HEAT EXCHANGER BEDS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

BACKGROUND

Sleeping in an outdoor or semi-outdoor environment may expose a person to the elements, which may therefore raise the risk of hypothermia and other negative health effects. For instance, there are a large number of refugee camps throughout the world due to natural disasters, conflicts, economic catastrophes, etc. Such camps may provide refugees with basic shelter; however, these shelters are typically semi-open tents or other temporary structures that offer minimal heating or insulation. In addition, similar conditions can be found in various impoverished regions. While heating devices and systems are available, it may not be possible to transport such relatively heavy, complex, fragile, and expensive devices to the remote or hostile locations that typically host refugee camps.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a bed. In some embodiments, the bed includes a bed frame defining a chamber therein. In addition, the bed includes a bedding assembly positioned on top of the bed frame. Further, the bed includes a heat exchanger positioned in the chamber that is configured to transfer heat to or from the bedding assembly.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a heating system for a camp. In some embodiments, the heating system includes at least one bed as previously described. In addition, the heater system includes a heater assembly. The at least one bed is in fluid communication with the heater assembly such that the heater assembly is configured to transfer heat from a fluid circulated from the heater assembly to the bedding assembly.

Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of various embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heating system for a camp according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a heater assembly for the heating system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger bed of the heating system of FIG. 1 taken along section A-A in FIG. 4 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger bed of FIG. 3 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of an embodiment of the heat exchanger bed of FIG. 3 including a hinged thermal mass layer according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the heat exchanger bed of FIG. 3 including a thermoelectric generator (TEG) and a controller assembly according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a controller assembly for use with an embodiment of the heat exchanger bed of FIG. 3 according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 is a side, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the heat exchanger bed of FIG. 7 including a cooling assembly according to some embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger bed of the heating system of FIG. 1 taken along section A-A in FIG. 4 according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Rugged and remote camps (e.g., refugee camps, military camps, etc.) and/or greatly impoverished regions may lack structures or shelters with sufficient insulation and heating to prevent exposure (e.g., hypothermia or other potentially negative health consequences) for residents, especially at night. Existing heating systems may not be sufficiently compact, robust, or cost efficient to provide a realistic solution for providing heat to refugees or other similarly situated persons around the globe. In addition, combustion-based space heaters may output large amounts of polluting emissions, which may both damage the local environment and increase a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning of camp residents if these heaters or heating systems are not properly vented during operations.

Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include heating systems including heat exchanger that may be used by populations residing in the open or semi-open shelters of a rugged camp (e.g., such as tents or shacks in a refugee camp, impoverished region, or other similar settlement). In some embodiments, the heating systems disclosed herein may circulate a warm or hot fluid through the one or more heat exchanger beds to provide heat to camp resident(s). The beds and related systems may be relatively compact and robust so that they are particularly suitable for use in remote and even hostile environments. In addition, the beds and related systems may prevent or greatly reduce combustion emissions (e.g., including CO, carbon dioxide (CO₂), etc.) which may be detrimental to the health of the persons residing at the camp as well as the environment. As a result, through use of the embodiments disclosed herein, persons residing in rugged and remote camps (e.g., refugees, impoverished populations, soldiers, etc.) may enjoy sufficient heating to prevent negative health outcomes associated with environmental exposure (e.g., hypothermia and others).

Referring now to FIG. 1, a heating system 100 for providing heat to residents of a rugged camp 10 (or more simply “camp”) is shown according to some embodiments. The camp 10 may be a refugee camp, but may also include any suitable camp or impoverished settlement in various embodiments. Regardless, the camp 10 may include a plurality of structures 12 (e.g., tents, shacks, shanties, barracks, shipping containers, or other open or semi-open structures), each housing one or more (in this case two) persons 14 therein.

The heating system 100 may include a plurality of heat exchanger beds 150 that are positioned in the plurality of structures 12. Each heat exchanger bed 150 may provide a place for one or more of the persons 14 to sleep, lay down, rest, etc. Thus, in the particular configuration of camp 10 shown in FIG. 1, each structure 12 includes a pair of heat exchanger beds 150—one for each person 14 inhabiting the corresponding structure 12. However, different numbers and distributions of heat exchanger beds 150 within a camp (e.g., camp 10) are contemplated herein. For instance, in some embodiments, each structure 12 may include a single heat exchanger bed 150 therein.

The heat exchanger beds 150 (or more simply “beds”) may each include a heat exchanger integrated therein (not shown in FIG. 1, but see heat exchanger 170 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described in more detail herein) that is configured to provide heat to the person 14 sleeping/laying thereon. In particular, a fluid circuit 120 may be coupled to each of the heat exchanger beds 150 to circulate a heated fluid 125 to each of the beds 150 during operations. The heat exchanger of each of the beds 150 may, in turn, transfer heat from the fluid 125 to the corresponding person 14. In some embodiments, the fluid 125 may comprise water, a salt solution (e.g., sodium hydride (NaH₂), glycol, a refrigerant, or any other suitable fluidized heating medium that may be circulated through the fluid circuit 120.

The fluid circuit 120 may include a heater assembly 130, one or more supply lines 122 that deliver heated fluid 125 from the heater assembly 130 to the beds 150, and one or more return lines 124 that deliver the fluid 125 from the beds 150 back to the heater assembly 130. The lines 122, 124 may comprise any suitable pipe, conduit, hose, channel, etc. that is configured to direct a fluid (e.g., liquid and/or gas) therealong. Thus, the term “lines” is used generically herein to refer to any such suitable conduit. In some embodiments, the lines 122, 124 (or at least some of the lines 122, 124 may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping, reeled hosing or piping (e.g., cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping, etc.). In addition, in at least some embodiments, the lines 122, 124 (or at least some portion(s) of the lines 122, 124) may include thermal insulation (e.g., pipe insulation) to reduce thermal heat loss from the fluid 125 to the surrounding environment during operations.

In addition, the fluid circuit 120 may include one or more pumps 128 that may drive the circulation of the fluid 125 therealong. In the embodiment illustrated n FIG. 1, the one or more pumps 128 includes a single pump 128 positioned along the one or more return lines 124, upstream of the heater assembly 130; however, it should be appreciated that the precise number, position, and arrangement of one or more pumps 128 through the fluid circuit 120 may be greatly varied and may be different depending on various factors (e.g., the properties of the fluid 125, the size/location/layout/etc. of camp 10, the operational parameters of the heater assembly 130 or system 100 more broadly, etc.). The one or more pumps 128 may comprise any suitable pump or pumping assembly (e.g., centrifugal pump(s), positive displacement pump(s), etc.).

Further, the fluid circuit 120 may include a reservoir 126 to hold a volume of the fluid 125. In some embodiments, the reservoir 126 may include a tank (or plurality of tanks), an open pit, or any other suitable source (e.g., natural or artificial) of a suitable heated fluid 125 for fluid circuit 120. In some embodiments, the reservoir 126 may be positioned along the fluid circuit 120 (e.g., such as along the one or more return lines 124 as shown in FIG. 1) so that the fluid 125 may flow through the reservoir 126 when circulating along the fluid circuit 120. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the fluid circuit 120 may bypass the reservoir 126 (that is, the reservoir 126 may be placed in fluid communication with the fluid circuit 120 to provide fluid 125 thereto, but the fluid 125 circulated through the fluid circuit 120 may not generally flow back through the reservoir 126 during normal operations).

In general, the heater assembly 130 is configured to heat the fluid 125 prior to flowing the fluid 125 to the beds 150 as previously described. In some embodiments, heater assembly 130 may use a combustible fuel (e.g., hydrocarbon fuels, wood, charcoal, etc.) to heat the fluid 125 during operations. Thus, in these embodiments, the heater assembly 130 may be placed at a sufficient distance from the structures 12 so as to avoid polluting the air breathed by the persons 14 residing in the structures 12. Alternatively, in some embodiments the heater assembly 130 may employ a carbon-free or carbon-neutral heating system, such as, for instance, a solar concentrator heating system, photovoltaic cells, etc., in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the camp 10.

For instance, referring now to FIG. 2, the heater assembly 130 is shown configured as a solar concentrator system according to some embodiments. Specifically, the heater assembly 130 may include a boiler or heating vessel 132 that is in fluid communication with the one or more supply lines 122 and return lines 124. In addition, a plurality of mirrors or other reflectors 134 may be positioned about the boiler 132. During operations, energy 136 (e.g., light and heat) from the Sun may be reflected and/or concentrated onto the boiler 132 so as to heat the fluid 125 flowing therein. In some embodiments, the fluid 125 may be heated in the boiler 132 to a temperature of about 100° F. to about 200° F., such as from about 130° F. to about 180° F. The heated fluid 125 may then flow to the plurality of beds 150 (FIG. 1) via the one or more supply lines 122 as previously described.

The heater assembly 130 may include one or more temperature sensors 135, 137 that are configured to detect temperatures (or values indicative thereof or related thereto). The temperature sensors 135, 137 may comprise any suitable device, system, assembly, etc. for detecting temperature (or a related or indicative value). For instance, the temperature sensors 135, 137 may comprise thermometers, thermistors, thermocouples, etc. During operations, the position or orientation of the mirrors 134 may be adjusted based at least in part on the output from the one or more temperature sensors 135, 137. For instance, the temperature sensor(s) 135 may be coupled to one or more of the mirrors 134 and are configured to detect a temperature thereof (e.g., such as a temperature of a reflective surface of the one or more mirrors 134). The temperature sensor 137 may be coupled to the boiler 132 and configured to detect a temperature of an outer surface and/or an interior chamber of the boiler 132. The position or orientation of the mirrors 134 may be adjusted (e.g., manually, via a suitable mechanized adjustment system, etc.) so as to maximize a temperature of the mirrors 134 and/or the boiler 132 based at least in part on the output from the one or more temperature sensors 135, 137. In some embodiments, all of or a subset of (including a single one of) the temperature sensors 135, 137 schematically shown in FIG. 2 may be included and used for adjusting the position or orientation of the mirrors 134.

The boiler 132 and mirrors 134 may be elevated at a sufficient distance from the ground so as to minimize or avoid shadowing (e.g., due to adjacent structures, trees, etc.) and therefore maximize sunlight expose during operations. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, the boiler 132 and mirrors 134 may be positioned on top of a shipping container 138; however, any suitable structure or assembly may be used to elevate the boiler 132 and mirrors 134 during operations.

Because the heater assembly 130 may provide heat to the fluid 125 during daylight hours in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the heating system 100 may include additional features or components to store thermal energy in order to provide heated fluid 125 during the night. For instance, with reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a heated fluid tank or reservoir 123 may be positioned along or in fluid communication with the one or more supply lines 122 and downstream of the heater assembly 130. The heated fluid tank 123 may comprise any suitable reservoir(s), tank(s), or vessel(s) such as those previously described above for the reservoir 126. In some embodiments, the heated fluid tank 123 may be positioned so that heated fluid 125 emitted from the heater assembly 130 is first routed through the heated fluid tank 123 and then to the heat exchanger beds 150 via the supply line(s) 122. In some embodiments, the heated fluid tank 123 may be downstream of the heater assembly 130 but positioned along one or more lines that are in parallel with the one or more supply lines 122 coupled to the heat exchanger beds 150 (and flow to and from the heated fluid tank 123 may be controlled via suitable valving or other flow control device(s)). In either arrangement, during operations, heated fluid 125 emitted from the heater assembly 130 may output heated fluid 125 to the heated fluid tank 123 during daylight hours so that after sunset, a reservoir of heated fluid 125 remains in the heated fluid tank 123 that may then be distributed (e.g., via the one or more lines 122) to the heat exchanger beds 150. In some embodiments, the heated fluid tank 123 may have or include thermal insulation to maintain the temperature of the fluid 125 therein.

In some embodiments, a battery bank (or other suitable electrical power source) may operate an electric heater (e.g., resistive coils) to heat fluid 125 during nighttime hours. The electric heater may also placed directly in bedding or sleeping bag to directly heat or warm a person (e.g., person 14 in FIG. 1). The battery bank may be charged during daylight hours via one or more photovoltaic panels to avoid increasing emissions from the heating system 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, one of the heat exchanger beds 150 is shown according to some embodiments. As best shown in FIG. 3, the bed 150 may include a base or bed frame 160, a heat exchanger 170 positioned in the bed frame 160, and a bedding assembly 151 including a plurality of layers 152, 154, 156, 158 positioned on top of the bed frame 160.

The bed frame 160 is generally shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped and includes a bottom or base 162 and a plurality of walls 164 (which may be referred to as “sidewalls”) extending upward from the base 162. The plurality of walls 164 and base 162 may define a chamber 166 that is open along a top side 160a of the bed frame 160. A plurality of ports or apertures may extend through the plurality of walls 164 and into the chamber 166. For instance, a first pair of ports 161 may extend through one of the plurality of walls 164 to provide access for an inlet port 177 and outlet port 179 of the heat exchanger 170 (described in more detail herein). In addition, a plurality of ventilation ports 163 (FIG. 4) may extends though one or more of the plurality of walls 164 to allow airflow 168 into or out of the chamber 166 during operations. In some embodiments, one or more of ventilation ports 163 may have a screen or other guard (not shown) coupled thereto that is configured to prevent a body part (e.g., a hand or foot) or other object from being inserted into the chamber 166 while still allowing airflow 168.

In some embodiments, the bed frame 160 (including the base 162 and the plurality of walls 164) may be constructed from any suitable material that may withstand the heat emitted from the heat exchanger 150. For instance, in some embodiments, the bed frame 160 may be constructed from a polymer or resin-based material. In some embodiments, the bed frame 160 may be constructed from a renewable-based material, such as a plant-based fiber material. Further, in some embodiments, the material of the bed frame 160 may have at least some thermal insulating qualities so that heat emitted from the heat exchanger 170 is generally directed upward and out of the top side 160a of the bed frame 160 to the bedding assembly 151 during operations.

In some embodiments, one or more racks or shelves may be built into or positioned within the chamber 166 so that tools, equipment, or other items may be kept warm via the heat exchanger 170 during operations.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, the heat exchanger 170 includes a first channel 172 and a second channel 174 coupled to one another with a plurality of heat exchanger tubes 176. In particular, as best shown in FIG. 4, the first channel 172 may include a first or inlet chamber 171, and a second or outlet chamber 173 defined therein. The inlet chamber 171 and the outlet chamber 173 may be separated from one another within the first channel 172 but may be in fluid communication with one another via the plurality of heat exchanger tubes 176 and the second channel 174. An inlet port 177 of the heat exchanger 170 may be connected to the inlet chamber 171, and an outlet port 179 of the heat exchanger 170 may be connected to the outlet chamber 173.

Each of the heat exchanger tubes 176 may include a plurality of fins 178 or other heat exchange surfaces or structures so as to increase an outer surface area thereof and thereby enhance heat exchanger between the heat exchanger tubes 176 and the air within the chamber 166 of the bed frame 160. The fins 178 may have any suitable shape or design and may comprise any one or more of pin fins, spine fins, plate fins, serrated fins, perforated fins, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger tubes 176 (including the fins 178) may be constructed of any suitable thermally conductive material, such as, for instance a metallic material (e.g., copper, steel, aluminum, etc.).

As is best shown in FIG. 4, during operations, the fluid 125 (which was previously heated in the heater assembly 130 as previously described) is flowed into the inlet chamber 171 via the inlet port 177. The fluid 125 is then distributed into one or more of the heat exchanger tubes 176 and flows into the second channel 174. Within the second channel 174, the fluid 125 is directed into another one or more of the heat exchanger tubes 176 and thus flows back to the outlet chamber 173, and out of the outlet port 179. While the fluid 125 is flowing through the heat exchanger tubes 176 between the inlet chamber 171 and second channel 174 and between the second channel 174 and the outlet chamber 173, heat is transferred from the fluid 125 to the air within the chamber 166 of the bed frame 160 via the heat exchanger tubes 176 (and fins 178). As shown in FIG. 3, the heated air 169 rises within the chamber 166 toward the bedding assembly 151 which (as shown in FIG. 4) draws additional airflow 168 into the chamber 166 via the ventilation ports 163.

In addition, during operation of the heat exchanger 170 heated air in the chamber 166 may also escape into the surrounding environment via ventilation ports 163 (e.g., the interior space of the structure 12 as shown in FIG. 1). Thus, the heat exchanger 170 may be used as a space heater in some embodiments.

It should be appreciated that heat exchanger 170 may have alternative designs in other embodiments. For instance, the heat exchanger 170 may comprise one or more serpentine heat exchanger tubes (which may include fins 178 as previously described) that are positioned within the chamber 166 and that are in fluid communication with the fluid circuit 120 (FIG. 1). Still other heat exchanger designs are contemplated.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the bedding assembly 151 may include a plurality of layers 152, 154, 156, 158 stacked on the top side 160a of the bed frame 160 as previously described. Thus, the bedding assembly 151 may cover (or substantially cover) the open top side 160a of the bed frame 160 so as to cover or occlude the chamber 166. In some embodiments, the plurality of layers 152, 154, 156, 158 includes a screen 152, a thermal blanket 154, a thermal mass layer 156, and a mattress or padding layer 158.

The screen 152 may include a metallic screen that is configured to prevent body parts or objects from being inserted into the chamber 166 of the bed frame 160 (e.g., such as when the other layers of the bedding assembly 151 are removed). The screen 152 may provide structural support for the occupant while being porous relative to the rising warm air 169. In some embodiments, the screen 152 may be independently attached or secured to the top side 160a of the bed frame 160 such that the screen 152 may not be easily removed therefrom (e.g., without the use of tools or other suitable implements). Thus, in some embodiments, the screen 152 may be attached to the bed frame 160 independently of the other layers 154, 156, 158 of the bedding assembly 151.

The thermal blanket 154 may comprise any suitable thermal insulating material that is configured to withstand the operating temperatures of the heat exchanger 170 during operations. The thermal blanket 154 may be configured to regulate the heat transfer from the heat exchanger 170 to the person 14 (FIG. 1) so as to avoid an excessive temperature transfer to the person 14 laying on the bed 150. Thus, the thermal blanket 154 may be configured to reduce the risk of thermal burns to the person's 14 skin and/or the combustion of other layers making up the bedding assembly 151 (or additional blankets or sheets used by the person 14). Like the screen 152, the thermal blanket 154 may be secured to the bed frame 160 independently from one or more of the other layers of the bedding assembly 151 (e.g., such as the thermal mass layer 156 and padding layer 158).

The thermal mass layer 156 may comprise a layer of material that is configured to store thermal energy for subsequent release over time. For instance, the thermal mass layer 156 may comprise a salt-hydrate based thermal energy storage material that is configured store and then emit thermal energy via phase changes. As a result, the thermal mass layer 156 may act as a “thermal capacitor” that may extend the time range of heat release from the heat exchanger 170 to the person 14 (FIG. 1) during operations. Specifically, in some embodiments, heat stored in the thermal mass layer 156 may continue to warm the person 14 (FIG. 1) for a time after the heater assembly 130 (FIGS. 1 and 2) has been switched off or is otherwise not producing heat (e.g., the Sun has set in the example of a solar concentrator).

The padding layer 158 may comprise a layer of foam padding or any other suitable padded layer, composite, etc. that may be suitable as a mattress for a person (e.g., persons 14 shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the padding layer 158 may be a mattress and may include suitable mattress springs, memory foam, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the bedding assembly 151 (or one or more of the layers 152, 154, 156, 158 thereof) may be rotatable relative to the bed frame 160. For instance, in some embodiments, the thermal mass layer 156 may be rotatable relative to the thermal blanket 154, screen 152, and bed frame 160 via a suitable hinge assembly 159. The padding layer 158 may be secured to the thermal mass layer 156 (e.g., via stitching, adhesive, hook-and-loop connectors, mechanical connections, etc.) so that the padding layer 158 is rotatable with the thermal mass layer 156 via the hinge assembly 159. Alternatively, the padding layer 158 may be removed from the bed 150 when rotating the thermal mass layer 156 about the hinge assembly 159.

As is shown in FIG. 6, during operations, the thermal mass layer 156 may be rotated upward and away from the rest of the bed 150 (including thermal blanket 154, screen 152, bed frame 160) so as to expose a greater surface area of the thermal mass layer 156 to the surrounding environment. For example, without being limited to this or any other theory, the daytime temperatures at the camp 10 (FIG. 1) may be sufficient to heat the thermal mass layer 156. As a result, the thermal mass layer 156 may be rotated upward to expose a bottom side thereof to the relatively warmer daytime air, so that the thermal mass layer 156 can store thermal energy that then may be used to provide heat to the person 14 independently of the heat exchanger 170 (e.g., such as during an initial portion of the night). Heating the thermal mass layer 156 via rotation about the hinge assembly 159 may therefore increase an operating efficiency of the heating system 100 and may allow the bed to warm the corresponding person 14 when the heater assembly 130 is not operating, or when the heater assembly 130 is in an initial start-up and not providing hot enough fluid 125 to facilitate heat exchange via the heat exchanger 170 as previously described.

In some embodiments, the thermal mass layer 156 (or another layer or layers of the bedding assembly 151) may include or be covered in a penetration-resistant material that is configured to stop projectiles (e.g., flying debris, etc.) such as, for instance, para-aramid synthetic fiber sheets, steal, ceramic, polyethylene, etc., so that the portion of the bedding assembly 151 (e.g., padding layer 158 and/or thermal mass layer 156) that is rotated upward and away from the bed frame 160 as shown in FIG. 6 may serve as a protective shield for person(s) 14 in the tent. Such application may be particularly useful when the bed 150 is used in camps 10 located in hostile locations and/or when the bed 150 is used in a military camp.

In some embodiments, all of the layers 152, 154, 156, 158 of the bedding assembly 151 may be rotatable, or otherwise removable, from the bed frame 160 (e.g., either as a group or independently of one another) so as to allow access into the chamber 166 of bed frame 160. For instance, one may wish to access the chamber 166 to access items stored therein, to fix, maintain, or otherwise manipulate the heat exchanger 170, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger bed 150 may include one or more thermoelectric generators (TEG) 180 that are configured to generate electrical power using the heat output from the heat exchanger 170 during operations. For instance, the TEG 180 may utilize the Seebeck effect to generate electrical power when exposed to thermal gradient. Specifically, when one side of the TEG 180 is exposed to a high temperature and a second opposite side of the TEG 180 is exposed to a lower temperature, a temperature gradient may be placed across the TEG 180 that then causes the circuits defined in the TEG 180 to generate electric current.

In some embodiments, the TEG 180 may be incorporated as a layer in the bedding assembly 151. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the TEG 180 may be a layer in the bedding assembly 151 that is positioned between the screen 152 and the thermal blanket 154 in some embodiments. However, other locations and positions for the TEG 180 are contemplated. For instance, in some embodiments, the TEG 180 may be in at least partial contact with the heat exchanger 170, or a component thereof (e.g., heat exchanger tubes 176, fins 178, etc.). Without being limited to this or any other theory, placing the TEG 180 in direct contact with the heat exchanger 170 (or a component thereof as previously described) may maximize heat transfer between the heat exchanger 170 and TEG 180 during operations.

During operations, a bottom side 180a of the TEG 180 may be exposed to the heat of the heat exchanger 170 (e.g., via the screen 152), and a top side 180b of the TEG 180 may be exposed to the relatively lower temperatures associated with the thermal blanket 154, thermal mass layer 156, and padding layer 158. This temperature gradient across the TEG 180 may thus generate an electrical current that may be used to power other devices and systems. In some embodiments, one or more TEGs (e.g., TEG 180) may be attached to or incorporated in one or more of the walls 164 of the bed frame so that a first side of the TEG is exposed to the heat emitted from the heat exchanger 170 in the chamber 166 and a second side of the TEG is exposed to the relatively colder temperatures in the structure 12 (e.g., FIG. 1).

The electrical current generated by the TEG 180 may be used to power one or more devices or systems during operations. For instance, the TEG 180 may be electrically coupled to the controller assembly 182 such that the TEG 180 may at least partially power a controller assembly 182 of the bed 150. As will be described in more detail below, the controller assembly 182 may be configured to control one or more features of the bed 150 (e.g., such as a temperature output from the heat exchanger 170 as described in more detail herein). The controller assembly 182 may include a separate housing or other enclosure that is supported on the bed frame 160 (e.g., on one of the side walls 164). In some embodiments, the controller assembly 182 may be integrated or incorporated into one or more of the walls 164 of bed frame 160.

In addition, or alternatively, the electrical current generated by the TEG 180 may be used to power one or more other devices 184 that are separate from the specific, corresponding bed 150. For instance, the one or more other devices 184 may comprise an electrical device that is used by the person 14 residing in the corresponding structure 12 (FIG. 1), such as a cell phone, lamp, radio, etc. In some specific examples, the bed 150 may have one or more charging ports (e.g., power plugs, universal serial bus (USB) ports, etc., see, for example, charging port 199 shown in FIG. 8 and described in more detail herein) that may be positioned on the bed frame 160, the controller assembly 182 or elsewhere, and that are configured to conduct the electrical current generated by the TEG 180 to the one or more devices 184 connected thereto (e.g., so as to charge a cell phone, power a lamp or radio, etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger bed 150 and controller assembly 182 as well as other components is shown according to some embodiments. As previously described, the controller assembly 182 may receive electrical power that is generated by the TEG 180 using at least some of the thermal energy 175 output by heat exchanger 170 during operations. The electrical current generated by TEG 180 may be conducted to a suitable power converter 190, such as a battery, capacitor, AC/DC converter, etc. that may receive, emit, and potentially store the generated electrical power. In some embodiments, one or more other sources of electricity may be used to provide electrical current to the power converter 190 (e.g., battery banks, photovoltaic panels, etc.). The power converter 190 may in-turn output electrical current to a controller 200 that may then use the electrical power to control and/or power one or more other components.

The controller 200 may comprise one or more computing devices, such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, server, circuit board, semiconductor chip, or other computing device(s) or system(s). Thus, controller 200 may include a processor 202 and a memory 204.

The processor 202 may include any suitable processing device or a collection of processing devices. In some embodiments, the processor 202 may include a microcontroller, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), timing controller (TCON), scaler unit, or some combination thereof. During operations, the processor 202 executes machine-readable instructions (such as machine-readable instructions 206) stored on memory 204, thereby causing the processor 202 to perform some or all of the actions attributed herein to the controller 200. In general, processor 202 fetches, decodes, and executes instructions (e.g., machine-readable instructions 206). In addition, processor 202 may also perform other actions, such as, making determinations, detecting conditions or values, etc., and communicating signals. If processor 202 assists another component in performing a function, then processor 202 may be said to cause the component to perform the function. The processor 202 may include one processing device or a plurality of processing devices.

The memory 204 may be any suitable device or collection of devices for storing digital information including data and machine-readable instructions (such as machine-readable instructions 206). For instance, the memory 204 may include volatile storage (such as random-access memory (RAM)), non-volatile storage (e.g., flash storage, read-only memory (ROM), etc.), or combinations of both volatile and non-volatile storage. Data read or written by the processor 202 when executing machine-readable instructions 206 can also be stored on memory 204. Memory 204 may include “non-transitory machine-readable medium,” where the term “non-transitory” does not include or encompass transitory propagating signals. The memory 204 may include one memory device or a plurality of memory devices.

The controller 200 and power source 190 may be at least partially positioned in the housing of the controller assembly 182 in some embodiments. In addition, the controller 200 may be communicatively coupled to one or more flow adjustment devices that are included in or coupled to the heat exchanger bed 150. Thus, during operations, the controller 200 may adjust the one or more flow control devices (e.g., via power and/or informational signals) to change (or adjust) a flow rate of fluid 125 through the heat exchanger 170 and ultimately a heat output therefrom. The one or more flow control devices may comprise pumps and/or valves that are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 170.

For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the one or more flow control devices may comprise a pair of pumps 186, 188 that are coupled to the heat exchanger 170. A first pump 186 may be configured to flow fluid into the inlet port 177 of the heat exchanger 170 and a second pump 188 may be configured to flow fluid out of the outlet port 179 of the heat exchanger 170. The controller 200 may be communicatively coupled to the pumps 186, 188 and may be configured to adjust an operating speed of the pumps 186, 188 during operations. For instance, the controller 200 may modulate electric current provided to a driver (e.g., motor, variable frequency drive, etc.) that may in-turn adjust an operating speed of the pumps 186, 188 which may therefore adjust a flow rate of fluid 125 through the heat exchanger 170 and a heat output therefrom as previously described. For embodiments in which one or more of the one or more flow control devices may comprise a valve, the controller 200 may actuate the valve(s) to similarly control a flow rate of fluid 125 through the heat exchanger 170 during operations.

In some embodiments, the controller assembly 182 includes a user input device 198 such as a rheostat switch, keypad, etc. that may be communicatively coupled to the controller 200 to allow a user (e.g., one of the persons 14 in the corresponding structure 12 shown in FIG. 1) to select a temperature output of the heat exchanger 170 during operations. The output from the user input device 198 may cause the controller 200 to make a corresponding adjustment to the speed of the one or more of the pumps 186, 188 (or other flow control device(s) as previously described) to thereby provide the desired heat output from the heat exchanger 170.

In some embodiments, the electrical power generated by the TEG 180 may self-regulate the operating speed of one or both of the pumps 186, 188 (and thus also the heat output by the heat exchanger 170). In particular, the electrical current generated by the TEG 180 may be directly related to the magnitude of the temperature gradient that the TEG 180 is exposed to. Thus, when the bedding assembly 151 (FIG. 3) of the heat exchanger bed 150 is cold (e.g., such as when the heat exchanger 170 is initially activated), the temperature gradient placed across the TEG 180 may be large so that a greater amount of electric current is generated thereby. The higher current values may, in turn, drive the pumps 186, 188 at a faster speed so as to increase a flow rate of hot fluid 125 through the heat exchanger 170 and increase a heat output therefrom. As the bedding assembly 151 is warmed, the thermal gradient across the TEG 180 may decrease so that the generated electric current may also decrease. Thus, the controller assembly 182 may control the pumps 186, 188 so that the operating speeds of the pumps 186, 188 is directly related to the amount of the electrical current generated by the TEG 180, and thereby also directly related to the magnitude of the temperature gradient that the TEG 180 is exposed to. As a result, as the bedding assembly 151 warms, the speed of the pumps 186, 188 is decreased (e.g., due to the reduction in electric current generation via the TEG 180), so that the heat output from the heat exchanger 170 also decreases. Therefore, running the pumps 186, 188 with the current generated via the TEG 180 may self-regulate the heat output from the heat exchanger 170 during operations.

In some embodiments, one or more (e.g., a plurality of) sensors 210 may be coupled to the heat exchanger bed 150 or the heating system 100 (FIG. 1) more broadly (e.g., such as to one or more of the lines 122 and/or the lines 124, etc.). The sensors 210 may measure or detect one or more parameters of the fluid 125, the heat exchanger bed 150 (e.g., including heat exchanger 170), or other components or features of the heating system 100. For instance, at least one of the sensors 210 may be configured to measure a temperature (or value indicative thereof) of the fluid 125 upstream, downstream, and/or inside of the heat exchanger 170, and the controller 200 may adjust one or both of the pumps 186, 188 (or other flow control device(s) as previously described) to provide a suitable flow rate through the heat exchanger 170 to provide the user desired heat output as indicated by the user input device 198. In some embodiments, based at least in part on an output from one or more of the sensors 210, the controller 200 may determine that the temperature of the fluid 125 is below a threshold, and may therefore stop or prevent operation of one or both of the pumps 186, 188 (or close one or more valves) to prevent cold water from flowing through the heat exchanger 170 which may draw heat away from the person 14 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors 210 may be coupled to the bed frame 160 and may detect a temperature of some component of the bed 150 (e.g., the bed frame 160, one or more layers of the bedding assembly 151, etc.), and upon detecting a temperature above a threshold, may cease operation of the heat exchanger 170 (e.g., by stopping one or both of the pumps 186, 188, closing one or more valves, etc.), initiate an alarm, etc. to prevent the person 14 from being injured (e.g., burned).

In some embodiments, the controller 200 may include or be coupled to a suitable communication assembly 192 for communicating with one or more other devices 196 via a wired connection, wireless connection, or combination thereof. For instance, in some embodiments, the communication assembly 192 may comprise wireless communication assembly such as a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver, that is configured to communicate with one or more other devices 196 using a wireless signal 194. In some embodiments, the communication assembly 192 may be configured to communicate using one or more of radio frequency signals, Bluetooth®, near field communication, WiFi, infrared communication, etc. The one or more other devices 196 may include other heat exchanger beds 150 (more particularly the controllers 200 thereof), a central base station or controller of the camp 10 (FIG. 1), or anther controller or computing device that is remotely positioned relative to camp 10.

In some embodiments, the other device 196 may comprise a central controller 196 that may monitor (via wireless signals 194, wired signals, or a combination thereof) the performance of the heat exchanger beds 150 (e.g., via outputs from one or more of the sensors 210) so as to make suitable adjustments to the heating system 100 (FIG. 1). For instance, if one or more beds 150 are not providing adequate heating to the corresponding persons 14 (e.g., as determined by the wireless signals 194 from the corresponding one or more beds 150), the central controller 196 may output an alarm to trigger action from relevant personnel and/or may take suitable corrective or remedial action such as adjusting one or more valves along the one or more lines 122 or one or more lines 124, adjusting an operating parameter of the heater assembly 130, etc. in order to improve the operating performance of the one or more beds 150.

As previously described, the controller 200 may also be coupled to one or more charging ports 199 (e.g., power plugs, USB ports, etc.) that may be used to charge (or provide electric current to) one or more other devices. The charging port(s) 199 may be positioned on the bed frame 160, housing of the controller assembly 182, or elsewhere.

Referring again to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a polarity of electric current may be altered so that electrical current, such as in the form of DC electrical current from one or more suitable electrical power sources and/or generators, may be inputted to the TEG 180 so as to cause the TEG 180 (or another thermoelectric material, layer, or device) to function as a so-called Peltier heater or cooler to heat or cool the bedding assembly 151 via the reverse of the Seebeck effect as previously described. The TEG 180, configured as a Peltier heater or cooler, may be included in the heat exchanger bed 150 either in addition to or in lieu of the heat exchanger 170. Thus, the TEG 180, configured as a Peltier heater or cooler may comprise the “heat exchanger” (or at least a part thereof) of the heat exchanger bed 150 in some embodiments.

Specifically, in some embodiments the TEG 180, when in receipt of electrical current as described, may be configured to draw heat away from the top side 180b and toward the bottom side 180a so as to cool the upper layers of the bedding assembly 151 (e.g., thermal blanket 154, thermal mass layer 156, padding layer 158, etc.). Thus, inputting electrical current to the TEG 180 may be configured to provide cooling to a person (e.g., one of the persons 14 shown in FIG. 1), which may be useful when heat exchanger bed 150 is located in a warm climate.

Conversely, in some embodiments, the TEG 180 may be configured to draw heat toward the top side 180b when in receipt of electrical current as previously described. In turn, the heat drawn to the top side 180b may heat the upper layers of the bedding assembly 151 (e.g., thermal blanket 154, thermal mass layer 156, padding layer 158, etc.). Accordingly, in these embodiments, the TEG 180 may be configured as a Peltier heater for the person (e.g., one of the persons 14 shown in FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the heat exchanger bed 150 may include a pair of TEGs 180, one of which being configured as a Peltier cooler and the other being configured as a Peltier heater. Thus, during operations, a selected one of the TEGs 180 can be energized so as to selectively cool or heat the bedding assembly 151 as previously described. In addition, in some embodiments, a first of the pair of TEGs 180 can be energized to cool the bedding assembly 151 as previously described, and a second of the pair of TEGs 180 can be energized so as to receive heat (e.g., on a cold side thereof) from the first TEG 180 so as to transfer the heat away from the bedding assembly 151.

In some embodiments, a single TEG 180 may be included in the heat exchanger bed 150 so as to selectively cool the bedding assembly 151 as a Peltier cooler as previously described, and the heat exchanger 170 or another heat exchanger (or heat exchanger assembly) of the heat exchanger bed 150 may be configured to draw the heat accumulated on the bottom side 180a away from the bedding assembly 151. For instance, heat generated on the bottom side 180a of TEG 180 may be transferred to the fluid 125 (FIG. 1) and therefore carried away from the heat exchanger bed 150 during these operations.

In some embodiments, a controller or controller assembly (e.g., controller assembly 182 in FIG. 8) may be configured to control an operation of the TEG(s) 180 so as to reduce or prevent condensation within the heat exchanger bed 150, when the TEG(s) 180 are operating as a Peltier cooler as previously described. Without being limited to this or any other theory, condensation could cause mold or other biological growth in the heat exchanger bed 150, which may be detrimental to the health of any persons (e.g., one of the persons 14 shown in FIG. 1) lying thereon. For instance, a controller or controller assembly may be configured to control a temperature of the TEG(s) 180 relative to a dew point of the environment surrounding the heat exchanger bed 150 to reduce or prevent condensation in or on the heat exchanger bed 150. In some embodiments, an additional heat exchanger or other device may be coupled to (or positioned adjacent to) to the heat exchanger bed 150 that is configured to reduce a relative humidity of the environment in and/or around the heat exchanger bed 150. For instance, an additional TEG (e.g., TEG 180) may be configured as a Peltier cooler operating at a sufficiently low temperature so as to condense water out of the surrounding environment (the condensed water may be drained away from the heat exchanger bed via suitable piping or other fluid conveyance systems).

In some embodiments, the TEG 180 may comprise any substance, material, device, etc. incorporated in or coupled to the heat exchanger bed 150 that has a relatively high Seebeck coefficient. The Seebeck coefficient is a measure of a magnitude of an induced thermoelectric voltage in response to a temperature difference across the substance, material, device, etc. and typically is represented in units of volts per kelvin (V/K) or micro-volts per kelvin (μV/K).

In some embodiments, some or all of the components of the heating system 100 (FIG. 1) may be delivered to a location (e.g., camp 10) via aircraft. For instance, one or more of the components of the heating system 100 may be dropped via parachute from a plane, helicopter, or other aircraft onto or near the location of camp 10. As a result, the components of heating system 100 (e.g., beds 150, heater assembly 130, lines 122, 124, etc.) may be enclosed in suitable packaging or containers that may cushion the components from the ground impact that is expected when dropped via parachute. For example, some components of the heating system 100 (e.g., such as the mirrors 134 of heater assembly 130) may be packaged in a clam-shell-style container that may surround the component(s) with suitable padding to withstand the ground impact during aircraft-based delivery.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger beds 150 may include a cooling assembly 250 for cooling the person 14 (FIG. 12), such as when the camp 10 is located in a warmer climate or environment. The cooling assembly 250 may be included either in addition to or alternatively the thermal mass layer 156. In some embodiments, the cooling assembly 250 may circulate a refrigerant to transfer heat away from the person 14 (FIG. 1) during operations.

Specifically, the cooling assembly 250 may include a compressor 252 that is configured to circulate a refrigerant through one or more heat exchanger tube assemblies 254. The compressor 252 may be powered by the TEG 180 and/or some other suitable source (e.g., photovoltaic panels, battery bank, etc.). The refrigerant circulated by the compressor 252 may comprise any suitable refrigerant (or refrigerants) during operations. For instance, in some embodiments, the refrigerant may comprise hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), fluorocarbons (FCs), hydrocarbons (HCs), Ammonia (NH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), or some combination thereof.

The tube assemblies 254 may include an inner tube 256 that carries the refrigerant therein, and an outer tube 258 that is exposed to air. Spine fins (or other fins) 257 may extend outward from the inner tube 256, and thus may be positioned in the annular space between the inner tube 256 and outer tube 258. In addition, a eutectic phase-change material may be inserted into the annular space between the inner tube 256 and outer tube 258.

During operations, warm air flows across the outer tube 258 (which may comprise a conductive metal such as copper, aluminum, etc.) so that heat in the air is transferred through the outer tube 258 and into the inner tube 256 via the fins 257 to thereby cool the air and bedding assembly 151. In addition, the refrigerant flowing in the inner tube 256 may also cool the eutectic phase-change material in the annular space between the inner tube 256 and outer tube 258 that that the cooling assembly 250 may continue to cool the bedding assembly 151 (and person 14 laying thereon) after compressor 252 has stopped operating.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cooling assembly 250 may be incorporated in the bedding assembly 151 of the bed 150. In some embodiments, the cooling assembly 250 may be positioned elsewhere in or one the bed 150. For instance, in some embodiments, the cooling assembly 250 (or at least some parts thereof) may be positioned in the chamber 166 of the bed frame 160. In addition, in some embodiments, the tube assembly 254 may be utilized to circulate warm or hot fluid (e.g., fluid 125) in the inner tube 256 so as to provide an additional or alternative source of heat for the bedding assembly 151 (or the interior of structure 12 shown in FIG. 1) during operations.

Further, in some embodiments, the cooling assembly 250 may function as an air-conditioning system for the environment surrounding the heat exchanger bed 150 (e.g., such as the interior of structure 12 shown in FIG. 1) via airflow out of the ventilation ports 163 (FIG. 4). In some of these embodiments, the cooling assembly 250 may be at least partially located in the chamber 166 of bed frame 160 to cool air that is then emitted to the surrounding environment via ventilation ports 163. In some embodiments, one or more additional fans or blowers may be utilized to push/pull airflow out of the ventilation ports 163 (e.g., which may receive electrical power from the TEG 180 or other suitable source).

Referring now to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger 170 may be configured to either heat or cool the bedding assembly 151 (and/or the surrounding environment such as the interior of the structure 12 shown in FIG. 1). For instance, one or more of the heat exchanger tubes 176 may be encased or surrounded with an outer tube (or other suitable enclosure) 358, and the annular space between the heat exchanger tube(s) 176, and the enclosure(s) 358 may be filled with a eutectic phase-change material that may be similar to the phase-change material described herein for the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9. The enclosure 358 may comprise a thermally conductive material, such as a metallic material (e.g., copper, aluminum, etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more of the heat exchanger tubes 176 may be encased or surrounded with a single enclosure 358, or each of the one or more of the heat exchanger tubes 176 may be encased or surrounded by a separate enclosure 358 (such that the heat exchanger 170 includes a plurality of enclosures 358 in some embodiments).

During operations, heated fluid (e.g., fluid 125) or cool fluid (e.g., fluid 125, a cooled refrigerant or other fluid, cool water from a near-by stream, lake, pond, etc.) may be circulated through the heat exchanger 170 as previously described, heat may be conducted between the air in the chamber 166 and the fluid (e.g., fluid 125) flowing in the one or more of the heat exchanger tubes 176 via the fins 178, the enclosure 358 and the phase-change material positioned between the enclosure 358 and tube(s) 176. The temperature of the fluid (e.g., fluid 125) flowing through the heat exchanger 170 may determine whether the heat exchanger 170 heats or cools the bedding assembly 151 as previously described.

As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

Clause 1: A bed comprising: a bed frame defining a chamber therein; a bedding assembly positioned on top of the bed frame; and a heat exchanger positioned in the chamber that is configured to transfer heat to or from the bedding assembly.

Clause 2: The bed of any of the clauses, further comprising a thermoelectric generator (TEG) that is configured to generate electrical power via a temperature gradient between the heat exchanger and the bedding assembly.

Clause 3: The bed of any of the clauses, further comprising a controller assembly that is at least partially electrically powered by the TEG, wherein the controller assembly is configured to control a temperature output from the heat exchanger.

Clause 4: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to circulate a fluid therethrough, wherein the bed further comprises one or more flow control devices, and wherein the controller assembly is configured to adjust the one or more flow control devices to adjust a flow rate of the fluid through the heat exchanger.

Clause 5: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the one or more flow control devices comprise one or more pumps, and wherein the controller assembly is configured to control the one or more pumps so that an operating speed of the one or more pumps is directly related to a magnitude of the temperature gradient between the heat exchanger and the bedding assembly.

Clause 6: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the controller assembly is communicatively coupled to one or more sensors that are configured to detect a temperature of the fluid, and wherein the controller assembly is configured to adjust the one or more flow control devices based at least in part on the temperature of the fluid.

Clause 7: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the controller assembly includes a user input device that is configured to receive a user input corresponding to a desired temperature output from the heat exchanger, and wherein the controller assembly is configured to adjust the one or more flow control devices based at least in part on the user input to the user input device.

Clause 8: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the TEG is incorporated as a layer in the bedding assembly.

Clause 9: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the bedding assembly includes a thermal mass layer that includes a phase-change material that is configured to change phase to store and emit thermal energy.

Clause 10: The bed of any of the clauses, further comprising a cooling assembly that is configured to circulate a refrigerant through a tube assembly, wherein the cooling assembly comprises: one or more heat exchanger tube assemblies; and a compressor that is configured to circulate a refrigerant through the one or more heat exchanger tube assemblies.

Clause 11: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the compressor is at least partially electrically powered by the TEG.

Clause 12: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein each of the one or more heat exchanger tube assemblies further comprise: an outer tube; an inner tube positioned in the outer tube to define an annular space between the outer tube and the inner tube, wherein the inner tube is in fluid communication with the compressor so that the inner tube is configured to carry the refrigerant therein; and a second phase-change material positioned in the annular space.

Clause 13: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the inner tube includes a plurality of fins that extend outward from the inner tube and within the annular space.

Clause 14: The bed of any of the clauses, further comprising a Peltier cooler that is configured to cool the bedding assembly when energized with electric current.

Clause 15: The bed of any of the clauses, wherein the Peltier cooler comprises a thermoelectric material that is coupled to the bedding assembly.

Clause 16: A heating system for a camp, the heating system including: at least one bed of any of the clauses; and a heater assembly, wherein the at least one bed is in fluid communication with the heater assembly such that the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from a fluid circulated from the heater assembly to the bedding assembly.

Clause 17: The heating system of any of the clauses, wherein the heater assembly comprises a solar concentrator that further comprises: a heating vessel; and one or more reflectors that are configured to reflect sunlight onto the heating vessel.

Clause 18: The heating system of any of the clauses, wherein the heating vessel is elevated off of the ground.

Clause 19: The heating system of any of the clauses, further comprising: one or more flow control devices; and a controller assembly that is configured to adjust the one or more flow control devices to adjust a flow rate of the fluid through the bed; and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) that is configured to generate electrical power via heat emitted from the heat exchanger to at least partially electrically power the controller assembly.

Clause 20: The heating system of any of the clauses, wherein the one or more flow control devices comprise one or more pumps, and wherein the controller assembly is configured to control the one or more pumps so that an operating speed of the one or more pumps is directly related to a magnitude of a temperature gradient across the TEG.

Clause 21: The heating system of any of the clauses, wherein the bedding assembly of the at least one bed includes a thermal mass layer including a phase-change material that is configured to change phase to store and emit thermal energy.

The embodiments disclosed herein include heating systems including heat exchanger that may be used by populations residing in the open or semi-open shelters of a rugged camp (e.g., such as tents or shacks in a refugee camp, impoverished region, or other similar settlement). In some embodiments, the heating systems disclosed herein may circulate a warm or hot fluid through the one or more heat exchanger beds to provide heat to camp resident(s). The beds and related systems may be relatively compact and robust so that they are particularly suitable for use in remote and even hostile environments. In addition, the beds and related systems may prevent or greatly reduce combustion emissions (e.g., including CO, carbon dioxide (CO₂), etc.) which may be detrimental to the health of the persons residing at the camp as well as the environment. As a result, through use of the embodiments disclosed herein, persons residing in rugged and remote camps (e.g., refugees, impoverished populations, soldiers, etc.) may enjoy sufficient heating to prevent negative health outcomes associated with environmental exposure (e.g., hypothermia and others).

While embodiments disclosed herein have included heat exchanger beds 150 for providing heat to persons residing in a camp (e.g., camp 10 shown in FIG. 1), it should be appreciated that other embodiments may utilize the heat exchanger beds 150 (or portions thereof) for other purposes. For instance, in some embodiments the heat exchanger 170 and bed frame 160 (or a modified version thereof) may be utilized as a general space heater for various complete or partial spaces or enclosures (e.g., tents, sports dugouts, houses, buildings, pavilions, etc.

The preceding discussion is directed to various exemplary embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein have broad application, and that the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.

In the discussion herein and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection of the two devices, or through an indirect connection that is established via other devices, components, nodes, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a given axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the given axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the axis. Further, when used herein (including in the claims), the words “about,” “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like, when used in reference to a stated value mean within a range of plus or minus 10% of the stated value.

While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in any order. The recitation of identifiers such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before steps in a method claim are not intended to and do not specify a particular order to the steps, but rather are used to simplify subsequent reference to such steps.

HEAT EXCHANGER BEDS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

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CPC

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)