Energy Scavenging MECS Expander/Compressor

Background: The key to portable applications of cooling is the development of a compact heat actuated heat pump that does not require electric power or shaft work. This eliminates the need for a portable power source needed by a vapor-compression cycle. power sources (either batteries or power generators) tend to be heavy relative to the simple combustion equipment using in a heat actuated system. Previous research has shown with the inclusion of thermoelectric generators the heat-actuated heat pumps can be completely independent of power sources. Technology Description: Researchers at OSU Drs. Richard Peterson Kevin Drost and Thomas Herron have developed a microtechnology-based heat actuated heat pumps for man portable cooling vehicle cooling and distributed space conditioning. The key challenge is to develop a compact orientation independent heat actuated cooling system. While we are developing several alternative systems they all share the use of microtechnology-base heat and mass transfer enhancements to minimize the size and weight of the cooling systems. Applications: 1) Cooling of personnel-protective suits 2) Cooling of vehicle interiors Patent Status: U.S. Patent application 2008-0006040 A1