CA2922098C - Heating and cooling system for hazardous environments - Google Patents
Heating and cooling system for hazardous environments Download PDFInfo
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- CA2922098C CA2922098C CA2922098A CA2922098A CA2922098C CA 2922098 C CA2922098 C CA 2922098C CA 2922098 A CA2922098 A CA 2922098A CA 2922098 A CA2922098 A CA 2922098A CA 2922098 C CA2922098 C CA 2922098C
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- Prior art keywords
- coil
- air
- impeller
- housing
- motor
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0018—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by fans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/02—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing
- F24F1/04—Arrangements for portability
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
- F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
- F24F11/83—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
- F24F11/84—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers using valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/06—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being kept separate from the heating medium, e.g. using forced circulation of air over radiators
- F24H3/08—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being kept separate from the heating medium, e.g. using forced circulation of air over radiators by tubes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
- F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
- F24F11/83—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/12—Details or features not otherwise provided for transportable
- F24F2221/125—Details or features not otherwise provided for transportable mounted on wheels
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Motor Or Generator Cooling System (AREA)
Abstract
A heating and cooling apparatus for hazardous environments is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. The apparatus further comprises a motor having a shaft and an electrical component and a metallic impeller having an impeller inlet and blades. The impeller inlet faces the air inlet of the housing and the impeller is coupled to the shaft of the motor. The apparatus also has an air filter removably positioned at the air inlet of the housing. A coil is removably positioned inside the housing between the air outlet and the impeller blades.
A valve is also coupled to the coil, the valve being operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil.
A valve is also coupled to the coil, the valve being operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil.
Description
HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM FOR
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This disclosure relates generally to electro-mechanical devices and specifically to a heating and cooling system for hazardous environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is often necessary to heat or cool various environments including hazardous environments. Current approaches for heating and cooling hazardous environments are dangerous and immobile. It is thus desirable to create a safe and mobile system that can heat or cool hazardous environments for suitable periods of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a heating and cooling apparatus for hazardous environments comprising: a housing having an air filter insert, the housing further comprising: a first wall having an air inlet; and a second wall having an air outlet; a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing, wherein the motor runs continuously when it is connected to a power source to reduce electrical sparking; an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades, the impeller being coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet of the first wall and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet of the second wall wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes, the impeller being electrically grounded to reduce static buildup; an air filter removably positioned inside an air filter support through the air filter insert of the housing, the air filter being positioned at the air inlet;
a coil removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades, the coil being separated from the electrical component of the motor by a housing wall to reduce overheating by the motor; and a valve coupled to
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This disclosure relates generally to electro-mechanical devices and specifically to a heating and cooling system for hazardous environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is often necessary to heat or cool various environments including hazardous environments. Current approaches for heating and cooling hazardous environments are dangerous and immobile. It is thus desirable to create a safe and mobile system that can heat or cool hazardous environments for suitable periods of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a heating and cooling apparatus for hazardous environments comprising: a housing having an air filter insert, the housing further comprising: a first wall having an air inlet; and a second wall having an air outlet; a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing, wherein the motor runs continuously when it is connected to a power source to reduce electrical sparking; an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades, the impeller being coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet of the first wall and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet of the second wall wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes, the impeller being electrically grounded to reduce static buildup; an air filter removably positioned inside an air filter support through the air filter insert of the housing, the air filter being positioned at the air inlet;
a coil removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades, the coil being separated from the electrical component of the motor by a housing wall to reduce overheating by the motor; and a valve coupled to
2 the coil via a valve support on the housing, the valve being operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method for heating and cooling a hazardous environment comprising: driving a motor coupled to a housing, the housing comprising: a first wall having an air inlet; and a second wall having an air outlet;
wherein the motor has a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing; using the motor to drive an electrically grounded impeller coupled to the motor shaft to draw air into the housing through the air inlet and propel air out of the housing through the air outlet, the impeller having an impeller inlet and impeller blades, the impeller being coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes;
filtering the drawn air through an air filter removably positioned inside an air filter support that is positioned at the air inlet to remove volatile particles in the drawn air;
heating or cooling a coil removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades by passing heated or cooled fluid through the coil; heating or cooling the propelled air by propelling the air onto the heated or cooled coil; and regulating the temperature of the propelled air by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil by operating a valve coupled to the coil.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system for heating and cooling a hazardous environment comprising: a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, the housing further comprising; a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the driving component of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing; an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades, the impeller being electrically grounded and coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes; an air filter removably positioned at the air inlet of the housing; a coil removably positioned inside the housing between the
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method for heating and cooling a hazardous environment comprising: driving a motor coupled to a housing, the housing comprising: a first wall having an air inlet; and a second wall having an air outlet;
wherein the motor has a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing; using the motor to drive an electrically grounded impeller coupled to the motor shaft to draw air into the housing through the air inlet and propel air out of the housing through the air outlet, the impeller having an impeller inlet and impeller blades, the impeller being coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes;
filtering the drawn air through an air filter removably positioned inside an air filter support that is positioned at the air inlet to remove volatile particles in the drawn air;
heating or cooling a coil removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades by passing heated or cooled fluid through the coil; heating or cooling the propelled air by propelling the air onto the heated or cooled coil; and regulating the temperature of the propelled air by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil by operating a valve coupled to the coil.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system for heating and cooling a hazardous environment comprising: a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, the housing further comprising; a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the driving component of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing; an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades, the impeller being electrically grounded and coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes; an air filter removably positioned at the air inlet of the housing; a coil removably positioned inside the housing between the
3 air outlet and the impeller blades; and a valve coupled to the coil, the valve being operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil; a cart comprising a base for supporting the housing and a plurality of wheels for moving the housing; and a fluid temperature conditioner located remote from the housing, the conditioner being coupled to the coil and providing heated or cooled fluid to the coil.
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, disadvantages and problems associated with previous heating and cooling systems for hazardous environments may be reduced or eliminated.
In one embodiment, a heating and cooling apparatus for hazardous environments comprises a housing having an air filter insert. The housing further comprises a first wall having an air inlet and a second wall having an air outlet. The apparatus has a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing. The motor runs continuously when it is connected to a power source to reduce electrical sparking. The apparatus also has an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades. The impeller inlet faces the air inlet of the first wall and the impeller is coupled to the shaft of the motor. The apparatus is electrically grounded to reduce static buildup. An air filter is also removably positioned inside an air filter support through the air filter insert of the housing. The air filter is positioned at the air inlet. A coil is removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades so that the coil is separated from the electrical component of the motor by a housing wall to reduce any overheating by the motor.
Additionally, a valve is coupled to the coil and is operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil.
Certain embodiments may provide one or more advantages. One advantage of one embodiment may include increased safety of the heating and cooling apparatus by minimizing the static buildup by the component parts of the apparatus. Another advantage of one embodiment may include the minimizing of potential sparking and breakdown of the apparatus that may occur inside a hazardous environment by
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, disadvantages and problems associated with previous heating and cooling systems for hazardous environments may be reduced or eliminated.
In one embodiment, a heating and cooling apparatus for hazardous environments comprises a housing having an air filter insert. The housing further comprises a first wall having an air inlet and a second wall having an air outlet. The apparatus has a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing. The motor runs continuously when it is connected to a power source to reduce electrical sparking. The apparatus also has an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades. The impeller inlet faces the air inlet of the first wall and the impeller is coupled to the shaft of the motor. The apparatus is electrically grounded to reduce static buildup. An air filter is also removably positioned inside an air filter support through the air filter insert of the housing. The air filter is positioned at the air inlet. A coil is removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades so that the coil is separated from the electrical component of the motor by a housing wall to reduce any overheating by the motor.
Additionally, a valve is coupled to the coil and is operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil.
Certain embodiments may provide one or more advantages. One advantage of one embodiment may include increased safety of the heating and cooling apparatus by minimizing the static buildup by the component parts of the apparatus. Another advantage of one embodiment may include the minimizing of potential sparking and breakdown of the apparatus that may occur inside a hazardous environment by
4 overheating the motor. Yet another advantage may be the filtering of volatile particulate so that there is minimal buildup of volatile particles inside the apparatus.
Various embodiments of the invention may include none, some, or all of the above technical advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 illustrates a system for heating and cooling a hazardous environment;
FIGURE 2 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for heating or cooling a hazardous environment;
FIGURE 3 illustrates a portion of a heating and cooling apparatus housing; and FIGURE 4 illustrates a heating and cooling apparatus placed upon a cart.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGURE 1 illustrates a system 10 for heating and cooling a hazardous environment. A hazardous environment may be one where flammable or volatile vapors, dust or other hazardous materials are present. For such environments, heating and cooling apparatuses should reduce the possibility of electrical sparking by, for example, reducing any static buildup. As briefly summarized here and discussed in greater detail with respect to Figure 2 below, the present embodiment achieves these technical advantages in several ways.
First, in the present embodiment, apparatus 12 has a motor that is partially positioned inside the housing and partially outside the housing. This configuration of the motor reduces the possibility of the motor overheating and causing electrical sparking which may be dangerous in a volatile or hazardous environment.
Second, the motor of the present embodiment runs continuously when it is connected to a power source. This further reduces the possibility of electrical sparking that may occur when the motor would otherwise be turned on or off inside the hazardous or volatile environment. Third, the apparatus is electrically grounded. This reduces buildup of static electricity, further reducing the possibility of electrical sparking.
Fourth, the apparatus has an air filter that filters out volatile particulate. This reduces buildup of volatile particulate inside the apparatus that may ignite in case there is electrical sparking inside the apparatus. And fifth, the apparatus has a containment chamber that collects condensate or any liquid that might leak out of the coil so that the apparatus can heat or cool the hazardous environment without risking damaging the components inside the apparatus housing.
In the present embodiment, apparatus 12 is coupled to a fluid temperature conditioner 14 through a supply line 16 and return line 18. Apparatus 12 has a housing 20 and one wall 36 of housing 20 has an air inlet 22 formed therein. An air filter support 24 is coupled to wall 36 inside housing 20 and is aligned with air inlet 22. An air filter 26 is placed inside air filter support 24. Housing 20 also has a coil support 28 that supports a coil 30. Coil support 28 is positioned adjacent to a second wall 38 of housing 20. This second wall 38 has an air outlet 32 formed therein.
Apparatus 12 draws air into housing 20 through air inlet 22. The drawn air passes through air filter 26 as it enters housing 20. Air filter 26 removes particulates from the air as air flows through it. As described in greater detail with respect to Figure 2 below, apparatus 12 then redirects the drawn air and propels it toward coil 30.
Depending on the mode of operation, as the drawn air flows over coil 30, the air is either heated or cooled. In one embodiment, heated fluid flows from conditioner 14 to coil 30 through supply line 16. In another embodiment, cooled fluid flows from conditioner 14 to coil 30 through supply line 16. Depending on the mode of operation, the fluid either cools or heats coil 30 as it flows through coil 30. The fluid then flows out of coil 30 and back to conditioner 14 through return line 18. As the propelled air passes over coil 30, it is either heated or cooled. The propelled air then exits housing 20 through air outlet 32.
Fluid temperature conditioner 14 may be any system, device, or apparatus for heating or cooling a fluid. In various embodiments, conditioner 14 may be mobile or stationary. Conditioner 14 may be powered by any power source including generators, solar panels, batteries, the power grid, hydro-electric power, wind turbines, geothermal energy or any other power source. In some embodiments, conditioner 14 has multiple connections to connect multiple lines and is operable to heat or cool fluids for multiple apparatuses 12. In various embodiments, conditioner 14 may heat or cool fluids to any suitable temperature. Conditioner 14 may also include or be coupled to a pump for pumping the heated or cooled fluid into the supply and return lines 16 and 18, respectively. In one embodiment, conditioner 14 may be connected to supply line 16 and return line 18, and conditioner 14 may both supply and receive the heated or cooled fluid. In another embodiment, conditioner 14 may only supply the heated or cooled fluid.
Housing 20 may be any support structure for supporting the various components of apparatus 12. In one embodiment, there may be a motor cutout 34 in one corner of housing 20. Air inlet 22 may be formed within a first housing wall 36 of housing 20.
Air outlet 32 may be formed within a second housing wall 38 of housing 20. In one embodiment, air outlet 32 may be positioned so that it is substantially centered with respect to coil 30. Housing 20 may be made of any suitable material including any non-ferrous metal. In one embodiment, housing 20 may be made of aluminum to reduce the buildup of static electricity. Housing 20 may have a housing cover 40 that may be placed on top of housing 20. Housing cover 40 may keep propelled air from escaping housing 20 from the top of housing 20. Housing 20 may have a containment chamber 42 removably or permanently coupled to second housing wall 38 and placed below coil 30. Containment chamber 42 may collect any fluid that may leak out of coil 30. In embodiments where cooled fluid flows through coil 30, containment chamber 42 may collect liquid condensate that might drip off of coil 30. In some embodiments, containment chamber 42 may direct fluid out of housing 20 through an egress or drain in containment chamber 42. Containment chamber 42 may have watertight sides so that any fluid collected in containment chamber 42 does not flow further into housing 20.
Coil 30 may be formed by one or more tubes that are operable to carry heated or cooled fluid. Coil 30 may be formed of any material including any thermally conductive material. Coil 30 may be formed of a non-ferrous metallic material to maximize thermal conductivity and minimize static buildup. In some embodiments, coil 30 may be coupled to conditioner 14 by supply line 16 and a return line 18. Supply line 16 may be coupled to one end of coil 30 and return line 18 may be coupled to a different end of coil 30. Fluid may flow from conditioner 14 into coil 30 through supply line 16. Fluid may flow out of coil 30 through return line 18. In one embodiment, coil 30 may be configured to draw between 60,000 BTUH to 84,000 BTUH from the fluid.
Air filter 26 may be any device or apparatus that may remove solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air. Air filter 26 may contain chemicals for facilitating removing volatile or hazardous particulates. Air filter 26 may be made of any suitable material including, without limitation, paper, foam, fiberglass, or cotton.
FIGURE 2 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus 12 for heating or cooling a hazardous environment. As discussed in relation to Figure 1 above, apparatus 12 has housing 20, air inlet 22, air filter support 24, air filter 26, coil support 28, and coil 30. Figure 2 further shows impeller support 50 is placed inside housing 20 and coupled to a third housing wall 54. A motor 56 is also coupled to third housing wall 54 in motor cutout 34 of housing 20. Motor 56 is positioned so that a portion of motor 56, including the motor shaft, is positioned inside housing 20 and a portion of motor 56 is positioned outside housing 20 in motor cutout 34. The portion of motor 56 that is positioned inside housing 20 is coupled to impeller 52. In this embodiment, air filter 26 is positioned between the inlet 58 of impeller 52 and air inlet 22 of housing 20.
Additionally, coil 30 is positioned inside coil support 28 between the outlet of impeller support 50 and air outlet 32 of housing 20.
In this embodiment, when motor 56 is turned on, it drives impeller 52 and air is drawn into air inlet 22 by impeller 52. Because air filter 26 is positioned between air inlet 22 and impeller 52, air drawn into housing 20 by impeller 52 passes through air filter 26 before it reaches impeller 52. Impeller 52 draws air in an axial direction and propels it out in a radial direction. The propelled air passes over coil 30 and out of housing 20 through air outlet 32. Coil 30 is heated or cooled by using fluid from conditioner 14 as described above in relation to Figure 1. As propelled air passes over coil 30, the propelled air becomes warm or cool and thus alters the temperature of the environment around apparatus 12.
Apparatus 12 is specifically designed so that it may be safely operated in a hazardous environment. First, in the present embodiment, a portion of motor 56 is positioned outside housing 20 while the shaft of motor 56 is positioned inside housing 20. To minimize the possibility of sparking that may occur when motor 56 starts and stops, motor 56 may be switched on outside the hazardous environment and may run the entire time apparatus 12 is in the hazardous environment. Because apparatus 12 may be positioned inside the hazardous environment for a prolonged period of time, the continuous operation of motor 56 may generate considerable heat and strain on motor 56. Any additional exposure to heat may cause motor 56 to overheat. If motor overheats, circuitry within motor 56 may short causing sparking which could be dangerous in a hazardous environment. In the situations where apparatus 12 is being used to heat a hazardous environment, it may be advantageous to keep the electrical components within motor 56 separated from coil 30. The configuration of the present embodiment achieves this advantage by positioning a portion of motor 56 outside housing 20 which keeps motor 56 from being exposed to the additional heat from coil 30 and reduce any overheating by motor 56.
Second, the present embodiment further reduces the possibility of electrical sparking by using a motor 56 that runs continuously while it is connected to a power source. In one embodiment, motor 56 may not have an on/off switch. This reduces the possibility of sparking that may occur when a motor 56 starts or stops regularly.
Conventional heating systems may regulate the temperature of an environment by turning a motor on or off The present embodiment regulates the temperature of the hazardous environment by controlling the flow of heated fluid into coil 30. To make the environment warmer, more heated fluid is allowed into coil 30. To cool the environment, the flow of heated fluid into coil 30 is restricted. In this manner, motor 56 may run the entire time apparatus 12 is in a hazardous environment thereby minimizing the possibility of electrical sparking.
Third, in this embodiment, apparatus 12 is electrically grounded. Moving air at high velocities over surfaces can induce an electrical charge on those surfaces. Thus, as air is propelled through and out of housing 20, electrical charge may build on housing 20. This embodiment is configured so as to dissipate that electrical charge through an electrical ground. By dissipating the electrical charge, the possibility of electrical sparking caused by the arcing of the electrical charge is reduced. In one embodiment, impeller 52 is coupled to motor 56 so that motor 56 electrically grounds impeller 52.
This ensures that even as impeller 52 rotates, there is limited buildup of static electricity on or around impeller 52. Motor 56 is grounded through a ground conductor in the power cable connected to motor 56. The ground conductor runs from motor to an earth-ground. In various embodiments, the earth-ground is located outside the hazardous environment. Motor 56 is also coupled to housing 20. In one embodiment, housing 20 is made of a conductive material, such as a metal, and is electrically grounded through motor 56 as well. In this embodiment, the various other components of apparatus 12 are also coupled to housing 20 and are also grounded through motor 56.
Fourth, this embodiment filters air before the air reaches coil 30. Because the air in a hazardous environment may contain volatile particles, it may be dangerous for those vapors or volatile particles to come in contact with impeller 52 or heated coil 30 during operation. Additionally, any buildup of volatile particulate inside apparatus 12 may be dangerous because any accidental sparking of the electrical components inside apparatus 12 may ignite the particulate. Thus it is advantageous to filter and/or neutralize volatile particles before they come in contact with impeller 52 or heated coil 30.
Fifth, in this embodiment, containment chamber 42 collects any condensate that might form on coil 30 when apparatus 12 is cooling the hazardous environment.
This prevents (or at least lessens) the condensate from flowing into housing 20 and potentially damaging impeller 52, air filter 26, or housing 20. Damage to any of these components of apparatus 12 could result in electrical sparking or buildup of volatile particulate inside apparatus 12. Thus, it is advantageous to collect the liquid condensate and direct it out of apparatus 12.
Coil support 28 may be any framework for supporting coil 30. In one embodiment, coil support 28 may be positioned in between impeller support 50 and air outlet 32. There may be a gap between impeller support 50 and coil support 28 so that air propelled out of impeller 52 may circulate around coil 30 before exiting housing 20 through air outlet 32. Coil support 28 may be positioned so that when coil 30 is placed inside coil support 28, air outlet 32 is centered on coil 30. This may further allow air to circulate around coil 30 before exiting housing 20 through air outlet 32.
Impeller 52 may be any rotor that has an impeller inlet 58 surrounded by blades 60. Impeller 52 may be made of any material including any non-ferrous metal.
Because non-ferrous metals are less likely to spark when they scrape against other metals, in embodiments where impeller 52 is made of non-ferrous metal, impeller 52 may not spark even if it is misaligned and scrapes against other components of apparatus 12 during operation. Blades 60 may be arranged in any configuration so that when blades 60 rotate, air enters impeller 52 through impeller inlet 58 and is pushed out radially through air outlet 32 of housing 20. Impeller inlet 58 and blades 60 may be of any suitable size. In one embodiment, a cone 62 may be placed between impeller inlet 58 and air inlet 22. Cone 62 may guide air drawn into apparatus 12 from air inlet 22 into impeller inlet 58. In some embodiments, impeller 52 may be coupled to motor 56 by a shaft. In one embodiment, impeller 52 may be electrically grounded through the conductive coupling of motor 56 to impeller 52 through the shaft of motor 56.
Impeller support 50 may be any framework within which impeller 52 may be positioned. Impeller 52 may be positioned inside impeller support 50 so that one portion of impeller support 50 aligns with impeller inlet 58 and a different portion of impeller support 50 aligns with impeller blades 60. One portion of impeller support 50 may be coupled to air filter support 24 so that impeller inlet 58 faces air filter 26. In one embodiment, a foam or other suitable material that restricts airflow may be placed around impeller inlet 58. In this manner, air that is propelled out of blades 60 is not drawn back into impeller 52 during operation. A different portion of impeller support 50 may face coil 30 so that air pushed out of blades 60 is directed toward coil 30. That portion of impeller support 50 may have a mesh 64 for dispersing air across coil 30 before the propelled air exits housing 20 through air outlet 32.
Motor 56 may be any electromechanical device that is capable of rotating impeller 52. In various embodiments, motor 56 may be powered by either direct current or alternating current. In some embodiments, motor 56 may cause impeller 52 to rotate in a clockwise direction while in other embodiments, motor 56 may cause impeller 52 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. Motor 56 may have variable speeds of rotation which may depend upon the amount of power that the motor draws.
In some embodiments, motor 56 may not have a start/stop control mechanism such as an on/off switch. Thus, an operator would not start and stop motor 56 while apparatus 12 is deployed in a hazardous environment. This configuration may minimize the risk of sparking caused by the opening and closing of electrical circuits by a conventional start/stop control mechanism.
FIGURE 3 illustrates motor cutout 34 of housing 20. In this embodiment, a portion of motor 56 that is coupled to the outside of housing 20 is shown.
Additionally, Figure 3 illustrates couplers 100a and 100b and valve control 102 that are coupled to a fourth housing wall 104. In some embodiments, couplers 100a and 100b may be coupled to supply line 16 and return line 18 respectively. Couplers 100 may also be coupled to coil 30 so that heated or cooled fluid may flow from supply line 16 through coupler 100a to coil 30. After the fluid flows through coil 30, the fluid may flow back through coupler 100b to return line 18.
In one embodiment, couplers 100 and valve control 102 may all be coupled to a mixing valve such as a three-way mixing valve. Valve control 102 may be in a diverting arrangement and may regulate the amount of fluid that may flow into coil 30 from supply line 16. For example, valve control 102 may be operated so that all of the fluid from supply line 16 flows into coil 30. Analogously, valve control 102 may be operated so that no fluid flows into coil 30 and all the fluid from supply line 16 is diverted to return line 18. Valve control 102 may also be operable to mix the fluid that has already passed through coil 30 with fluid from supply line 16 before the fluid flows into coil 30. In this manner, valve control 102 may adjust the temperature of the fluid in coil 30. In one embodiment, valve control 102 may be entirely mechanical with no electrical components to reduce the possibility of sparking.
This embodiment enables temperature control at apparatus 12 by manipulating valve control 102 instead of turning motor 56 on or off. This reduces the sparking that may occur when a motor 56 starts or stops regularly. This embodiment is further advantageous because it allows for temperature control at apparatus 12 instead of at conditioner 14 which may be placed at a remote location during operation.
Hazardous environments are often contained so that the exposure of volatile fumes and dust to the outside environment is minimized. As such, it may be dangerous and difficult for an operator to regularly move between the hazardous environment and conditioner 14.
Thus, it is advantageous to have a temperature control mechanism at apparatus 12 so that the temperature of the hazardous environment may be adjusted without increasing the likelihood of an accident in the hazardous environment.
FIGURE 4 illustrates apparatus 12 placed upon a cart 150. In this embodiment, housing 20 has an air filter insert 154. Cart 150 has wheels 156a and 156b and a handle 158. As illustrated here, apparatus 12 is placed upon cart 150 so that wheel 156b sits inside motor cutout 34.
Air filter insert 154 may be any opening through which air filter 26 may be inserted into housing 20. In one embodiment, air filter insert 154 may open into air filter support 24. In the present embodiment, air filter insert 154 is formed within a fifth housing wall 152. In other embodiments, air filter insert 154 may be formed on any other suitable portion of housing 20 including housing cover 40.
Cart 150 may be any vehicle upon which apparatus 12 may be placed. In one embodiment, cart 150 may be manually operable and may not have any electrical or engine-driven components. Cart 150 may be made of any suitable material including a non-ferrous metallic material. Cart 150 may be operable to move apparatus 12 into a hazardous environment. In one embodiment, cart 150 may have wheels 156a and 156b, a handle 158 and a base 160. An operator may place apparatus 12 upon base 160 and use handle 158 to move cart 150 on wheels 156a and 156b. An operator may also use handle 158 to tilt cart 150 towards him or herself and onto wheels 156a and 156b.
Wheels 156a and 156b may be any wheels operable to move cart 150 on paved or unpaved surfaces. In one embodiment, wheels 156a and 156b may be semi-pneumatic so that they do not explode or get damaged if they encounter a sharp object.
This configuration of apparatus 12 and cart 150 provides significant advantages for moving and deploying apparatus 12 in hazardous environments. First, the positioning of motor 56 inside motor cutout 34 provides a counterweight to coil 30.
This balancing of weight provides stability to apparatus 12 when it is placed upon cart 150. Second, the positioning of a portion of motor 56 inside motor cutout 34 allows for the placement of coil 30 in close proximity to motor 56 without the danger of overheating motor 56. This allows for a compact configuration of apparatus 12 that may be placed upon cart 150 and moved by an operator without requiring additional machinery. The use of a manual cart 150 is particularly advantageous because it may be dangerous to use trucks or other engine-driven machinery in a hazardous environment.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated.
Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps.
Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. Additionally, operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.
Although several embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be recognized that substitutions and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.
Various embodiments of the invention may include none, some, or all of the above technical advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 illustrates a system for heating and cooling a hazardous environment;
FIGURE 2 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for heating or cooling a hazardous environment;
FIGURE 3 illustrates a portion of a heating and cooling apparatus housing; and FIGURE 4 illustrates a heating and cooling apparatus placed upon a cart.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGURE 1 illustrates a system 10 for heating and cooling a hazardous environment. A hazardous environment may be one where flammable or volatile vapors, dust or other hazardous materials are present. For such environments, heating and cooling apparatuses should reduce the possibility of electrical sparking by, for example, reducing any static buildup. As briefly summarized here and discussed in greater detail with respect to Figure 2 below, the present embodiment achieves these technical advantages in several ways.
First, in the present embodiment, apparatus 12 has a motor that is partially positioned inside the housing and partially outside the housing. This configuration of the motor reduces the possibility of the motor overheating and causing electrical sparking which may be dangerous in a volatile or hazardous environment.
Second, the motor of the present embodiment runs continuously when it is connected to a power source. This further reduces the possibility of electrical sparking that may occur when the motor would otherwise be turned on or off inside the hazardous or volatile environment. Third, the apparatus is electrically grounded. This reduces buildup of static electricity, further reducing the possibility of electrical sparking.
Fourth, the apparatus has an air filter that filters out volatile particulate. This reduces buildup of volatile particulate inside the apparatus that may ignite in case there is electrical sparking inside the apparatus. And fifth, the apparatus has a containment chamber that collects condensate or any liquid that might leak out of the coil so that the apparatus can heat or cool the hazardous environment without risking damaging the components inside the apparatus housing.
In the present embodiment, apparatus 12 is coupled to a fluid temperature conditioner 14 through a supply line 16 and return line 18. Apparatus 12 has a housing 20 and one wall 36 of housing 20 has an air inlet 22 formed therein. An air filter support 24 is coupled to wall 36 inside housing 20 and is aligned with air inlet 22. An air filter 26 is placed inside air filter support 24. Housing 20 also has a coil support 28 that supports a coil 30. Coil support 28 is positioned adjacent to a second wall 38 of housing 20. This second wall 38 has an air outlet 32 formed therein.
Apparatus 12 draws air into housing 20 through air inlet 22. The drawn air passes through air filter 26 as it enters housing 20. Air filter 26 removes particulates from the air as air flows through it. As described in greater detail with respect to Figure 2 below, apparatus 12 then redirects the drawn air and propels it toward coil 30.
Depending on the mode of operation, as the drawn air flows over coil 30, the air is either heated or cooled. In one embodiment, heated fluid flows from conditioner 14 to coil 30 through supply line 16. In another embodiment, cooled fluid flows from conditioner 14 to coil 30 through supply line 16. Depending on the mode of operation, the fluid either cools or heats coil 30 as it flows through coil 30. The fluid then flows out of coil 30 and back to conditioner 14 through return line 18. As the propelled air passes over coil 30, it is either heated or cooled. The propelled air then exits housing 20 through air outlet 32.
Fluid temperature conditioner 14 may be any system, device, or apparatus for heating or cooling a fluid. In various embodiments, conditioner 14 may be mobile or stationary. Conditioner 14 may be powered by any power source including generators, solar panels, batteries, the power grid, hydro-electric power, wind turbines, geothermal energy or any other power source. In some embodiments, conditioner 14 has multiple connections to connect multiple lines and is operable to heat or cool fluids for multiple apparatuses 12. In various embodiments, conditioner 14 may heat or cool fluids to any suitable temperature. Conditioner 14 may also include or be coupled to a pump for pumping the heated or cooled fluid into the supply and return lines 16 and 18, respectively. In one embodiment, conditioner 14 may be connected to supply line 16 and return line 18, and conditioner 14 may both supply and receive the heated or cooled fluid. In another embodiment, conditioner 14 may only supply the heated or cooled fluid.
Housing 20 may be any support structure for supporting the various components of apparatus 12. In one embodiment, there may be a motor cutout 34 in one corner of housing 20. Air inlet 22 may be formed within a first housing wall 36 of housing 20.
Air outlet 32 may be formed within a second housing wall 38 of housing 20. In one embodiment, air outlet 32 may be positioned so that it is substantially centered with respect to coil 30. Housing 20 may be made of any suitable material including any non-ferrous metal. In one embodiment, housing 20 may be made of aluminum to reduce the buildup of static electricity. Housing 20 may have a housing cover 40 that may be placed on top of housing 20. Housing cover 40 may keep propelled air from escaping housing 20 from the top of housing 20. Housing 20 may have a containment chamber 42 removably or permanently coupled to second housing wall 38 and placed below coil 30. Containment chamber 42 may collect any fluid that may leak out of coil 30. In embodiments where cooled fluid flows through coil 30, containment chamber 42 may collect liquid condensate that might drip off of coil 30. In some embodiments, containment chamber 42 may direct fluid out of housing 20 through an egress or drain in containment chamber 42. Containment chamber 42 may have watertight sides so that any fluid collected in containment chamber 42 does not flow further into housing 20.
Coil 30 may be formed by one or more tubes that are operable to carry heated or cooled fluid. Coil 30 may be formed of any material including any thermally conductive material. Coil 30 may be formed of a non-ferrous metallic material to maximize thermal conductivity and minimize static buildup. In some embodiments, coil 30 may be coupled to conditioner 14 by supply line 16 and a return line 18. Supply line 16 may be coupled to one end of coil 30 and return line 18 may be coupled to a different end of coil 30. Fluid may flow from conditioner 14 into coil 30 through supply line 16. Fluid may flow out of coil 30 through return line 18. In one embodiment, coil 30 may be configured to draw between 60,000 BTUH to 84,000 BTUH from the fluid.
Air filter 26 may be any device or apparatus that may remove solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air. Air filter 26 may contain chemicals for facilitating removing volatile or hazardous particulates. Air filter 26 may be made of any suitable material including, without limitation, paper, foam, fiberglass, or cotton.
FIGURE 2 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus 12 for heating or cooling a hazardous environment. As discussed in relation to Figure 1 above, apparatus 12 has housing 20, air inlet 22, air filter support 24, air filter 26, coil support 28, and coil 30. Figure 2 further shows impeller support 50 is placed inside housing 20 and coupled to a third housing wall 54. A motor 56 is also coupled to third housing wall 54 in motor cutout 34 of housing 20. Motor 56 is positioned so that a portion of motor 56, including the motor shaft, is positioned inside housing 20 and a portion of motor 56 is positioned outside housing 20 in motor cutout 34. The portion of motor 56 that is positioned inside housing 20 is coupled to impeller 52. In this embodiment, air filter 26 is positioned between the inlet 58 of impeller 52 and air inlet 22 of housing 20.
Additionally, coil 30 is positioned inside coil support 28 between the outlet of impeller support 50 and air outlet 32 of housing 20.
In this embodiment, when motor 56 is turned on, it drives impeller 52 and air is drawn into air inlet 22 by impeller 52. Because air filter 26 is positioned between air inlet 22 and impeller 52, air drawn into housing 20 by impeller 52 passes through air filter 26 before it reaches impeller 52. Impeller 52 draws air in an axial direction and propels it out in a radial direction. The propelled air passes over coil 30 and out of housing 20 through air outlet 32. Coil 30 is heated or cooled by using fluid from conditioner 14 as described above in relation to Figure 1. As propelled air passes over coil 30, the propelled air becomes warm or cool and thus alters the temperature of the environment around apparatus 12.
Apparatus 12 is specifically designed so that it may be safely operated in a hazardous environment. First, in the present embodiment, a portion of motor 56 is positioned outside housing 20 while the shaft of motor 56 is positioned inside housing 20. To minimize the possibility of sparking that may occur when motor 56 starts and stops, motor 56 may be switched on outside the hazardous environment and may run the entire time apparatus 12 is in the hazardous environment. Because apparatus 12 may be positioned inside the hazardous environment for a prolonged period of time, the continuous operation of motor 56 may generate considerable heat and strain on motor 56. Any additional exposure to heat may cause motor 56 to overheat. If motor overheats, circuitry within motor 56 may short causing sparking which could be dangerous in a hazardous environment. In the situations where apparatus 12 is being used to heat a hazardous environment, it may be advantageous to keep the electrical components within motor 56 separated from coil 30. The configuration of the present embodiment achieves this advantage by positioning a portion of motor 56 outside housing 20 which keeps motor 56 from being exposed to the additional heat from coil 30 and reduce any overheating by motor 56.
Second, the present embodiment further reduces the possibility of electrical sparking by using a motor 56 that runs continuously while it is connected to a power source. In one embodiment, motor 56 may not have an on/off switch. This reduces the possibility of sparking that may occur when a motor 56 starts or stops regularly.
Conventional heating systems may regulate the temperature of an environment by turning a motor on or off The present embodiment regulates the temperature of the hazardous environment by controlling the flow of heated fluid into coil 30. To make the environment warmer, more heated fluid is allowed into coil 30. To cool the environment, the flow of heated fluid into coil 30 is restricted. In this manner, motor 56 may run the entire time apparatus 12 is in a hazardous environment thereby minimizing the possibility of electrical sparking.
Third, in this embodiment, apparatus 12 is electrically grounded. Moving air at high velocities over surfaces can induce an electrical charge on those surfaces. Thus, as air is propelled through and out of housing 20, electrical charge may build on housing 20. This embodiment is configured so as to dissipate that electrical charge through an electrical ground. By dissipating the electrical charge, the possibility of electrical sparking caused by the arcing of the electrical charge is reduced. In one embodiment, impeller 52 is coupled to motor 56 so that motor 56 electrically grounds impeller 52.
This ensures that even as impeller 52 rotates, there is limited buildup of static electricity on or around impeller 52. Motor 56 is grounded through a ground conductor in the power cable connected to motor 56. The ground conductor runs from motor to an earth-ground. In various embodiments, the earth-ground is located outside the hazardous environment. Motor 56 is also coupled to housing 20. In one embodiment, housing 20 is made of a conductive material, such as a metal, and is electrically grounded through motor 56 as well. In this embodiment, the various other components of apparatus 12 are also coupled to housing 20 and are also grounded through motor 56.
Fourth, this embodiment filters air before the air reaches coil 30. Because the air in a hazardous environment may contain volatile particles, it may be dangerous for those vapors or volatile particles to come in contact with impeller 52 or heated coil 30 during operation. Additionally, any buildup of volatile particulate inside apparatus 12 may be dangerous because any accidental sparking of the electrical components inside apparatus 12 may ignite the particulate. Thus it is advantageous to filter and/or neutralize volatile particles before they come in contact with impeller 52 or heated coil 30.
Fifth, in this embodiment, containment chamber 42 collects any condensate that might form on coil 30 when apparatus 12 is cooling the hazardous environment.
This prevents (or at least lessens) the condensate from flowing into housing 20 and potentially damaging impeller 52, air filter 26, or housing 20. Damage to any of these components of apparatus 12 could result in electrical sparking or buildup of volatile particulate inside apparatus 12. Thus, it is advantageous to collect the liquid condensate and direct it out of apparatus 12.
Coil support 28 may be any framework for supporting coil 30. In one embodiment, coil support 28 may be positioned in between impeller support 50 and air outlet 32. There may be a gap between impeller support 50 and coil support 28 so that air propelled out of impeller 52 may circulate around coil 30 before exiting housing 20 through air outlet 32. Coil support 28 may be positioned so that when coil 30 is placed inside coil support 28, air outlet 32 is centered on coil 30. This may further allow air to circulate around coil 30 before exiting housing 20 through air outlet 32.
Impeller 52 may be any rotor that has an impeller inlet 58 surrounded by blades 60. Impeller 52 may be made of any material including any non-ferrous metal.
Because non-ferrous metals are less likely to spark when they scrape against other metals, in embodiments where impeller 52 is made of non-ferrous metal, impeller 52 may not spark even if it is misaligned and scrapes against other components of apparatus 12 during operation. Blades 60 may be arranged in any configuration so that when blades 60 rotate, air enters impeller 52 through impeller inlet 58 and is pushed out radially through air outlet 32 of housing 20. Impeller inlet 58 and blades 60 may be of any suitable size. In one embodiment, a cone 62 may be placed between impeller inlet 58 and air inlet 22. Cone 62 may guide air drawn into apparatus 12 from air inlet 22 into impeller inlet 58. In some embodiments, impeller 52 may be coupled to motor 56 by a shaft. In one embodiment, impeller 52 may be electrically grounded through the conductive coupling of motor 56 to impeller 52 through the shaft of motor 56.
Impeller support 50 may be any framework within which impeller 52 may be positioned. Impeller 52 may be positioned inside impeller support 50 so that one portion of impeller support 50 aligns with impeller inlet 58 and a different portion of impeller support 50 aligns with impeller blades 60. One portion of impeller support 50 may be coupled to air filter support 24 so that impeller inlet 58 faces air filter 26. In one embodiment, a foam or other suitable material that restricts airflow may be placed around impeller inlet 58. In this manner, air that is propelled out of blades 60 is not drawn back into impeller 52 during operation. A different portion of impeller support 50 may face coil 30 so that air pushed out of blades 60 is directed toward coil 30. That portion of impeller support 50 may have a mesh 64 for dispersing air across coil 30 before the propelled air exits housing 20 through air outlet 32.
Motor 56 may be any electromechanical device that is capable of rotating impeller 52. In various embodiments, motor 56 may be powered by either direct current or alternating current. In some embodiments, motor 56 may cause impeller 52 to rotate in a clockwise direction while in other embodiments, motor 56 may cause impeller 52 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. Motor 56 may have variable speeds of rotation which may depend upon the amount of power that the motor draws.
In some embodiments, motor 56 may not have a start/stop control mechanism such as an on/off switch. Thus, an operator would not start and stop motor 56 while apparatus 12 is deployed in a hazardous environment. This configuration may minimize the risk of sparking caused by the opening and closing of electrical circuits by a conventional start/stop control mechanism.
FIGURE 3 illustrates motor cutout 34 of housing 20. In this embodiment, a portion of motor 56 that is coupled to the outside of housing 20 is shown.
Additionally, Figure 3 illustrates couplers 100a and 100b and valve control 102 that are coupled to a fourth housing wall 104. In some embodiments, couplers 100a and 100b may be coupled to supply line 16 and return line 18 respectively. Couplers 100 may also be coupled to coil 30 so that heated or cooled fluid may flow from supply line 16 through coupler 100a to coil 30. After the fluid flows through coil 30, the fluid may flow back through coupler 100b to return line 18.
In one embodiment, couplers 100 and valve control 102 may all be coupled to a mixing valve such as a three-way mixing valve. Valve control 102 may be in a diverting arrangement and may regulate the amount of fluid that may flow into coil 30 from supply line 16. For example, valve control 102 may be operated so that all of the fluid from supply line 16 flows into coil 30. Analogously, valve control 102 may be operated so that no fluid flows into coil 30 and all the fluid from supply line 16 is diverted to return line 18. Valve control 102 may also be operable to mix the fluid that has already passed through coil 30 with fluid from supply line 16 before the fluid flows into coil 30. In this manner, valve control 102 may adjust the temperature of the fluid in coil 30. In one embodiment, valve control 102 may be entirely mechanical with no electrical components to reduce the possibility of sparking.
This embodiment enables temperature control at apparatus 12 by manipulating valve control 102 instead of turning motor 56 on or off. This reduces the sparking that may occur when a motor 56 starts or stops regularly. This embodiment is further advantageous because it allows for temperature control at apparatus 12 instead of at conditioner 14 which may be placed at a remote location during operation.
Hazardous environments are often contained so that the exposure of volatile fumes and dust to the outside environment is minimized. As such, it may be dangerous and difficult for an operator to regularly move between the hazardous environment and conditioner 14.
Thus, it is advantageous to have a temperature control mechanism at apparatus 12 so that the temperature of the hazardous environment may be adjusted without increasing the likelihood of an accident in the hazardous environment.
FIGURE 4 illustrates apparatus 12 placed upon a cart 150. In this embodiment, housing 20 has an air filter insert 154. Cart 150 has wheels 156a and 156b and a handle 158. As illustrated here, apparatus 12 is placed upon cart 150 so that wheel 156b sits inside motor cutout 34.
Air filter insert 154 may be any opening through which air filter 26 may be inserted into housing 20. In one embodiment, air filter insert 154 may open into air filter support 24. In the present embodiment, air filter insert 154 is formed within a fifth housing wall 152. In other embodiments, air filter insert 154 may be formed on any other suitable portion of housing 20 including housing cover 40.
Cart 150 may be any vehicle upon which apparatus 12 may be placed. In one embodiment, cart 150 may be manually operable and may not have any electrical or engine-driven components. Cart 150 may be made of any suitable material including a non-ferrous metallic material. Cart 150 may be operable to move apparatus 12 into a hazardous environment. In one embodiment, cart 150 may have wheels 156a and 156b, a handle 158 and a base 160. An operator may place apparatus 12 upon base 160 and use handle 158 to move cart 150 on wheels 156a and 156b. An operator may also use handle 158 to tilt cart 150 towards him or herself and onto wheels 156a and 156b.
Wheels 156a and 156b may be any wheels operable to move cart 150 on paved or unpaved surfaces. In one embodiment, wheels 156a and 156b may be semi-pneumatic so that they do not explode or get damaged if they encounter a sharp object.
This configuration of apparatus 12 and cart 150 provides significant advantages for moving and deploying apparatus 12 in hazardous environments. First, the positioning of motor 56 inside motor cutout 34 provides a counterweight to coil 30.
This balancing of weight provides stability to apparatus 12 when it is placed upon cart 150. Second, the positioning of a portion of motor 56 inside motor cutout 34 allows for the placement of coil 30 in close proximity to motor 56 without the danger of overheating motor 56. This allows for a compact configuration of apparatus 12 that may be placed upon cart 150 and moved by an operator without requiring additional machinery. The use of a manual cart 150 is particularly advantageous because it may be dangerous to use trucks or other engine-driven machinery in a hazardous environment.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated.
Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps.
Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. Additionally, operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.
Although several embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be recognized that substitutions and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A heating and cooling apparatus for hazardous environments comprising:
a housing having an air filter insert, the housing further comprising:
a first wall having an air inlet; and a second wall having an air outlet;
a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing, wherein the motor runs continuously when it is connected to a power source to reduce electrical sparking;
an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades, the impeller being coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet of the first wall and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet of the second wall wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes, the impeller being electrically grounded to reduce static buildup;
an air filter removably positioned inside an air filter support through the air filter insert of the housing, the air filter being positioned at the air inlet;
a coil removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades, the coil being separated from the electrical component of the motor by a housing wall to reduce overheating by the motor;
and a valve coupled to the coil via a valve support on the housing, the valve being operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil.
a housing having an air filter insert, the housing further comprising:
a first wall having an air inlet; and a second wall having an air outlet;
a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing, wherein the motor runs continuously when it is connected to a power source to reduce electrical sparking;
an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades, the impeller being coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet of the first wall and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet of the second wall wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes, the impeller being electrically grounded to reduce static buildup;
an air filter removably positioned inside an air filter support through the air filter insert of the housing, the air filter being positioned at the air inlet;
a coil removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades, the coil being separated from the electrical component of the motor by a housing wall to reduce overheating by the motor;
and a valve coupled to the coil via a valve support on the housing, the valve being operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil.
2. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a containment chamber with water-tight sides and a drain positioned below the coil.
3. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller is electrically grounded via the motor shaft.
4. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein there is a gap between the coil and the air outlet for greater airflow across the coil.
5. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller is positioned within an impeller support having a first opening for allowing airflow into the impeller inlet and a second opening for directing propelled air from the impeller toward the coil.
6. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 5, wherein a mesh is removably coupled to the second opening of the impeller support for dispersing propelled air across the coil.
7. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air outlet is positioned substantially near the center of the coil.
8. A method for heating and cooling a hazardous environment comprising:
driving a motor coupled to a housing, the housing comprising:
a first wall having an air inlet; and a second wall having an air outlet;
wherein the motor has a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing;
using the motor to drive an electrically grounded impeller coupled to the motor shaft to draw air into the housing through the air inlet and propel air out of the housing through the air outlet, the impeller having an impeller inlet and impeller blades, the impeller being coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes;
filtering the drawn air through an air filter removably positioned inside an air filter support that is positioned at the air inlet to remove volatile particles in the drawn air;
heating or cooling a coil removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades by passing heated or cooled fluid through the coil;
heating or cooling the propelled air by propelling the air onto the heated or cooled coil; and regulating the temperature of the propelled air by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil by operating a valve coupled to the coil.
driving a motor coupled to a housing, the housing comprising:
a first wall having an air inlet; and a second wall having an air outlet;
wherein the motor has a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the shaft of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing;
using the motor to drive an electrically grounded impeller coupled to the motor shaft to draw air into the housing through the air inlet and propel air out of the housing through the air outlet, the impeller having an impeller inlet and impeller blades, the impeller being coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes;
filtering the drawn air through an air filter removably positioned inside an air filter support that is positioned at the air inlet to remove volatile particles in the drawn air;
heating or cooling a coil removably positioned inside a coil support between the air outlet of the second wall and the impeller blades by passing heated or cooled fluid through the coil;
heating or cooling the propelled air by propelling the air onto the heated or cooled coil; and regulating the temperature of the propelled air by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil by operating a valve coupled to the coil.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the housing further comprises a containment chamber with water-tight sides and a drain positioned below the coil.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the impeller is electrically grounded via the motor shaft.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein there is a gap between the coil and the air outlet for greater airflow across the coil.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the impeller is positioned within an impeller support having a first opening for allowing airflow into the impeller inlet and a second opening for directing propelled air from the impeller toward the coil.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein a mesh is removably coupled to the second opening of the impeller support for dispersing propelled air across the coil.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the air outlet is positioned substantially near the center of the coil.
15. A system for heating and cooling a hazardous environment comprising:
a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, the housing further comprising;
a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the driving component of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing;
an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades, the impeller being electrically grounded and coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes;
an air filter removably positioned at the air inlet of the housing;
a coil removably positioned inside the housing between the air outlet and the impeller blades; and a valve coupled to the coil, the valve being operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil;
a cart comprising a base for supporting the housing and a plurality of wheels for moving the housing; and a fluid temperature conditioner located remote from the housing, the conditioner being coupled to the coil and providing heated or cooled fluid to the coil.
a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, the housing further comprising;
a motor having a shaft and an electrical component, the motor being coupled to the housing so that at least a portion of the driving component of the motor is positioned inside the housing and at least a portion of the electrical component of the motor is positioned outside the housing;
an impeller having an impeller inlet and blades, the impeller being electrically grounded and coupled to the shaft of the motor and being operable to draw air in an axial direction through the air inlet and propel air in a radial direction through the air outlet wherein the radial and axial directions are aligned along different axes;
an air filter removably positioned at the air inlet of the housing;
a coil removably positioned inside the housing between the air outlet and the impeller blades; and a valve coupled to the coil, the valve being operable to regulate the temperature of the coil by controlling the flow of fluid into the coil;
a cart comprising a base for supporting the housing and a plurality of wheels for moving the housing; and a fluid temperature conditioner located remote from the housing, the conditioner being coupled to the coil and providing heated or cooled fluid to the coil.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the cart wheels are semi-pneumatic to minimize the likelihood of bursting if the wheels encounter a sharp object.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the air outlet is placed substantially near the center of the coil and there is a gap between the coil and the air outlet for greater airflow across the coil.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the impeller is positioned within an impeller support having a first opening for allowing airflow into the impeller inlet and a second opening for directing propelled air from the impeller toward the coil.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein a mesh is removably coupled to the second opening of the impeller support for dispersing propelled air across the coil.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the housing further comprises a containment chamber positioned below the coil.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14/743,638 | 2015-06-18 | ||
| US14/743,638 US20160370019A1 (en) | 2015-06-18 | 2015-06-18 | Heating and cooling system for hazardous environments |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2922098A1 CA2922098A1 (en) | 2016-04-29 |
| CA2922098C true CA2922098C (en) | 2016-10-25 |
Family
ID=55809378
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2922098A Expired - Fee Related CA2922098C (en) | 2015-06-18 | 2016-02-26 | Heating and cooling system for hazardous environments |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20160370019A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2922098C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD793971S1 (en) | 2015-03-27 | 2017-08-08 | Veeco Instruments Inc. | Wafer carrier with a 14-pocket configuration |
| USD778247S1 (en) * | 2015-04-16 | 2017-02-07 | Veeco Instruments Inc. | Wafer carrier with a multi-pocket configuration |
| CN113357802B (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-04-19 | 青岛海尔空调器有限总公司 | Air conditioner lower air outlet control method, air conditioner and storage medium |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3848662A (en) * | 1972-02-03 | 1974-11-19 | Lockheed Aircraft Corp | Method and apparatus for supplying a temperature conditioned airflow to an open compartment in an explosion sustaining ambient surrounding |
| US5384958A (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1995-01-31 | General Motors Corporation | Method of making a torque converter assembly |
| US5309725A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1994-05-10 | Cayce James L | System and method for high-efficiency air cooling and dehumidification |
| US6402613B1 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2002-06-11 | David B. Teagle | Portable environmental control system |
| NZ578719A (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2010-10-29 | Cool Dynamics Regrigeration Pt | Storage zone and refrigeration zone separated by divider having fan(s) to direct air into refrigeration zone and outlets to storage zone |
| DE102008055093A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-24 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Household appliance strainer, household appliance with such a sieve and method for producing such a sieve |
| US20120038161A1 (en) * | 2008-12-24 | 2012-02-16 | Digislide Holdings Limited | Inline turbine generator |
-
2015
- 2015-06-18 US US14/743,638 patent/US20160370019A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-02-26 CA CA2922098A patent/CA2922098C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20160370019A1 (en) | 2016-12-22 |
| CA2922098A1 (en) | 2016-04-29 |
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