The vapor cooling principle that I invented for high powered X-ray tube cooling in the 30's and which later came to be called “Heat Pipe” thermal transfer might have interesting application in domestic, commercial and industrial air conditioning if a suitably safe, efficient and economical “wall grid” modular assembly could be developed along with the unconventional but remarkably simple and self regulating control needed.
In effect, the walls of a room would “want' to maintain a chosen temperature irrespective of the amount of heat they were asked to accept, for example by directing simple room fans at them, never chilling the room but quickly compensating for changing radiation (sun) loads, people occupancy loads, etc.
The wall units would be operated in the “flooded” condition with a non-toxic refrigerant with room temperature convenient boiling point pressure.
Refrigerant would boil at “pressure thermostated” release valve pressure to “boil cool” the walls to a uniform temperature. Refrigerant would be returned by thermo siphon or low pressure return pump to keep the walls “full”. Even a liquid level float valve could serve the function.
Cooling without ducts, drafts or visible heat exchangers might be very pleasing with cooling all around.
Calculation should be done on a sample model room to determine the active wall footage of cool wall needed to provide the “ton” or so of cooling needed by any ordinary large room.
There should be little problem of condensation, so long as supply and exhaust
air would be provided at reasonably adjusted humidity for comfort.
