COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEM FOR AN EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE USING A VORTEX TUBE

摘要

A cooling and heating system using a vortex tube (64) is disclosed. The system is attached to an equipment enclosure used for telecommunications, cable television and the like where a cold airstream (66) from the vortex tube (64) is directed to the sealed upper chamber (32) of the enclosure (30), the upper chamber (32) typically containing heat generating electronic components (36, 38, 40, 42). The hot airstream (70) generated by the vortex tube (64) can be used to maintain an elevated temperature which prolongs the life of certain batteries (44) and enhances their efficiency. Cold plates, heat exchangers, air jets and the like may be used in conjunction with the vortex tube to increase the cooling or heating of preselected components or items.