Personal Thermal Regulation Systems and Liquid Circulation Garments
Compcooler offered several kinds of liquid personal cooling systems that cater to a myriad of workplace and recreational applications. These systems are grouped into two main categories: Self-Contained or Stationary. Cold sinks for both self-contained and stationary systems are offered in either ice-based or chiller-based options as follows:
- Ice-based systems include a bladder or hard plastic container that can easily be removed from the system with quick-disconnect fittings. The bladder or hard container gets filled with water and then frozen. The ice serves to cool the liquid that is pumped to the tubing-lined garment. Cooling time is predicated on the time it takes for the ice to melt, followed by battery life. The time it takes for the ice to melt depends on the bladder size, the ambient conditions, and the workload of the user. Having additional batteries and frozen bladders on hand can prolong the cooling time.
- Chillers are a type of mechanical refrigeration system that use a compressor to cool the liquid. For COMPCOOLER’s line of products, these chillers are very small and lightweight. Cooling time is predicated on the power source, typically in the form of an AC outlet, vehicle DC battery or rechargeable battery.
Self-Contained vs. Stationary Systems:
- Self-contained systems are designed for applications where the user requires freedom of movement, like a HAZMAT first responder, for example. As such, these systems are battery powered and carried on the person. The majority of self-contained systems use ice as the cold sink, although one system is offered with a battery-operated chiller.
- Conversely, stationary systems are designed for static applications, like a welder performing his/her duties in the same location. The cooling system is separated from the User’s cooling garment and connected with longer coolant hoses. Stationary systems are typically powered by unlimited energy sources such as an AC outlet or a vehicle’s DC battery, although rechargeable batteries can also be used.
COMPCOOLER System Selection Logic
Matrix for Cooling System and Garment Compatibility
Matrix for Self-Contained and Stationary Systems