AU2012321072A1

AU2012321072A1 - An evaporative cooler arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2012321072A1
Application number: AU2012321072A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Charles BENEVENTO; Steve BENSTED; Celeste CAMILLO; Les PATTERSON; Patrick Pussell; J.A.M. REINDERS (Hans)
Original assignee: Brivis Climate Systems Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Brivis Climate Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-01-18
Filing date: 2012-12-18
Publication date: 2013-08-01
Also published as: WO2013106882A1

Abstract

An evaporative cooler arrangement (80). The arrangement (80) includes a fan module (30) and an evaporator module (60). The fan module (30) is mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface (82) of a building. The fan module (30) has at least one air outlet (46). The evaporator module (60) is mountable within a roof space of the building. The evaporator module (60) has at least one air inlet (66). The at least one air outlet (66) of the fan module (60) is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet (46) of the evaporator module (30).

Description

1 AN EVAPORATIVE COOLER ARRANGEMENT Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an evaporative cooler arrangement. [0002] The invention has primarily been developed for use in cooling of residential or industrial buildings and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, the invention is not limited to these applications and is also suitable for use in. Background of the Invention [0003] Evaporative coolers are known and generally comprise a housing mounted external to the roof of a building. The housing has an ambient air inlet and a cooled air outlet. One or more evaporative pads are mounted within the external faces of housing, which receive a supply of water. A fan, inside the housing, draws air through the wetted evaporative pads, causing the air to reduce in temperature as a result of evaporation. The fan then forces the cooled air out through the cooled air outlet, for downstream distribution via ducting to one or more rooms of the building. [0004] Such known evaporative coolers have several disadvantages. Firstly, the housings are relatively large (eg. 1100mm wide, 1100mm long and 750mm high) and are considered by many to be unsightly. As a result, many Council and other regulatory bodies restrict the positioning of the housing to positions minimising their visibility. This generally requires the housing to be mounted, for example, on a pitched roof at a relatively low position. This can make connecting internal ducting arrangements difficult and expensive. [0005] Secondly, the roof mounted coolers are also relatively heavy (eg. 55kg) and a robust supporting structure needs to be built and attached to the frame of the roof in order to support the coolers. Such support structures are specific to each roof, which adds to installation complexity and expense. The support structure also provides several interruptions to the cladding of the roof, which is both expensive to rectify and can lead to leaking. [0006] Thirdly, the roof mounted coolers are not inline with the roof. As a result, every installation is different as roof pitches vary. This is the opposite of other roof mounted 2 products (eg. roof windows or skylights) that lie in line with the roof regardless of the roof pitch. This difference increases the unsightliness of the roof mounted objects. [0007] Fourthly, the evaporators in the roof mounted coolers require a significant amount of work on the part of the installer to set up the various ducting transition pieces to suit a particular ducting layout in a house. [0008] Fifthly, it is customary for suppliers to desire to offer evaporative coolers in a number of different colours, in order to suit existing roof colours. However, this requires a large number of evaporative coolers in a variety of colours to be held in stock, at relatively high cost, or alternatively, relatively long supply times so that time is available to source a particular coloured evaporative cooler from a manufacturer. [0009] Sixthly, the operating noise of the roof mounted coolers can adversely impact on neighbouring dwellings. [0010] Seventhly, roof mounted coolers use a fan, downstream of the pads, to pull air through the evaporative pads. This results in an uneven flow distribution of air through the pads and adversely affects cooling performance. Object of the Invention [0011] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages. Summary of the Invention [0012] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an evaporative cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan module having at least one air outlet; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, the evaporator module having at least one air inlet; wherein the at least one air outlet of the fan module is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet of the evaporator module.

3 [0013] The evaporative cooler arrangement preferably includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one inlet of the evaporator module. [0014] The fan module is preferably mountable with the at least one air outlet within the roof space of the building. The fan module preferably partially extends through an opening in the roof surface. The majority of the volume of the fan module is preferably mountable external to the outer roof surface. The fan module preferably includes a fan, mounted within the roof space, and a housing, substantially mounted external to the roof surface. [0015] The fan module preferably includes at least one air inlet substantially adjacent to the outer roof surface. The fan module preferably includes four air inlets, most preferably arranged in a square array. [0016] The evaporator module preferably includes multiple air outlets, most preferably four, each directed outwardly and away from each other. The evaporator module preferably includes two sides and two ends, with the two sides each having two outlets with an obtuse angle therebetween. [0017] The arrangement preferably includes a fan between the air inlet and the air outlet. [0018] The fan module preferably includes a fan, most preferably substantially adjacent the air outlet. [0019] The evaporator module is preferably sized to fit between a pair of adjacent roof trusses, and is most preferably about 550mm wide. [0020] The module is preferably sized to fit through a 600mm x 600mm manhole. [0021] The evaporator module preferably includes at least one evaporator pad and a water supply to the at least one evaporator pad. [0022] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an evaporative cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: 4 a fan module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan module having at least one air outlet; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, the evaporator module having at least one air inlet, wherein the fan module is in fluid communication with the evaporator module and the fan module includes a housing part having a generally rectangular cross section having upper and lower edges oriented substantially parallel to the outer roof surface of the building. [0023] The evaporative cooler arrangement preferably includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one inlet of the evaporator module. [0024] The housing part preferably has a generally rectangular cross section in two directions and has upper and lower edges oriented substantially parallel to the outer roof surface of the building in those two directions. [0025] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an evaporative cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, the evaporator module having a plurality of air outlets, wherein the fan module is in fluid communication with the evaporator module and the plurality of air outlets are each directed outwardly and away from each other. [0026] The evaporative cooler arrangement preferably includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the fan module to the evaporator module. [0027] The evaporator module preferably includes four outlets. The evaporator module preferably includes two sides and two ends, with the two sides each having two outlets with an obtuse angle therebetween. [0028] The evaporator module outlets can preferably be individually blocked off if not needed.

5 [0029] The fan module preferably has at least one air outlet, the evaporator module has at least one air inlet and the at least one duct provides fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one air inlet of the evaporator module. [0030] The fan module is preferably mountable with the at least one air outlet within the roof space of the building. The fan module preferably partially extends through an opening in the roof surface. The majority of the volume of the fan module is preferably mountable external to the outer roof surface. The fan module preferably includes a fan, mounted within the roof space, and a housing, substantially mounted external to the roof surface. [0031] The fan module preferably includes at least air one inlet mountable external to the roof space of the building, most preferably substantially adjacent to the outer roof surface. [0032] The arrangement preferably includes a fan between the air inlet and the air outlet. [0033] The fan module preferably includes a fan, most preferably adjacent the air outlet. [0034] The evaporator module is preferably sized to fit between a pair of adjacent roof trusses, and is most preferably about 550mm wide. [0035] The evaporator module preferably includes an evaporator pad adjacent to each air outlet and a water distribution network to all the evaporator pads. [0036] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan module having at least one air outlet; and a cooling module mountable within a roof space of the building, the cooling module having at least one air inlet, wherein the at least one air outlet of the fan module is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet of the cooling module. [0037] The cooler arrangement preferably includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one inlet of the cooling module.

6 [0038] The cooling module preferably includes refrigeration coils. [0039] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a cooler and heater arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan module having at least one air outlet; a cooling module mountable within a roof space of the building, the cooling module having at least one air inlet; and a heat pump mountable within the roof space of the building, wherein the at least one air outlet of the fan module is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet of the cooling module. [0040] The cooler arrangement preferably includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one inlet of the cooling module. [0041] The heat pump is preferably mounted within or to the cooling module. The cooling module preferably includes refrigeration coils. [0042] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides an evaporative cooler arrangement stock kit, the kit including: a plurality of fan modules each mountable to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan modules being available in a selection of colours; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, wherein a selected one of the fan modules is adapted for fluid communication with the evaporator module and an evaporative cooler arrangement is formable from one of the fan modules of a predetermined colour and the evaporator module. [0043] The evaporative cooler arrangement stock kit preferably includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the selected fan module to the evaporator module. [0044] Accordingly, in a seventh aspect, the present invention provides an evaporative cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: an inlet module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the inlet module having at least one air outlet; and 7 an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, the evaporator module having at least one air inlet; a fan interposed in fluid communication between the at least one air inlet of the inlet module and the at least one air inlet of the fan module. [0045] The evaporative cooler arrangement preferably includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the inlet module to the fan. The evaporative cooler arrangement preferably includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the fan to the at least one air outlet of the evaporator module. [0046] The inlet module preferably includes one or more inlets mountable parallel and in line or flush with the outer roof surface. The inlet(s) are preferably louvres that are closeable when the cooler is not in use. Brief Description of the Drawings [0047] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0048] Figure 1 is a top view of a fan module for an embodiment of an evaporative cooler arrangement; [0049] Figure 2 is a front view of the fan module shown in Figure 1; [0050] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the fan module shown in Figure 1; [0051] Figure 4 is a side view of the fan module shown in Figure 1; [0052] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the fan module shown in Figure 1: [0053] Figure 6 is a cutaway cross sectional perspective view of the fan module shown in Figure 1; [0054] Figure 7 is a top view of an evaporative module for the embodiment of evaporative cooler arrangement; 8 [0055] Figure 8 is a front view of the evaporative module shown in Figure 7; [0056] Figure 9 is a side view of the evaporative module shown in Figure 7; [0057] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the evaporative module shown in Figure 7; [0058] Figure 11 is a partially cross sectional side view showing the embodiment of evaporative cooler arrangement installed relative to a pitched roof; [0059] Figure 12 is a partially cross sectional side view showing the embodiment of evaporative cooler arrangement installed relative to a gable roof; and [0060] Figure 13 is a partially cross sectional view of the embodiment of evaporative cooler arrangement installed relative to a soffit roof. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0061] Figs. I to 5 show a fan module 30 for an embodiment of an evaporative cooler arrangement. The fan module 30 weighs about 15kg and includes an upper part 32, a first lower part 34 and a second lower part 36. The upper part 32 has a square cross section and a slightly outwardly convexly domed upper surface 38. The upper surface 38 is supported by four slightly outwardly convex walls 40, arranged in a square array, with a series of slots 40a therein, which each define an ambient air inlet. The upper part 32 is about 820mm long, about 820mm wide and about 290mm high. The walls 40 are substantially rectangular and each have upper and lower edges that (See Fig. 11) are in use oriented substantially parallel to an outer roof surface of a building, regardless of the pitch of the roof surface. [0062] The first lower part 34 also has a substantially square cross section and is sized to fit within a 570mm wide by 550mm long opening in a roof surface. [0063] The second lower part 34 also has a substantially square cross section and is about 600mm wide, 600mm long and about 300mm high. A fan 42, powered by an electric motor 44, is mounted in the second lower part 36 adjacent an air outlet 46. The majority of the volume of the fan module 30, being the upper part 32, is mounted external to the roof surface. The fan 42 is mounted within the roof space.

9 [0064] As best shown in Fig. 6, a flashing 46, that is approximately 1000mm wide and 1000mm long, is placed on a roof surface 48 to seal outer periphery of the fan module 30 relative to the roof surface. Fig. 6 also shows internal vanes 50 which assist in directing air entering through the air inlet slots 40a to the fan 42 and so to the air outlet 46. [0065] Figs. 7 to 10 show an evaporator module 60 for the embodiment of an evaporative cooler arrangement. The evaporator module weighs about 25 kg and is about 1300mm long, 550 mm wide and 840mm high. The evaporator module 60 includes a housing 62 with an inlet 64. The housing 62 also includes four air outlets 66. The outlets 66 are all directed outwardly and away from each other. More particularly, the housing 62 has two V-shaped sides 62a and two ends 62b. Each of the sides 62a have two of the outlets 66 therein with an obtuse angle between the longitudinal axis of the outlets 66. Four evaporative pads 68 are mounted within the housing 62, each adjacent and associated with one of the outlets 66 respectively. The housing 62 also includes a sub-housing 70 within which is mounted control and other electrical components and pumping components for supply of water to the evaporative pads 68. The pads 68 are OXYVAP TM type produced by the OxyCom company in the Netherlands. The housing 62 is formed from an expanded styrene type material, so as to absorb sound. [0066] Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of an evaporative cooler arrangement 80 installed relative to a pitched roof 82. The arrangement 80 includes the fan module 30, the evaporator module 60 and a duct 84 which connects the outlet 46 of the fan module 30 to the inlet 64 of the evaporator module 60. The outlets 66 of the evaporator module are connected to respective ducts 86 which lead to respective individual room outlets 88. The fan module 30 is supported by the roof surface. The evaporator module 60 is supported by the floor under the roof space. [0067] In use, the fan motor 44 is energised to rotate the fan 42 and the pumping components are energised to supply water to the evaporator pads 68. The fan 42 draws ambient air (see Al) into the upper housing via the slots 40a and then forces it through the duct 84 (see A2) into the evaporator module 60 via the inlet 64. The fan 42 then forces the air through the evaporative pads 68, where it undergoes evaporative cooling. The cooled air (see A3) is then communicated to the individual rooms via the ducts 86 and the room outlets 88. Any of the outlets 66 not required for a particular installation are capped.

10 [0068] Fig. 12 shows the evaporative cooler arrangement 80 installed relative to a gable roof 100. Like reference numerals to those used previously are used to indicate like features. [0069] Fig. 13 shows the evaporative cooler arrangement 80 installed relative to a soffit roof 110. Like reference numerals to those used previously are used to indicate like features. [0070] The embodiment of evaporative cooler arrangement described above has several advantages. Firstly, the size of the component mounted external to the roof, being the upper part of the fan module, is significantly smaller than existing roof mounted coolers. This results in a more visually appealing, less intrusive installation. Further, this also allows far greater flexibility in positioning this component on the roof. As an example, in a pitched roof installation, the fan module can be positioned much higher towards the pitch of the roof (whilst still meeting Council or other regulations), which makes ducting installation easier. This also the evaporator module to be installed more centrally relative to the remainder of the building, which makes down stream ducting installation easier and less expensive. In addition, the fan module can also be installed through a wall in a house with a gabled roof and in an overhang in a house with a soffit roof. Such installations are not practical with known roof mounted evaporative coolers. [0071] Secondly, the fan module is relatively small and relatively very light. As a result, the fan module can be quickly and easily mounted to the roof, supported by the roof trusses, via a single access opening which can be quickly and easily sealed with a single flashing. This avoids the complicated, heavy, and individual robust supporting structure required for the larger and heavier known roof mounted evaporative coolers. [0072] Thirdly, as the fan module lies parallel to the roof, it further improves visual appeal and reduces visual intrusiveness. [0073] Fourthly, the evaporator module outlets being all directed outwardly and away from each other makes the setting up of the ducting transition pieces easier and faster. [0074] Fifthly, as only the upper part of the fan module is visible, with the lower parts of the fan module and the entire evaporator module being hidden within the roof space, only the colour of the fan module upper part is relevant to the purchaser. This allows a supplier to only maintain stock of the fan module upper part housing in several different colours and then 11 select the required colour of the fan module upper part for supply with the rest of the evaporative cooler arrangement componentry. This significantly reduces the stock that must be held, and paid for, in order to provide a large number of colour options to be marketed to potential customers, and allows for quick supply turnaround. [0075] Sixthly, the fan being mounted within the roof space and the evaporator module being encased in expanded styrene type material reduce the transmission of noise from the cooler to neighbouring properties. [0076] Seventhly, as the fan is mounted within the evaporator module housing, and upstream of the pads, it pressurises the housing as it pushes air through the evaporative pads. This results in a more even flow distribution of air through the pads and improves cooling performance. [0077] Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention can be embodied in many other forms. [0078] For example, replacing the evaporative pads with cooling coils allows the previously described components to act as a cooler. Adding a heat pump allows the previously described components to act as a cooler and a heater. [0079] In some installations, the fan module can also be mounted directly to the evaporator module, thereby negating the requirement for a duct therebetween. This is also a superior position for noise attenuation. [0080] The fan module can also include one or more inlets installed parallel and in line or flush with the roofing material. The inlet(s) can also be in the form of louvres that are closeable when the cooler is not in use. [0081] The fan can also be mounted at or near to the evaporator module and, if necessary, connected to the roof mounted inlet(s) by a duct.

Claims

1. An evaporative cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan module having at least one air outlet; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, the evaporator module having at least one air inlet; wherein the at least one air outlet of the fan module is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet of the evaporator module.

2. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the evaporative cooler arrangement includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one inlet of the evaporator module.

3. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan module is mountable with the at least one air outlet within the roof space of the building.

4. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the fan module partially extends through an opening in the roof surface.

5. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the majority of the volume of the fan module is mountable external to the outer roof surface.

6. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan module includes a fan, mounted within the roof space, and a housing, substantially mounted external to the roof surface.

7. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan module includes at least one air inlet substantially adjacent to the outer roof surface.

8. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fan module includes four said air inlets. 13

9. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 8, wherein the four said air inlets are arranged in a square array.

10. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporator module includes multiple air outlets each directed outwardly and away from each other.

11. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein the evaporator module includes four said air outlets.

12. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporator module includes two sides and two ends, with the two sides each having two outlets with an obtuse angle therebetween.

13. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement includes a fan between the air inlet and the air outlet.

14. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims I to 12, wherein the fan module includes a fan,

15. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fan is substantially adjacent the air outlet.

16. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporator module is sized to fit between a pair of adjacent roof trusses

17. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the evaporator module is about 550mm wide.

18. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the evaporator module is sized to fit through a 600mm x 600mm manhole.

19. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporator module includes at least one evaporator pad and a water supply to the at least one evaporator pad. 14

20. An evaporative cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan module having at least one air outlet; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, the evaporator module having at least one air inlet, wherein the fan module is in fluid communication with the evaporator module and the fan module includes a housing part having a generally rectangular cross section having upper and lower edges oriented substantially parallel to the outer roof surface of the building.

21. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 20, wherein the evaporative cooler arrangement includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one inlet of the evaporator module.

22. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the housing part has a generally rectangular cross section in two directions and has upper and lower edges oriented substantially parallel to the outer roof surface of the building in those two directions.

23. An evaporative cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, the evaporator module having a plurality of air outlets, wherein the fan module is in fluid communication with the evaporator module and the plurality of air outlets are each directed outwardly and away from each other.

24. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein the evaporative cooler arrangement includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the fan module to the evaporator module.

25. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the evaporator module includes four outlets. 15

26. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the evaporator module includes two sides and two ends, with the two sides each having two outlets with an obtuse angle therebetween.

27. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 26, wherein the evaporator module outlets can be individually blocked off if not needed

28. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the fan module has at least one air outlet, the evaporator module has at least one air inlet and the at least one duct provides fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one air inlet of the evaporator module.

29. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 28, wherein the fan module is mountable with the at least one air outlet within the roof space of the building.

30. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the fan module partially extends through an opening in the roof surface.

31. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the majority of the volume of the fan module is mountable external to the outer roof surface.

32. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the fan module includes a fan, mounted within the roof space, and a housing, substantially mounted external to the roof surface.

33. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein the fan module preferably includes at least air one inlet mountable external to the roof space of the building,

34. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 33, wherein at least one air inlet is substantially adjacent to the outer roof surface.

35. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the arrangement includes a fan between the air inlet and the air outlet. 16

36. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the fan module includes a fan.

37. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 36, wherein the fan is adjacent the air outlet.

38. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 37, wherein the evaporator module is sized to fit between a pair of adjacent roof trusses

39. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 38, wherein the evaporator module is about 550mm wide.

40. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in one of claims 23 to 39, wherein the evaporator includes an evaporator pad adjacent to each air outlet and a water distribution network to all the evaporator pads.

41. A cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan module having at least one air outlet; and a cooling module mountable within a roof space of the building, the cooling module having at least one air inlet, wherein the at least one air outlet of the fan module is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet of the cooling module.

42. The cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 41, wherein the cooler arrangement includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one inlet of the cooling module.

43. The cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 41 or 42, wherein the cooling module includes refrigeration coils.

44. A cooler and heater arrangement, the arrangement including: a fan module mountable to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan module having at least one air outlet; 17 a cooling module mountable within a roof space of the building, the cooling module having at least one air inlet; and a heat pump mountable within the roof space of the building, wherein the at least one air outlet of the fan module is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet of the cooling module.

45. The cooler and heater arrangement as claimed in claim 44, wherein the cooler arrangement includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the fan module to the at least one inlet of the cooling module.

46. The cooler and heater arrangement as claimed in claim 44 or 45, wherein the heat pump is mounted within or to the cooling module.

47. The cooler and heater arrangement as claimed in claim 44, 45 or 46, wherein the cooling module includes refrigeration coils.

48. An evaporative cooler arrangement stock kit, the kit including: a plurality of fan modules each mountable to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the fan modules being available in a selection of colours; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, wherein a selected one of the fan modules is adapted for fluid communication with the evaporator module and an evaporative cooler arrangement is formable from one of the fan modules of a predetermined colour and the evaporator module.

49. The evaporative cooler arrangement stock kit as claimed in claim 48, wherein the evaporative cooler arrangement stock kit includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the selected fan module to the evaporator module.

50. An evaporative cooler arrangement, the arrangement including: an inlet module mountable substantially to or adjacent an outer roof surface of a building, the inlet module having at least one air outlet; and an evaporator module mountable within a roof space of the building, the evaporator module having at least one air inlet; a fan interposed in fluid communication between the at least one air inlet of the inlet module and the at least one air inlet of the fan module. 18

51. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 50, wherein the evaporative cooler arrangement includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the at least one air outlet of the inlet module to the fan.

52. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 50 or 51, wherein the evaporative cooler arrangement includes at least one duct providing fluid communication from the fan to the at least one air outlet of the evaporator module.

53. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 50, 51 or 52, wherein the inlet module includes one or more inlets mountable parallel and in line or flush with the outer roof surface.

54. The evaporative cooler arrangement as claimed in claim 53, wherein the inlet(s) are louvres that are closeable when the cooler is not in use.