Air-Conditioning

Abstract

An air supply system ( 10 ) for the driver of a vehicle, the system ( 10 ) comprising an air-conditioning unit including an evaporator ( 20 ), a condenser ( 40 ) and a compressor ( 30 ) coupled in close circuit to cycle a refrigerant, a fan being positioned adjacent the evaporator ( 20 ) to draw a source of fresh air through the evaporator ( 20 ) and into an air conduit arranged to be coupled directly to the driver, the compressor ( 30 ) and fan being driven by a low voltage DC electric motor.

1 . An air supply system for the driver of a vehicle, the system comprising an air-conditioning unit including an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor coupled in close circuit to cycle a refrigerant, a fan being positioned adjacent the evaporator to draw a source of fresh air through the evaporator and into an air conduit arranged to be coupled directly to the driver, the compressor and fan being driven by a low voltage DC electric motor. 
   
   
       2 . The air supply system according to  claim 1  wherein the air conduit incorporates a filter to control the rate of flow and filter out dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide. 
   
   
       3 . The air supply system according to  claim 2  wherein the flow rate is controlled to be approximately 2 litres per second. 
   
   
       4 . The air supply system according to  claim 1  wherein the system is coupled to a data logger that monitors the relative humidity and temperatures in the vehicle. 
   
   
       5 . The air supply system according to  claim 1  wherein the driver is arranged to be wearing a suit and/or helmet and the air conduit is coupled to the suit and/or helmet. 
   
   
       6 . A reverse cycle air-conditioning unit comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor coupled in a closed circuit to cycle a refrigerant, the compressor being powered by a low voltage DC electric motor and the circuit including a valve to reverse the direction of flow of the refrigerant. 
   
   
       7 . The reverse cycle air-conditioning unit according to  claim 6  wherein the evaporator and condenser are positioned adjacent a fan driven by a low voltage DC electric motor. 
   
   
       8 . The reverse cycle air-conditioning unit according to  claim 6  wherein the voltage is either 12 or 24 volts. 
   
   
       9 . The reverse cycle air-conditioning unit according to  claim 6  wherein the valve comprises a four-way valve operable by a solenoid to reverse the direction of flow of the refrigerant.