Thermal Exchanging Composite Materials

Thermal Exchanging Composite Materials provides the catalyst needed in which a transition of generated heat typically located inside a core mass, is directed towards the surface where it will be converted to a useful coolant. This changeover is achieved by the merger of various synthetic materials to form a composite blend that is both, hydrophobic and hydrophilic in function, which creates the needed prime to pull a cooling solution and sensation throughout. Along with the introduction of an energy source, the fundamental design will then activate the cooling properties found inside the composition. Because this merger of materials is adaptive to molecular motion and phase transition , heat exchange will occur. Heat exchange (also known as Thermal Exchange) is the transference of thermal energy from a hotter source to a cooler source. When an object, such as the torso is at a higher temperature than its surroundings, transference of thermal energy or heat exchange is evident.
Capable of many uses where excessive heat is being generated and a need for it to be removed or replaced is obvious. The technology behind this concept uses several synthetic blends of material that act as a conduit for transferring cooling energy derived from a removable and replaceable cooling energy source. This source offers multiple options of usage and applications for the end product. Cooling energy is first activated by water, which when introduced begins a hyper-evaporation process that allows the material to maintain a cooler temperature than its environment. When implemented, the cooling energy is soon introduced to the surrounding material, which activates an overall cooling sensation and begins the transition of excessive generated heat to a reduced temperature. The Thermal Exchanging Composite Materials project is supported by test conducted by NASA engineers and laboratories. The findings provided, which include the early development of the Primary Life Support System (PLSS), show the possibility of cooling energy transference and thermal transference through synthetic materials.
Thermal Exchanging Composite Materials in conjunction with Natural Cooling
Harnessing Molecular Motion
Heat always travels towards a cooler source, this means that heat generated inside the body will move to the surface as long as the difference between the two temperatures is great enough. This design and use of materials augments the natural process by creating a substantial difference in temperature and assuring a constant flow of heated core temperatures to the surface.
Harnessing Phase Transition
This process will begin with the creation of moisture on the surface from gathered perspiration or condensation. As this moisture begins to evaporate, it cools the surrounding air. However, as humidity levels rise the natural process of evaporation is reduced due to the amount of moisture already in the air. The fabric make-up will strain all collected moisture to a thin film to be utilized in the overall design until the excited heated molecules are removed through rapid evaporation , and will further utilize the created vapor to flash spread the cooling properties throughout.
Applications
Studies show that moisture conducts heat away approximately 25 times more efficiently than cool air temperatures. Water has a thermal conductivity of 0.58 Wm K while still air has a thermal conductivity of 0.024 Wm K ,so an unprotected individual can succumb to hypothermia even in warm water on a warm day. Just as neoprene is used as an insulating barrier, preventing heat loss in cold water conditions. The same would be true using an heat transferring composite material along with quick release technology in hot climates or conditions. This technology would be used anywhere excessive heat is being generated in an environment that makes it difficult to remove it away from the source and preventing overheating. As an example, this material would be used in close proximity to a motor, generator, processor or human body that produces any amount of heat without a sufficient cooling solution such as an airflow source from a fan, natural breeze or air-conditioning.
Uses in Active Wear
In comparison, fabrics that only promote the wicking aspect of a material make-up creates a false sense, in that by quickly pulling perspiration up and away from the skins surface will leave the user feeling cooler. Perspiration or sweat is the body’s natural way of cooling down, without sweat we would not be able to tolerate the heat our bodies produce, 90% (percent) of generated heat is found in the torso area. We sweat in order to keep the body at its normal temperature, which is 98.6° Fahrenheit (37° Celsius). If we lost this bodily function or something prevented the natural use of perspiration we could suffer from heatstroke in hot weather or hot environments. Heat transferring composite Materials that use quick release technology embraces and then supplements two of the body’s natural defense mechanisms, convection and evaporative cooling, while controlling any over saturation of moisture brought on by excessive perspiration.
Gordon, Capt. B. "Fallujah battlefield test bed for NASCAR cool vest" Leatherneck, 2005, ID #; 20052353716.
Caron, M. "These shirts designed to keep hot bods feeling cool", Charlotte Observer, 2008.
NASA’s Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG)
As a point of reference, NASA’s Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) assembly is a form-fitting, stretchable undergarment (spandex, with a nylon tricot liner.) that covers the entire body to the neck, ankles and wrist and a Boot Leg vent Duct (BLVD). The LCVG cools and ventilates the crewmember using water and oxygen supplied by the PLSS. The chilled water removes excess heat by moving around the crewmembers entire body through the fabric’s complex weave and a network of flexible tubing. While traveling inside the tubing the circulated chilled water alters the fabrics temperature, which then spreads throughout the material. Ventilation gas is drawn from the helmet down to the hands and feet where it is re-circulated back to the PLSS through the LCVG by means of a vent system.

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