GB2461336A

GB2461336A - Cooling Apparatus Utilizing a Compressed Gas and an Associated Nozzle

Info

Publication number: GB2461336A
Application number: GB0811984A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Dell
Original assignee: Secomak Ltd
Current assignee: Secomak Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-01
Filing date: 2008-07-01
Publication date: 2010-01-06
Also published as: GB0811984D0

Abstract

A Cooling apparatus 1 is connectable to a compressed gas supply, and the apparatus has a nozzle 2 configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle. The nozzle may connect to a main body 3 having end walls 4, and which together define a chamber 5. The compressed gas may be air, and this may enter the chamber at an inlet 19. Compressed gas may be supplied from a storage tank (22 fig 8) or may be supplied from a gas compressor, and gas can be transferred to the nozzle via a conduit (21 fig 8) connected to the chamber inlet. The nozzle may include a first plate 7 and a second plate 8, and between which may be a corrugated insert (9 fig 2). Together, the plates and insert define a plurality of orifices (6 fig 2) communicating with the chamber, and the corrugated insert may provide a stable laminar flow of gas exiting the nozzle that forms a curtain. The plates may be attached to the chamber by screws 17, and to each other by screws 18. The apparatus may find use as a personal cooling apparatus or as apparatus for cooling a subterranean train carriage (20 fig 8).

Description

Title: Cooling Apparatus

Description of Invention

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to cooling apparatus. A personal cooling apparatus, a system for cooling personnel, a system for cooling passengers of a vehicle, a subterranean train carriage cooling system, a subterranean train carriage and a method are also disclosed.

Subterranean transit systems, especially those in urban areas, necessarily operate at great depths beneath the surface and within confined spaces. The passages and tunnels in which the transit system operates can reach high temperatures, which passengers find uncomfortable. On above ground transit systems, it is known to use a traditional air conditioning system, having a refrigeration cycle between two heat exchangers. One heat exchanger is located within a passenger carriage, and the other external to the carriage.

However, such refrigeration cycle air conditioners are bulky and simply cannot be used in subterranean transit systems operating in confined spaces, without reducing the carriage volume.

Another problem of using a refrigeration cycle air conditioning system on a subterranean transit system is that the external heat exchanger would necessarily be operating in the same high temperatures. To create a comfortable temperature in the carriage would require high energy usage and would raise the average temperature in the tunnel and at the station platforms.

Of course, it is not possible to provide the heat exchanger above ground because the subterranean transit system is mobile.

There is a need for an improved cooling method of subterranean transit systems.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a cooling apparatus for a subterranean transit system, the apparatus being connectable to a compressed gases supply and comprising: a nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

Another embodiment provides a personal cooling apparatus, comprising a nozzle connectable to a compressed gases supply, the nozzle being shaped such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

Another embodiment provides a system for cooling personnel, comprising: a compressed gases supply; a nozzle in fluid connection with the compressed gases supply, the nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

Another embodiment provides a subterranean train carriage cooling system, comprising: cooling apparatus connected to a compressed gases supply, the apparatus comprising: a nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the apparatus or system further comprises a chamber in fluid connection with the nozzle and connectable to the compressed gases supply.

In one embodiment, the apparatus or a system further comprises an insert, at least one surface of the insert being corrugated.

In one embodiment, the nozzle comprises a first and second plate, and the insert is held between the first and second plate.

In one embodiment, one of the first and second plate is removable.

In one embodiment, the apparatus or a system further comprises a resilient member arranged between the insert and one of the first and second plate.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a subterranean transit system cooling system comprising: a plurality of cooling apparatuses, each comprising a nozzle; and a chamber in fluid communication with the nozzle; a compressed gases supply; and at least one conduit connecting at least one cooling apparatus to the compressed gases supply, the nozzles of each cooling apparatus being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the nozzle is an air blade.

In one embodiment, the nozzle is configured to produce a substantially laminar flow of gases exiting the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the apparatus or a system further comprises a compressed gases supply; and a flow regulator between the apparatus or system and the compressed gases supply.

In one embodiment, the apparatus or a system further comprises a temperature control module, operable to control the temperature of the gases exiting the nozzle.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a subterranean train carriage, comprising the apparatus or system according to any preceding claim.

One embodiment of the present invention provides the use of a cooling apparatus in the cooling of a train carriage, the cooling apparatus comprising: a nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of cooling, comprising: providing a nozzle; connecting the nozzle to a compressed gases supply, the nozzle being configured such that the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of cooling passengers of a subterranean train carriage, comprising: forcing compressed gases through a nozzle, the nozzle being configured such that the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a subterranean train carriage, comprising a compressed gases supply; and a plurality of nozzles in fluid connection with the compressed gases supply, the nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the compressed gases supply comprises a storage tank chargeable with compressed gases.

In one embodiment, the compressed gases supply is provided by a gas compressor.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIGURE 1 shows a cooling apparatus embodying the present invention; FIGURE 2 shows an enlarged view of area A in Figure 1; FIGURE 3 shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B of the cooling apparatus shown in figures 1 and 2; FIGURE 4 shows a front view of the nozzle of the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3; FIGURE 5 shows a front view of another nozzle embodying the present invention; FIGURE 6 shows a front view of another nozzle embodying the present invention; FIGURE 7 shows a front view of another nozzle embodying the present invention; FIGURE 8 shows a schematic view of a subterranean train carriage employing the cooling apparatus of the present invention; and FIGURE 9 shows a schematic configuration of a plurality of nozzles.

Figure 1 shows a cooling apparatus 1 embodying the present invention. The apparatus comprises a nozzle 2, connected to and protruding from a main body 3. An end wall 4 is provided at each end of the main body 3. The main body 3 and end walls 4 respectively define a chamber 5 therebetween. The nozzle comprises a plurality of orifices 6. The orifices 6 are each in communication with the chamber 5. The orifices 6 are preferably distributed along the length of the nozzle 2, and therefore the main body 3 of the cooling apparatus 1.

The nozzle 2 is defined by a first 7 and second 8 plate, substantially corresponding in shape to one another. In the embodiment shown, the first plate 7 is formed integrally with the main body 3 and protrudes therefrom. The second plate 8 is removably securable to the main body 3. When installed, the first 7 and second 8 plate together define the nozzle 2, with a space therebetween.

Between the first 7 and second 7 plates is held (and preferably clamped) an insert 9 having a corrugated profile. Both sides 10, 11 may have a sin usoidally undulating surface. A first corrugated surface 10 of the insert 9 is arranged to be adjacent the inner surface 12 of the first plate 7. The second corrugated surface 11 of the insert 9 is arranged to be adjacent the inner surface 13 of the second plate 8.

The insert 9 is arranged so that the longitudinal axis of each undulation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body 3. The inner surfaces 12, 13 of the first 7 and second 8 plate are preferably planer and smooth.

As the insert 9 is held between the first 7 and second plate 8, (as shown in figures 2 to 4), the peaks 14 of both the first 10 and second 11 surfaces of the insert 9 engage with the respective inner surfaces 12, 13 of the first 7 and second 8 plates. An orifice 6 is thus defined between each trough 15 of the corrugated surfaces 10, 11 of the insert 9 and the planar surfaces 12, 13 of the corresponding first 7 and second 8 plate. Each orifice 6 is in fluid communication with the chamber 5. It will be appreciated that the orifices 6 are parallel to one another.

It will be seen from figure 4 that the set 6A of orifices formed between the first surface 10 of the insert 9 and the inner surface 12 of the first plate 7 are offset from the set 6B of orifices formed between the second surface 11 of the insert 9 and the inner surface 13 of the second plate 8. The planes of the sets 6A, 6B of orifices are spaced apart from one another owing to the thickness of the insert 9. Both sets 6A, 6B of orifices collectively define a plurality of orifices 6.

In another embodiment, shown in figure 5, a resilient member 16 may be provided between the second surface 11 of the insert 9 and the inner surface 13 of the second plate 8. When the first 7 and second 8 plates are clamped together, the resilient member 16 fills the orifices 6B between the insert 9 and the second plate 8. It will be appreciated the number of orifices 6 offered by the embodiment shown in figure 5 may be half that offered by the embodiment shown in figure 1 to 4.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment where the second side 11 of the insert 9 is planar (and not corrugated). The insert 9 is arranged between the first 7 and second 8 plates as described above. The planar second surface 11 of the insert 9 abuts with the inner surface 13 of the second plate 8, thereby preventing any orifices 6B being formed. The only orifices present are those 6A between the insert 9 and the first plate 7.

By using a corrugated insert 9, the cross-sectional area through which gases may exit the chamber 5 is reduced (as compared to when no insert 9 is used).

Accordingly, the flow volume (and thus energy used) may be reduced whilst still maintaining the same velocity of gases exiting the nozzle 2.

The plurality of orifices 6, created using a corrugated insert 9, advantageously have a straightening effect on the gases exiting the nozzle 2. The gases exiting the nozzle 2 have a stable laminar flow and the nozzle 2 thus operates at low noise, as compared to a nozzle 2 not having an insert 9.

Conveniently, it has been found that gases passing through the plurality of orifices 6 form a laminar and non-turbulent curtain' of gas. The curtain of gas, as it travels away from the nozzle 2, may draw in ambient air into its stream. In one embodiment, gases leaving the nozzle 2 still exhibit laminar flow up to 2m from the nozzle exit. The cooling effect of the gas may be experienced some 2m or so from the nozzle 2.

The second plate 8 is securable to the main body 3 by at least one screw 17 or other fastening means. In one embodiment, the first 7 and second 8 plate and the main body 3 are configured such that as the second plate 8 is screwed onto the main body 3, a positive clamping force is imparted on the insert 9.

This urges the peaks 14 of the corrugated surfaces of the insert 9 against the planar inner surfaces of the first and second plate.

In the embodiment of figures, damage to the peaks 14 (when for example too much force is applied by the clamping effect of the first 7 and second 8 plates) is preferably avoided due to the resiliency of the resilient member 16.

A further clamping force between the first 7 and second 8 plates may be imparted by providing screws 18 to hold urge the two parts together, as shown in figure 1. The screws 18 pass through apertures provided in the insert 9 (and resilient member, if present) In another embodiment, shown in figure 7, there is no insert 9 provided between the first and second plates. A single orifice 6 is created between the first and second plates.

In all embodiments described herein, the main body 3 may be of any length, preferably between 1 and 4m. advantageously between 2m and 3m when manufactured by extrusion. Longer lengths may be possible depending on the method of manufacture used.

An air inlet connector 19 is provided on at least one end wall 4 of the cooling apparatus 1. The connector 19 may be of a standard form used in pneumatic systems. Both end walls 4 may be provided with a connector 19, so that the cooling apparatuses 1 can be joined together.

The connector 19 is configured such that it is connectable to a compressed gases supply, via a conduit (not shown). Compressed gases from the supply pass through the chamber and exit the nozzle 2.

The nozzle 2 of the present invention is configured such that in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as it exits the nozzle 2. Accordingly, the present invention provides a cooling effect by the expansion of a compressed gas. Further, owing to the velocity at which gases exit the nozzle 2, when the gases exiting the nozzle 2 are directed towards human skin, there is a perceived cooling effect felt by the person because the fast flowing gas causes perspiration to evaporate from the skin.

In an experiment to show the benefits of the invention, a cooling apparatus embodying the present invention was used to cool human skin. Before the experiment, the temperature of the skin was 32 degrees celsius. The ambient air temperature was 23.9 degrees celcius and the relative humidity of the air was 43.7%. Compressed gases having a pressure of 4 bar were supplied to the cooling apparatus and the stream of gases directed at the skin from a distance of around 30cm. The air exiting the orifices of the cooling apparatus had reduced to a temperature of 23.2 degrees celcius, owing to the expansion of the air as it leaves the orifice. After around 10 seconds, the skin was removed from the flow of air. The temperature of the skin was then at 29 degrees celcius.

In the experiment, a temperature drop of 3 degrees celcius of the skin was therefore experienced, by a combination of cooler air exiting the cooling apparatus and also by evaporation from the skin caused by the fast flowing gases passing thereover.

There is no need for any refrigeration cycle, refrigerant medium, or other features common in conventional refrigeration cycle air conditioning arrangements.

The present invention preferably operates with a gases pressure of between 4 to 7 bar.

Preferably, the compressed gases (working fluid) supplied to the nozzle 2 of the present invention are at ambient air temperature. As a result, there is no need to cool the working fluid before it is supplied to the nozzle 2 of the invention. In operation, the expansion of the gases in the nozzle cause the temperature of the gases to reduce. Further, as explained above, the speed at which the gases exit the nozzle 2 give the perceived effect of cooling to a person within the gas flow.

A nozzle embodying the present invention may quickly provide a cooling stream of air to a user substantially at the same instant that compressed gases are supplied to the nozzle. With a conventional refrigeration cycle air conditioning system, the working medium must first be cooled before the system can emit a cooled stream of air.

Embodiments of the present invention have a very fast, substantially instantaneous, start-up time. When a cooling stream of gas is no longer required, the supply of compressed gas is turned off, ready to be turned on again when required. Embodiments of the present invention may supply an instantaneous cooling effect.

As shown in figure 8, the present invention is particularly advantageous for use in subterranean train carriages 20. Preferably, a plurality of cooling apparatuses 1 are provided along the length of the train carriage and are all connected to a compressed gases supply by conduit 21. At least some of the cooling apparatuses 1 may be connected in series, with a supply of compressed gas being connected at intervals therebetween. One possible configuration is schematically shown in figure 9. The compressed gases supply may comprise a storage tank 22 (receiver) chargeable with compressed gases.

In another embodiment, the compressed gases may be supplied by a gas compressor on board the train carriage 20. The gas compressor may be the same gas compressor provided on the train carriage for use by the air braking unit of the train carriage. Such an arrangement may be advantageous because a cooling system embodying the present invention may then be provided only by installing nozzles embodying the present invention, and the associated conduits therebetween. In one embodiment, when the on-board compressor is not being used by the braking system (when stationery in a station, for example), the output of the compressor may be used to charge the storage tank (receiver). When the train leaves the station, the braking system may then have the exclusive use of the compressor output (for safety reasons), whist the stored compressed gas can be used exclusively by the cooling system of the invention.

The nozzles of the cooling apparatus embodying the present invention may be recessed into the ceiling (or ducting) of the train carriage, so there may be no reduction in the capacity of the train carriage to carry passengers.

In one embodiment, a flow regulator is provided in series between the chamber and the compressed gases supply. The flow regulator controls the pressure of gases entering the chamber and thus the gas velocity exiting the nozzle. Accordingly, adjusting the pressure affects the velocity and temperature of the gases leaving the nozzle.

A cooling system embodying the present invention may further comprise a temperature control module. The module may be configured to maintain the temperature of a subterranean train carriage within a predetermined temperature range. The module may be connected to at least one thermometer in the carriage. When the sensed temperature in the carriage falls outside a predetermined range, the flow regulator may be adjusted so as to adjust the flow and hence the temperature of the gases exiting the nozzle.

Because less flow of gas is required to create the cooling effect, less compressed gas is required and therefore less energy is needed in compressing the supply of gas.

Preferably the gas is air. The gas may be filtered before being supplied to the nozzle.

The present invention provides a cooling effect by introducing lower temperature air into the carriage and around the passengers. The present invention gives a level of cooling and increased comfort to passengers using cooled air movement.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Cooling apparatus for a subterranean transit system, the apparatus being connectable to a compressed gases supply and comprising: a nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
2. A personal cooling apparatus, comprising a nozzle connectable to a compressed gases supply, the nozzle being shaped such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
3 A system for cooling personnel, comprising: a compressed gases supply; a nozzle in fluid connection with the compressed gases supply, the nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
4. A subterranean train carriage cooling system, comprising: cooling apparatus connected to a compressed gases supply, the apparatus comprising: a nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
5. Apparatus or a system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a chamber in fluid connection with the nozzle and connectable to the compressed gases supply.
6. Apparatus or a system according to any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle comprises a plurality of orifices.
7. Apparatus or a system according to claim 6, wherein the nozzle further comprises an insert, at least one surface of the insert being corrugated to define the orifices.
8. Apparatus or a system according to claim 7, wherein the nozzle comprises a first and second plate, and the insert is held between the first and second plate.
9. Apparatus or a system according to claim 8, wherein one of the first and second plate is removable.
10. Apparatus or a system according to any of claims 8 and 9, further comprising a resilient member arranged between the insert and one of the first and second plate.
11. A subterranean transit system cooling system comprising: a plurality of cooling apparatuses, each comprising a nozzle; and a chamber in fluid communication with the nozzle; a compressed gases supply; and at least one conduit connecting at least one cooling apparatus to the compressed gases supply, the nozzles of each cooling apparatus being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
12. Apparatus or a system according to any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is an air blade.
13. Apparatus or a system according to any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is configured to produce a substantially laminar flow of gases exiting the nozzle.
14. Apparatus or a system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a compressed gases supply; and a flow regulator between the apparatus or system and the compressed gases supply.
15. Apparatus or a system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a temperature control module, operable to control the temperature of the gases exiting the nozzle.
16. A subterranean train carriage, comprising the apparatus or system according to any preceding claim.
17. The use of a cooling apparatus in the cooling of a train carriage, the cooling apparatus comprising: a nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
18. A method of cooling, comprising: providing a nozzle; connecting the nozzle to a compressed gases supply, the nozzle being configured such that the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
19. A method of cooling passengers of a subterranean train carriage, comprising: forcing compressed gases through a nozzle, the nozzle being configured such that the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
20. A subterranean train carriage, comprising a compressed gases supply; and a plurality of nozzles in fluid connection with the compressed gases supply, the nozzle being configured such that, in use, the temperature of the gas reduces as the gas passes through the nozzle.
21. A subterranean train carriage according to claim 20, wherein the compressed gases supply comprises a storage tank chargeable with compressed gases.
22. A subterranean train carriage according to claim 20, wherein the compressed gases supply is provided by a gas compressor.
23. Apparatus, system subterranean train carriage or method as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures.
24. Any novel matter or combination thereof hereinbefore described.