Cooling Apparatus and Methods for Cooling

Abstract

A workstation cooling unit ( 12 ), comprises a heat transfer path adapted to contain a heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer path being adapted for connection to a condenser to form a heat transfer circuit, and a heat exchanger ( 36 ) for cooling the workstation ( 40 ). In this way, direct cooling of a workstation ( 40 ), for example a desk or other work area, can be achieved. The heat transfer fluid may comprise carbon dioxide.

1 .- 49 . (canceled) 
   
   
       50 . A workstation cooling unit, the unit comprising:
 a heat transfer path adapted to contain a heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer path being adapted for connection to a condenser to form a heat transfer circuit, and a heat exchanger for cooling the workstation.   
   
   
       51 . A cooling unit according to  claim 50 , wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises a volatile fluid. 
   
   
       52 . Cooling unit according to  claim 51 , wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises carbon dioxide. 
   
   
       53 . A cooling unit according to  claim 50 , wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to be mounted at the workstation. 
   
   
       54 . A cooling unit according to  claim 53 , wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to be mounted at least partly in the workstation. 
   
   
       55 . A cooling unit according to  claim 50 , wherein the heat exchanger includes a finned coil. 
   
   
       56 . Cooling unit according to  claim 50  further including a fan adapted to move air over the heat exchanger. 
   
   
       57 . Cooling unit according to  claim 50 , wherein the heat exchanger is arranged in an air channel. 
   
   
       58 . Cooling unit according to  claim 50  wherein the heat exchanger is mounted in an air chamber, the apparatus further comprising a dividing member for dividing the air chamber to form a plurality of air channels. 
   
   
       59 . A cooling unit according to  claim 50 , where the heat exchanger is adapted to be mounted beneath the workstation. 
   
   
       60 . A cooling unit according to  claim 50 , wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to be mounted at or directly above floor level. 
   
   
       61 . A cooling unit according to  claim 50 , wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to provide cooling for a plurality of workstations. 
   
   
       62 . A cooling unit according to  claim 50 , being adapted for use in a secondary heat transfer circuit of a cooling system. 
   
   
       63 . A cooling apparatus comprising a cooling unit according to  claim 50  and a condenser connected to the heat transfer path to form a secondary heat transfer circuit, the condenser being adapted to be cooled by a primary heat transfer circuit. 
   
   
       64 . Workstation cooling system comprising:
 a primary heat transfer circuit;   a secondary heat transfer circuit for containing a secondary heat transfer fluid, a secondary condenser adapted to be cooled by the primary heat transfer circuit and a secondary heat exchanger for cooling the workstation.   
   
   
       65 . A workstation cooling system according to  claim 64 , comprising a plurality of cooling units according to  claim 50 . 
   
   
       66 . A workstation adapted to house a cooling unit according to  claim 50  further including a compartment for housing the cooling unit such that at least a part of the cooling unit is mounted in the compartment. 
   
   
       67 . A workstation according to  claim 66 , wherein the compartment is adapted to house heat-generating equipment wherein the heat-generating equipment preferably comprises computer equipment. 
   
   
       68 . A workstation according to  claim 67 , wherein the compartment is adapted to be substantially sealed when the cooling unit and equipment are housed in the compartment. 
   
   
       69 . A workstation according to  claim 67 , wherein the compartment comprises heat insulation. 
   
   
       70 . A floor unit for mounting beneath a workstation area, the floor unit comprising a heat transfer path adapted to contain a heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer path being adapted for connection to a condenser to form a heat transfer circuit, and
 a heat exchanger for cooling the workstation area.