METHOD OF COOLING AN INTERNAL SPACE USING A SUPERABSORBENT POLYMER

摘要

A method and system for cooling an internal space are provided. A laminate of a hydrophobic membrane and a hydrophilic membrane includes a superabsorbent polymer disposed on or encompassing the hydrophilic membrane. The superabsorbent polymer increases the wicking capacity of the hydrophilic membrane so that water from a source is distributed more rapidly across the hydrophilic membrane. The distributed water is evaporated from the hydrophilic membrane, causing evaporative cooling of the laminate and surrounding air stream(s). The cooled air stream(s) are used to cool the internal space.

主权项

1. A method of cooling an internal space, comprising the steps of:
providing a laminate including a hydrophobic membrane and a hydrophilic membrane; transporting water across the hydrophilic membrane, resulting in distribution of the water across the hydrophilic membrane; and evaporating the water from the hydrophilic membrane, resulting in evaporative cooling of the laminate and formation of a stream of cool, moist air from the hydrophilic membrane; wherein the hydrophilic membrane comprises a superabsorbent polymer.