vehicle.  
     
     
         35 . The personal cooling device of  claim 34  further comprising an air-flow accelerator positioned in fluid communication with the air conduit.  
     
     
         36 . The personal cooling device of  claim 33 , further comprising an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the air conduit, at least a portion of which is positioned in close proximity to the warming wafer surface so as to allow heat transfer between the warming wafer surface and the exhaust conduit.  
     
     
         37 . The personal cooling device of  claim 33 , wherein the air conduit includes a segment positioned in close proximity to the cooling wafer surface that is of a substantially rigid heat transfer material.  
     
     
         38 . The personal cooling device of  claim 37 , wherein the segment includes a substantially planar surface facing the cooling wafer surface.  
     
     
         39 . The personal cooling device of  claim 38 , wherein the substantially planar surface of the segment contacts the cooling wafer surface.  
     
     
         40 . The personal cooling device of  claim 39 , wherein the substantially planar surface of the segment has a surface area approximate to that of the cooling wafer surface.  
     
     
         41 . The personal cooling device of  claim 38 , wherein the segment includes an inlet and an outlet and a plurality of individual air paths in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, wherein at least a portion of each of the air paths run in close proximity to the substantially planar surface of the segment.  
     
     
         42 . The personal cooling device of  claim 38 , wherein the heat transfer material is aluminum.  
     
     
         43 . The personal cooling device of  claim 34 , wherein the item is an apparel item and the air path extending into the apparel item comprises a plurality of sub-conduits respectively extending into various regions of the apparel item, and each having at least one outlet in the respective region of the apparel item.  
     
     
         44 . A personal cooling system for a race-car driver, comprising: 
 a) a protective helmet having at least one coolant air path extending therein in fluid communication with an inlet;    b) an air intake mounted to the race-car adapted to receive at least a portion of air flowing past the race-car;    c) a coolant conduit coupled between, and providing fluid communication between the inlet of the protective helmet and the air intake;    d) at least one ceramic wafered thermoelectric device having a warming wafer surface opposing a cooling wafer surface, positioned in close proximity to the coolant conduit and oriented such that the cooling wafer surface faces the coolant conduit; and    e) a power supply operatively coupled to the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device; whereby, the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device promotes heat transfer between the coolant conduit and the cooling wafer surface.    
     
     
         45 . The personal cooling system of  claim 44 , further comprising an exhaust conduit, at least a portion of which is positioned in close proximity to the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device, the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device being further oriented such that the warming wafer surface faces the portion of the exhaust conduit.  
     
     
         46 . The personal cooling system of  claim 45 , wherein the exhaust conduit is coupled to be in fluid communication with the cooling conduit, upstream from a portion of the cooling conduit that is in close proximity to the cooling wafer surface so that the exhaust conduit receives a portion of the air flowing into the air intake.  
     
     
         47 . The personal cooling system of  claim 45 , wherein the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device is positioned between, and in contact with, the cooling conduit and the exhaust conduit.  
     
     
         48 . The personal cooling system of  claim 47 , wherein the portion of the exhaust conduit positioned in close proximity to the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device is formed from a heat transfer material.  
     
     
         49 . The personal cooling system of  claim 48 , wherein the heat transfer material includes aluminum.  
     
     
         50 . The personal cooling system of  claim 48 , wherein the portion of the exhaust conduit positioned in close proximity to the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device includes a planar surface contacting the warming wafer surface.  
     
     
         51 . The personal cooling system of  claim 50 , wherein the portion of the exhaust conduit positioned in close proximity to the ceramic wafered thermoelectric device includes an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of discrete air passages between the inlet and the outlet.  
     
     
         52 . The personal cooling system of  claim 47 , further comprising a second one of the exhaust conduits sandwiching a second ceramic wafered thermoelectric device between the second exhaust conduit and the cooling conduit such that the cooling wafer surface of the second ceramic wafered thermoelectric device contacts the cooling conduit and such that the warming wafer surface of the second ceramic wafered thermoelectric device contacts the second exhaust conduit.