US20160327347A1

US20160327347A1 - Synergistic pairing convective and conductive cooling system and process

Info

Publication number: US20160327347A1
Application number: US15/215,729
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric D. Stanley; Michelle Mariani
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-21
Filing date: 2016-07-21
Publication date: 2016-11-10
Also published as: WO2018017805A1

Abstract

This disclosure describes a synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system and process that can include a convective thermal regulating device and a conductive thermal regulating device. The convective thermal regulating device can be configured to induce an artificial temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device. For example, the convective thermal regulating device can heat or cool the ambient environment to elevate or reduce the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device to a selected temperature range. The conductive thermal regulating device can initiate rapid heat transfer from a user into the conductive thermal regulating device to achieve and maintain optimal user comfort in a selected temperature range in the conductive thermal regulating device, and concurrently in a microclimate and/or microenvironment. Operation of the convective thermal regulating device can be controlled based on maintaining the selected temperature range, allowing for decreased utilization of the convective thermal regulating device.

Description

BACKGROUND

Convective thermal regulation is the process of utilizing air and/or liquid flow to heat or cool a space (e.g. air conditioning, radiators, furnaces, etc.). Air conditioning is the process of altering the properties of air to more comfortable conditions, typically with the aim of distributing the conditioned air to an occupied space such as a building or a vehicle to improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In common use, an air conditioner is a device that lowers the air temperature. The cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle, but sometimes evaporation or free cooling is used. Air conditioners have many limitations, including the cost of electricity to run them; the use of refrigerants to operate them, causing destruction of the ozone layer; and more recently it was discovered that the “heat dump”, or the heat removed from the interior and pushed to the outdoors, is becoming problematic.

SUMMARY

A synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system and process are disclosed. The process includes both powered convective, and non-powered, conductive thermal regulating devices. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system includes a convective thermal regulating device and a conductive thermal regulating device, with the convective thermal regulating device configured to induce an artificial temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device. For example, the convective thermal regulating device can heat or cool the ambient environment to elevate or reduce the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device to a selected temperature range. The conductive thermal regulating device can initiate rapid heat transfer from a user into the conductive thermal regulating device to achieve and maintain optimal user comfort in a selected temperature range in the conductive thermal regulating device, and concurrently in a microclimate and/or a microenvironment. Operation of the convective thermal regulating device can be controlled based on maintaining the selected temperature range in the conductive thermal regulating device, allowing for decreased utilization of the convective thermal regulating device. In some implementations, the convective thermal regulating device can be manually controlled by a user in response to the temperature and effect of the conductive thermal regulating device. For example, the user can manually control the convective thermal regulating device in response to the enhanced artificial thermal regulating effect achieved by direct contact with the conductive thermal regulating device. In other implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system can further include one or more indicators that can indicate the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device. In some implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system can include one or more electronic devices that can automate aspects of the system and process.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for cooling the temperature of an area and an individual user in a dual cooling and synergistic manner in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system including one or more indicators in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system including one or more indicators configured to be in communication with a convective thermal regulating device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are block diagrams of a synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system including a programmable thermostat in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams of an environment in example implementations that are operable to facilitate the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system, further including a computing device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an environment in an example implementation that is operable to facilitate the cooling of an area and an individual user with a synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a table illustrating example instructions for controlling an air conditioner to achieve a selected temperature range in a conductive thermal regulating device; and henceforth to produce a synergistic relationship.

FIG. 9 is a table illustrating examples of air conditioner sizes and the corresponding room sizes they could be capable of cooling.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for regulating the temperature of an area and an individual user in a dual cooling and synergistic manner in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Convective thermal regulating devices (e.g. air conditioners, furnaces, etc.) are commonly used in modern nations worldwide to alter air temperatures in rooms, buildings, and vehicles. For example, two-thirds of all homes in the United States have air conditioners.
Air conditioning is the process of altering the properties of air to more comfortable conditions, via the removal of heat from the interior of the home or building, and “dumping” this heat to the exterior, typically with the aim of distributing the conditioned air to an occupied space such as a building or a vehicle to improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In common use, an air conditioner lowers the air temperature by removing heat from said area, and dumping this removed heat to the exterior of the building or vehicle. The cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle which employs refrigerants known as CFCs or HCFCs, but sometimes evaporation or free cooling is used.
The heat dumping property of air conditioners has become increasingly problematic. A team of researchers from Arizona State University has found that releasing excess heat from air conditioners running during the night resulted in higher outside temperatures, worsening the urban heat island effect; and increasing cooling demands. The research team studied the anthropogenic contribution of air conditioning systems on air temperature, and examined the electricity consumption for the rapidly expanding Phoenix metropolitan area, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Phoenix is located within the semiarid Sonoran desert and, because of its harsh summertime conditions, makes considerable use of air conditioning systems. For this investigation, researchers used a physics based modeling system to evaluate the impact of heat emission from air conditioning systems on air temperature. This physically based dynamic approach has the advantage of taking into account both urban scenarios, such as the size and shapes of buildings, and climatic factors, such as temperature and wind speed, when the energy consumption is calculated. This approach accounts for the inherent feedbacks associated with air conditioning systems. For example, hot summer nights will lead to increased air conditioning demand, which in turn will output additional waste heat into the environment, leading to further increase in AC demand, resulting in a positive feedback loop.
The research team simulated a 10-day period, covering ten extreme heat days from Jul. 10 to 19 of 2009. They used the non-hydrostatic version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled to the Noah land surface model to analyze the contribution of AC systems on air temperature. To evaluate the ability of WRF to reproduce the near-surface climatology, eleven weather stations maintained by the National Weather Service and the Arizona Meteorological Network were used.
As a result of the study, the research team found that “waste heat from air conditioning systems was maximum during the day but the mean effect was negligible near the surface. However, during the night, heat emitted from air conditioning systems increased the mean air temperature by more than 1 degree Celsius (almost 2 degrees Fahrenheit) for some urban locations.” Additionally, the study indicated that to keep people cool, air conditioning systems can consume more than 50 percent of total electricity during extreme heat and put a strain on electrical grids. Cooling demands for rapidly expanding urban areas like Phoenix are likely to increase considerably during the next several decades. To address future energy needs in a sustainable manner, the researchers determined it was essential to study current air conditioning demand and assess air conditioning waste heat.
Globally, air conditioning consumes a significant amount of electricity. Air conditioners use approximately 5 percent of all electricity produced in the United States. The United States has consumed more energy each year for air conditioning than the rest of the world combined. Between 1993 and 2005, with summers growing hotter and homes larger, energy consumed by residential air conditioning in the U.S. doubled, and it leaped another 20 percent by 2010. The climate impact of air conditioning of our buildings and vehicles is now that of almost half a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. China is already sprinting forward and is expected to surpass the United States as the world's biggest user of electricity for air conditioning by 2020. The number of U.S. homes equipped with air conditioning rose from 64 to 100 million between 1993 and 2009, whereas 50 million air-conditioning units were sold in China in 2010 alone. That number grew to 64 million in 2013.
As a result of significant energy consumption, the power grids of both developed and less developed countries struggle to keep up with the electricity demand during times of warm weather. For example, India has seen electricity shortfalls of up to 17 gigawatts during summer months, with residential electricity shut off for up to 16 hours per day in some areas. China has seen shortages of 30 to 40 gigawatts, resulting in energy rationing and factory closings. New York City and Los Angeles both have strained their respective power grids in the last few summers. Brownouts and blackouts are becoming more common as the masses purchase air conditioners and run them accordingly, on top of other basic power needs.
Additionally, the use of air conditioning has a detrimental environmental impact. The use of air conditioning in buildings and vehicles in the United States produces nearly half a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) traditionally used as refrigerants in air conditioners have largely been phased out of use due to contribution to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere. CFCs are also a greenhouse gas with a higher potential to enhance the greenhouse effect and invoke climate change than carbon dioxide. The ozone-damaging effects of CFCs are regulated primarily though a 1987 treaty called the Montreal Protocol, created to protect the ozone layer. It has reduced damage to that vital shield, which blocks cancer-causing ultraviolet rays, by mandating the use of progressively more benign gases. As a result, the oldest CFC coolants, which are highly damaging to the ozone layer, have been largely eliminated from use.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have largely replaced the use of CFCs, particularly in industrialized nations. However, HFCs are pollutants in their own right, and have environmental impacts that the Montreal Protocol largely ignores. While HFCs are less stable in the lower atmosphere and break down before reaching the ozone layer, they do break down in the stratosphere and produce chlorine buildup. HFCs are also greenhouse gases, and are 3,830 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Thus, pound for pound, they contribute to global warming thousands of times more than does carbon dioxide, the standard greenhouse gas. The soaring use and high global warming potential will likely undercut the benefit of any reduction in carbon dioxide emission. It is projected that refrigerants that accumulate in the atmosphere between now and 2050 (increasingly HFCs from refrigeration and air conditioning) will add another 14 to 27% to the increased warming caused by human-generated carbon dioxide emissions. The leading scientists in the field have recently calculated that if all the equipment entering the world market uses the newest gases currently employed in air-conditioners, up to 27 percent of all global warming will be attributable to those gases by 2050. Research on many other promising refrigerants has been abandoned due to flammability, toxicity, ozone depletion, or other problems.
Ultimately, the therapy to cure one global environmental disaster is now seeding another. Stephen O. Andersen, the co-chairman of the Montreal Protocol's technical and economic advisory panel explains the severity of the problem, stating, “There is precious little time to do something, to act.” Ultimately, there needs to be a powerless, gasless, non-heat dumping, nondestructive yet beneficial aspect applied to residential air conditioning systems.
The December 2015 United Nations Conference on Climate Change has recently concluded, in Paris, France. The conference negotiated the Paris Agreement, a global agreement between 196 parties (countries) on the minimization of climate change. Specifically, the plan is to limit greenhouse gas emissions to zero, between 2030-2050. This is to ensure that a net global temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius or less is seen. There remains a need for a global, mass solution that can have an immediate positive impact on the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Various cooling methods such as roof vent turbines, radiative cooling (e.g. water walls, roof ponds, etc.), and evaporative cooling methods (e.g. rooftop sprinklers, commercial evaporative cooling towers, etc.), have been used in conjunction with air conditioners to streamline the efficiency of convective cooling and reduce the amount of electricity utilized. However, these methods require significant building improvements and costs, making them unfeasible for the typical consumer.
Powerless conductive cooling devices (e.g. fluid-filled pillow insets, fluid-filled mattress pads, etc.) can be used. Conductive cooling devices cool a living being by rapidly transferring heat from the living being or the surrounding environment into the conductive cooling device. Conductive cooling devices can cool a living being up to 24 times more quickly than convective cooling devices, due to the fact that liquid fluids such as H2O or polymer gels have up to 24× the rate of heat transfer of air. Many liquids also have many times the heat capacity of air. However, the cooling potential of these devices may be limited to those areas of a living being physically touching the device itself. Additionally, the limited overall heat capacity of the conductive cooling device, due to its limited size, may not be sufficient at elevated ambient temperatures. For example, it has been found that at higher ambient temperatures, the rate of thermal transfer from the living being to conductive cooling device is slowed, and there is less overall heat capacity available in the device.
The present application details an innovative and progressive system and processes that can provide a direct and instant way to help with this overall global emissions reduction plan, by employing a synergistic pairing model of thermal regulation for living beings, human or animal, using a dual pairing of a convective, powered device (e.g., fan, air conditioner, heater, etc.) with a powerless conductive device, (e.g., a liquid and foam based pad that the user lies on directly). In some common implementations, synergistic pairing thermal regulating systems and processes are utilized to cool a user. Example benefits of utilizing the synergistic pairing systems and processes described herein for the purpose of cooling a user include, that, because the user is being cooled by two methods at once, the human being can turn down and use less air conditioning, therefore less power, emit less greenhouse gas from his or her own respective cooling unit, and lower the “heat dump” to the exterior that air conditioning normally contributes to the immediate surrounding environment. Global air conditioner manufacturers/marketers, for example, could use the synergistic pairing thermal regulating systems and processes described herein to enable customers to be more instantly and effectively cooled while saving money, reducing emissions, and reducing “heat dump”.
To fully appreciate the potential benefits of the synergistic pairing systems and processes of thermal regulation described herein, it is helpful to consider the separate limitations of the convective and the conductive devices and then consider the benefits of utilizing the synergistic pairing model in the example implementation of cooling a user:
With Convective Device Only Present in Immediate Environment:

- There is only one means of cooling, which is the slow transfer of heat from living being to immediate surrounding environment via poor conductive properties of air.
- A single device has to run for an extended time and use expensive energy resources to get immediate environment to a measurable lowering of room temperature in order to increase rate of thermal transfer from living being to surrounding air.
- Heat removed from interior is pumped to the immediate external surroundings (the aforementioned “heat dump”).
- This method of cooling is not effective in the immediate area where a human's face/head contacts the foam or fabric pillow surface (an area where thermoregulation is very important due to blood flow from this contacted area to heart, to brain, and back again) due to heat buildup resulting from the nonconductive properties of polyurethane foam and cloth fabrics.

With Conductive Device Only Present in Immediate Environment:

- There is only one means of cooling, which is rapid transfer of heat from living being to fluid-filled conductive cooling pad.
- The surface area of conduction is limited to those areas physically touching pad itself.
- The limited overall heat capacity of pad may not be sufficient at elevated ambient temperatures. For example, the higher the ambient temperature, the slower the rate of thermal transfer from the living being to the cooling conductive pad and the less overall heat capacity available in the pad itself.

With Both Convective and Conductive Elements Present in the Immediate Environment:

- More rapid cooling, as heat transfer is accomplished more quickly from the living being to the conductive device due to the combined effect of the superior rate of thermal transfer of water over air and the increased heat gradient from the artificial chilling of the pad (i.e., both devices contribute directly to end result).
- More efficient cooling, as airflow from convective device is used not just to lower the ambient air temperature, but to induce an artificial chill into the conductive device, decreasing the temperature of the conductive device below the standing ambient temperature at which the conductive device started. This increases the cooling efficiency of overall system by creating more thermal capacity for the system with the same expenditure of resources. A situational environment is created here, that leads to opportunity for reduction in powered convective device use; and ultimately saving energy, money, reducing heat dump, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- More effective cooling, as chilling the conductive device leads to two (2) powerful cooling components that can simultaneously and rapidly cool a living being.

Synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating systems and processes are described herein. In embodiments, a synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system includes a convective thermal regulating device and a conductive thermal regulating device, with the convective thermal regulating device configured to induce an artificial temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device (e.g., lowering its temperature to a selected temperature range). For example, the convective thermal regulating device can heat or cool the ambient environment to elevate or reduce the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device to a selected temperature range. In some implementations, the convective thermal regulating device can induce an artificial temperature reduction in the conductive thermal regulating device, giving the conductive devices' exaggerated heat capacity, providing an enhanced cooling effect to a user in direct contact with the conductive device. For example, the conductive thermal regulating device can initiate rapid heat transfer from the user into the conductive thermal regulating device to achieve and maintain optimal user comfort in a selected temperature range in the conductive thermal regulating device, and concurrently in a microclimate (e.g., the interface between the user and the conductive thermal regulating device) and/or a microenvironment (e.g., the room in which convective thermal regulating device is utilized). Operation of the convective thermal regulating device can be controlled based on maintaining the selected temperature range in the conductive thermal regulating device, allowing for decreased utilization of the convective thermal regulating device. In some implementations, the convective thermal regulating device can be manually controlled by a user in response to the temperature and realized effect of the conductive thermal regulating device. For example, the user can manually control the convective thermal regulating device in response to the enhanced artificial thermal regulating effect achieved by direct contact with the conductive thermal regulating device. In other implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system can further include one or more indicators that can indicate the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device. In some implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system can include one or more electronic devices that can automate aspects of the system and process.

Example Implementations

FIG. 1 illustrates an example process 100 that employs a synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system to cool a room and the individual user, such as the synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system shown in FIGS. 2 through 5. The conductive thermal regulating device starts with a heat capacity and thermal conductance superior to the surrounding air (Block 102). The convective thermal regulating device is powered on (e.g., manually by a user, by a programmable thermostat, by a computing device, etc.; Block 104). The convective thermal regulating device induces an artificial temperature change (e.g., chill) in the conductive thermal regulating device by lowering the ambient room temperature and increasing the heat capacity of the conductive thermal regulating device (Block 106). Each of the conductive thermal regulating device and the convective thermal regulating device provide approximately half of the cooling capacity of the synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system (Block 108). The user is cooled by the synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system more quickly and efficiently than by either device alone (Block 110). The user can then reduce the use of the convective thermal regulating device (e.g., increase the setpoint of the thermostat, turn off the convective device, etc.; Block 112). Synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating systems and processes are further described herein.
FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate a synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 includes a conductive thermal regulating device 202, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be a liquid saturated, foam filled flexible device. The liquid saturated, foam filled flexible device can have a flexible, liquid impervious outer membrane encapsulating a foam filler of substantially the same dimensions, wherein the foam filler is saturated with a liquid such that the liquid has at least partial mobility through the foam filler, allowing the foam and the liquid to cooperate within the confines of the outer membrane to provide the device with flexibility and structural stability. The container can cool or heat a person by allowing conductive heat exchange between a person's body and the liquid in the container. The conducted heat is passively dissipated by the device to the surrounding environment. The container can also be artificially heated or cooled (e.g., filled with a liquid of a desired temperature, refrigerated, etc.). The liquid saturated, foam filled flexible device is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,948, which is herein incorporated in its entirety.
In some embodiments, a conductive thermal regulating device 202 including a phase change material (PCM) can be utilized to enhance thermal heat capacity. Phase change materials are compounds with very high heat capacity at lower density and weight than liquid water. Adding PCMs to the conductive device would give it further enhanced thermal heat capacity. A variety of materials can be used as PCMs including, but not limited to: organic materials such as oils, waxes, fatty acids, and polyglycols; salt hydrates; customized variations of these compounds; and so forth. The PCM can be incorporated in the conductive thermal regulating device 202 in any manner so long as it is able to undergo phase change (i.e. from solid to liquid, upon absorption of heat from the circulating liquid and then returned to its former solid phase by dissipation of heat). A PCM may be housed or contained within the saturated foam core; or be in contact with the exterior thereof, such as between the surface of the foam core and the interior of the flexible, outer membrane. The PCM can also be encapsulated within liquid impenetrable, heat conductive vessels, containers, or structures which are distributed throughout the foam.
The PCM-containing conductive thermal regulating device 202 regulates the temperature of a user by providing enhanced heat exchange between a person's body and the liquid in the container. For example, when the user brings at least a portion of her body into contact with the membrane of a PCM-containing, liquid saturated, foam filled flexible device, the liquid in the device in contact therewith absorbs heat which, by way of conduction and convection (and physical motion, depending upon use) through the foam filler, transfers the heat to the PCM, keeping the liquid from heating too much or too quickly (i.e., maintaining the bulk of its' inherent heat capacity). Heat transfer to the PCM can cause the PCM to undergo endothermic phase change from solid to liquid. Once the PCM-containing, liquid saturated foam device is no longer in contact with the heat load, the process reverses itself exothermically, resulting in a PCM phase change from liquid back to solid; and concurrently a passive radiation of heat from the conductive pad back to the surrounding air.
It is to be understood that liquid saturated, foam filled flexible devices and/or PCM-containing devices are offered by way of example only and are not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, conductive thermal regulating devices 202 having other configurations (e.g., gel pads, corn filled pads, etc.) can be utilized.
The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 can also include a convective thermal regulating device (e.g. air conditioning device, furnace, radiator, etc.) 204. The convective thermal regulating device 204 can induce a temperature change in an ambient environment, thereby inducing a temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device 202 (e.g., lowering its temperature to a selected temperature range; increasing its temperature to a selected temperature range, etc.). For example, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can heat or cool the ambient environment to elevate or reduce the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 to a selected temperature range. In example implementations where the system 200 is being utilized to cool a user, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can artificially manipulate, and lower the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202, giving it greater heat capacity than that which it had at starting room temperature. In some implementations, for example, the temperature change induced in the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be approximately in the range of 1 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows a user 206 to maintain a microclimate (i.e., interface between the user 206 and the conductive thermal regulating device 202) in a microenvironment (e.g., room in which the convective thermal regulating device 204 is utilized) that the user 206 is or will be utilizing, as opposed to heating or cooling an entire room. Additionally, when the user 206 is in direct contact with the conductive thermal regulating device 202, conductive heat transfer (e.g. body heat, etc.) into the conductive thermal regulating device 202 increases the temperature regulating effect and the instant comfort of the user, due to the fact that water conducts heat 24X faster than air. The conductive thermal regulating device 202 can also maintain the microclimate by passively radiating heat accumulated in the device 202 (e.g. body heat, heat from the air, etc.) away from the microclimate and back into the surrounding air of the microenvironment. By creating and maintaining a microclimate in the area immediately occupied by the user, the conductive thermal regulating device 202 thus reduces the need to operate the convective thermal regulating device 204 to regulate the microenvironment. For example, the user 206 can stop operating the convective thermal regulating device 204 when a selected temperature range is achieved in the microclimate. This allows for more precise heating or cooling of a specified area and allows for decreased electricity use, decreased greenhouse gas emissions from the convective thermal regulating device 204, and decreased “heat dump” from the convective thermal regulating device 204.
FIG. 3 illustrates a synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 further including one or more indicators 302 coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device 202 in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the indicator 302 can comprise a variety of different types of indicators that are contemplated, including, but not limited to smart pigments (e.g., Thermocromic Pigments manufactured by OliKrom), temperature indicator strips (e.g., MonitorMark Time Temperature Indicators manufactured by 3M), thermochromatic flexible films (e.g., ChroMyx manufactured by Chameleon International) and so forth. The indicators 302 can indicate a temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device 202. For example, as the conductive thermal regulating device cools, the indicator 302 can change colors to indicate that the conductive thermal regulating device 202 is approaching and/or has reached the selected temperature range. When this selected temperature range is reached, it is an indication for the user 206 to turn the air conditioning unit off, or to use less power than previously. However, the use of smart pigments or temperature indicator strips is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the indicators 302 can comprise other types of sensors (e.g. radio-frequency identification sensor, ambient sensor, temperature sensitive film membrane, etc.) that can be configured to detect and/or measure a temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device 202.
In some embodiments, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can be communicatively coupled with the conductive thermal regulating device 202, as illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can include a transceiver module 402 that can communicate with conductive thermal regulating device 202. The transceiver module 402 can receive temperature information from the conductive thermal regulating device 202. In some implementations, the transceiver module 402 can receive temperature information from the indicators 302. The convective thermal regulating device 204 can further include a temperature regulator 404 configured to respond (e.g. start the convective thermal regulating device 204, stop the convective thermal regulating device 204, etc.) to temperature information received from the conductive thermal regulating device 202. Communication between the convective thermal regulating device 204 and the conductive thermal regulating device 202 allows for a desired temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 to be achieved more quickly and directly. Thus, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can be utilized less frequently or for shorter periods to achieve a desired temperature in the microclimate (i.e., interface between the user 206 and the conductive thermal regulating device 202), resulting in decreased electricity utilization and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.

Example Programmable Thermostat Implementation

FIG. 5A illustrates a synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 further including an external programmable thermostat 502 in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the programmable thermostat 502 can be in communication with at least one of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 or the convective thermal regulating device 204. The programmable thermostat can include a transceiver module 504, a temperature sensor 506, a temperature regulator 508 and a data entry display 510.
The transceiver module 504 can be capable of both receiving and transmitting information to at least one of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 or the convective thermal regulating device 204. In implementations, the transceiver module 504 can transmit temperature information from the conductive thermal regulating device 202 to the temperature sensor 506.
The temperature regulator 508 can control the operation of the convective thermal regulating device 204 (e.g. turn on, turn off, increase fan level, etc.). The temperature regulator 508 can include a microprocessor and a memory. The memory can be store a predetermined temperature setpoint. The programmable thermostat 502 can further in include a data entry display 510 (e.g. touch screen, keypad, etc.) capable of receiving user input. The data entry display 510 can be used to enter the temperature setpoint. In implementations, the temperature regulator 508 can control the operation of the convective thermal regulating device 204 based comparison of the temperature setpoint to temperature information received from the conductive thermal regulating device 202.
The use of an external programmable thermostat 502 is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the programmable thermostat 502 can be included in or coupled to the convective thermal regulating device 204, as illustrated in FIG. 5B.

Example Mobile Electronic Device Implementation

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an environment 600 in an example implementation that is operable to facilitate the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 further including a computing device in accordance with the present disclosure. The computing device can be a mobile electronic device 602 (e.g., notebook, tablet, smartphone, or the like). However, the use of a mobile electronic device 602 is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the computing device can be any other computing device configured to receive user inputs (e.g., desktop computer). In some implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 may be controlled by the mobile electronic device 602.
The mobile electronic device 602 includes a processor 604 and a memory 606. The processor 604 can include any number of processors, micro-controllers, or other processing systems (e.g., programmable logic device(s) or the like). The processor 604 is in communication with resident or external memory for storing data and other information accessed or generated by the mobile electronic device 602. The processor 604 may execute one or more software programs (e.g., modules) from the memory 606 to implement steps, operations, or techniques described herein.
The memory 606 can include tangible computer-readable media that provides storage functionality to store various data associated with the operation of the mobile electronic device 602, such as a software program (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying a program executable by the processor 604) and code segments mentioned herein, or other data to instruct the processor 604 (and other elements of the mobile electronic device 602 to perform the steps or operations described herein.
The mobile electronic device 602 can be communicatively coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device 202. In some implementations, the mobile electronic device 602 receives temperature information from the indicators 302 of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 via a communication network 608 through a communication module 610 included in the mobile electronic device 602. The mobile electronic device 602 can also be communicatively coupled to the programmable thermostat 502. The communication module 610 may be representative of a variety of communication components and functionality, including, but not limited to: one or more antennas; a browser; a transmitter and/or receiver; a wireless radio; data ports; software interfaces and drivers; networking interfaces; data processing components; and so forth.
The communication network 608 may comprise a variety of different types of networks and connections that are contemplated, including, but not limited to: the Internet; an intranet; a satellite network; a cellular network; a mobile data network; wired and/or wireless connections; and so forth. Examples of wireless networks include, but are not limited to: networks configured for communications according to: one or more standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), such as 802.11 or 802.16 (Wi-Max) standards; Wi-Fi standards promulgated by the Wi-Fi Alliance; Bluetooth standards promulgated by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group; Near Field Communication (NFC); and so on. Wired communications are also contemplated such as through universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, serial connections, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile electronic device 602 includes a touch-sensitive display 612, which can be implemented using a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode display, or the like. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display 612 may include a touch panel 614. The touch panel 614 may be, but is not limited to: a capacitive touch panel, a resistive touch panel, an infrared touch panel, combinations thereof, and the like. Thus, the display 612 may be configured to receive input from a user and display information to the user of the mobile electronic device 602. For example, the display 612 displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, interactive fields configured to receive input from a user, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”).
The display 612 is communicatively coupled to a display controller 616 that can receive and/or transmit electrical signals to the touch-sensitive display 612. In an implementation, the touch panel 614 includes a sensor, an array of sensors, or the like, configured to accept input from a user based upon haptic and/or tactile contact. The touch panel 614, in combination with the display controller 616 (along with any associated modules and/or sets of computer-readable instructions in memory 606), detects a point of contact (or points of contact), as well as any movement or breaking of the contact, on the touch panel 614 and converts the detected contact (e.g., a finger of the user, a stylus, etc.) into electrical signals representing interactions with user-interface objects (e.g., buttons, custom views, icons, web pages, images, web page links, etc.) that are displayed through the display 612.
The mobile electronic device 602 may further include one or more input/output (I/O) devices 618 (e.g., a keypad, buttons, a wireless input device, a thumbwheel input device, a track stick input device, and so on). The I/O devices 618 may include one or more audio I/O devices, such as a microphone, speakers, and so on. Thus, I/O devices 618 may include a keyboard configured to receive user input. In an implementation, the keyboard may be integrated with the mobile electronic device 602, or the keyboard may be a peripheral device that is configured to interface with the mobile electronic device 602 (e.g., via a USB port, etc.).
The mobile electronic device 602 is shown to include a user interface 520, which is storable in memory 606 and executable by the processor 604. The user interface 620 enables a user to control the display of information and data to the user of the mobile electronic device 602 via the display 612. In some implementations, the display 612 may not be integrated into the mobile electronic device 602 and may instead be connected externally using universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, serial connections, or the like. The user interface 620 may allow the user to interact with one or more applications 622 of the mobile electronic device 602 by providing inputs via the touch panel 614 and/or the I/O devices 618. For example, the user interface 620 may cause an application programming interface (API) to be generated, allowing an application 622 to configure the application for display by the display 612 or in combination with another display. In embodiments, the API may further allow the user to interact with the application 622 by providing inputs via the touch panel 614 and/or the I/O devices 618.
Applications 622 may comprise software modules, which are storable in memory 606 and executable by the processor 604, to perform a specific operation or group of operations associated with the mobile electronic device 602. Example applications may include content resource management applications, cellular telephone applications, instant messaging applications, email applications, address book applications, and so forth.
In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device 602 can indirectly (i.e., remotely) obtain the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202, as seen in FIG. 6A. The mobile electronic device 602 can include a temperature module 624 that is storable in memory 606 and executable by the processor 604. The temperature module 624 can cause the processor 604 to communicate with the mobile electronic device 602 and run one or more application 622 contained on the mobile electronic device 602. The application(s) 622 may obtain the temperature from the indicators 302. In some implementations the communication module 610 of the mobile electronic device 602 can communicate the temperature obtained to the programmable thermostat 502. The programmable thermostat 502 can operate the convective thermal regulating device 204 (e.g. start or stop the convective thermal regulating device 204, decrease or increase the pre-set temperature point, etc.) based on the temperature information received from the conductive thermal regulating device 202.
In other implementations, the processor 604 can present the temperature obtained from the indicators 302 via the display 612, or the like. The display 612 can also receive an instruction from a user (e.g. to start or stop the convective cooling device, decrease or increase the temperature setpoint of the programmable thermostat 502, etc.). The communication module 610 can communicate the user's instruction to the programmable thermostat 502. The programmable thermostat 502 can operate the convective thermal regulating device 204 (e.g. start or stop the convective thermal regulating device 204, decrease or increase the temperature setpoint, etc.) based on the received instruction. However, the use of the programmable thermostat 502 is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other implementations, the mobile electronic device 602 may communicate directly with the convective thermal regulating device 204.
In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device 602 can be configured to directly obtain the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. The mobile electronic device 602 can include one or more sensors 626 (e.g. infrared sensor, ambient sensor, etc.). The sensor 626 can be internal to the mobile electronic device 602 (e.g., embedded in the device, incorporated in a camera on the device, etc.) or external (e.g., thermometer that can be coupled to the phone, etc.). The mobile electronic device 602 can include a temperature module 624 that is storable in memory 606 and executable by the processor 604. The temperature module 624 can cause the processor 604 to communicate with the mobile electronic device 602 and run one or more application 622 contained on the mobile electronic device 602. The application(s) 622 may obtain the temperature from the sensor 626 (e.g., by placing the mobile electronic device 602 in direct physical contact with, or in close proximity to, the conductive thermal regulating device 202). In some implementations the communication module 610 of the mobile electronic device 602 can communicate the temperature obtained to the programmable thermostat 502. The programmable thermostat 502 can operate the convective thermal regulating device 204 (e.g. start or stop the convective thermal regulating device 204, decrease or increase the pre-set temperature point, etc.) based on the temperature information received from the sensor 626.
In other implementations, the processor 604 can present the temperature obtained from the sensor 626 via the display 612, or the like. The display 612 can also receive an instruction from a user (e.g. to start or stop the convective cooling device, decrease or increase the temperature setpoint of the programmable thermostat 502, etc.). The communication module 610 can communicate the user's instruction to the programmable thermostat 502. The programmable thermostat 502 can operate the convective thermal regulating device 204 (e.g. start or stop the convective thermal regulating device 204, decrease or increase the temperature setpoint, etc.) based on the received instruction. However, the use of the programmable thermostat 502 is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other implementations, the mobile electronic device 602 may communicate directly with the convective thermal regulating device 204.

Example Cooling Implementation

FIG. 7 illustrates an environment 700 that is operable to facilitate a synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. In some implementations, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 can be used to cool an area. For example, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can be an air conditioner 702. The air conditioner 702 artificially induces a decrease in temperature in the conductive thermal regulating device 202 (e.g. conductive fluid pillow insert 704) as compared to the standing ambient temperature. In some implementations, the air conditioner 702 can be manually controlled in response to the temperature of the conductive fluid pillow insert 704. For example, a user can adjust the air conditioner 702 to achieve a first ambient temperature. In response, the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 eventually reaches a selected temperature range that is related to (e.g., approximately equal to or nearer to) the first ambient temperature. The air conditioner 702 can then be raised to a second (higher) ambient temperature while the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 remains at or near the selected temperature range. In this manner, it is possible to reduce energy costs by benefiting from the cooling effect of the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 while the air conditioner 702 is placed in an off or standby mode of operation (i.e., where it is not actively cooling the environment). In some implementations, the air conditioner 702 can communicate with the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 to change the temperature in the conductive fluid pillow insert 704. For example, the air conditioner 702 can be configured to stop operating when the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 reaches a desired temperature. However, the use of a conductive fluid pillow insert 704 is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be any conductive cooling device (e.g., mattress pad, seat pad, pet bed, etc.).
In some implementations, the programmable thermostat 502 can be configured to communicate with at least one of the air conditioner 702 or the conductive fluid pillow insert 704. The programmable thermostat 502 can be configured to control the operation of the air conditioner 702 based on the temperature of the conductive fluid pillow insert 704, as described above.
In other implementations, the mobile electronic device 602 can be used to communicate with at least one of the air conditioner 702, conductive fluid pillow insert 704, or programmable thermostat 502 over a communication network 608. In some implementations, the mobile electronic device 602 can be used to remotely control the operation of at least one of the air conditioner 702 or programmable thermostat 502 based on temperature information received from the conductive fluid pillow insert 704, as described above. However, the remote use of the mobile electronic device 602 is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, mobile electronic device 602 can be used to control operation of the air conditioner 702 while in proximity to the air conditioner 702 (e.g., as a controller, etc.).
Because fluid liquid has enhanced conductive properties and advanced heat capacity beyond fluid air, the area within the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 will have a more powerful and immediate cooling effect than the surrounding air. Thus, a microclimate (e.g., the interface between the user 206 and the conductive fluid pillow insert 704) is created, which can be cooled to the selected temperature range rather than cooling the entire microenvironment (e.g., room containing the air conditioner 702). For example, if the air flow from the air conditioner 702 is directed relatively directly over the conductive fluid pillow insert 704, a person's pillow area 706 can be cooled to a desired sleeping temperature, rather than cooling the entire bedroom. Additionally, when a person lays on the conductive fluid pillow insert 704, conductive heat transfer (e.g. body heat, etc.) into the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 increases not only the rate of cooling, but helps to create the aforementioned synergistic cooling effect. The conductive fluid pillow insert 704 can also maintain the microclimate by passively radiating heat accumulated in the insert 704 (e.g. body heat, heat from the air, etc.) away from the pillow area and back into the surrounding air of the microenvironment, keeping the pillow area 706 cooler and reducing the need to use the air conditioner 702. This allows for more precise cooling of a specified area and allows for decreased electricity use.
FIG. 8 illustrates example instructions for adjusting the air conditioner 702 to achieve a selected temperature range in the conductive thermal regulating device 202. These instructions are applicable to 5,000 to 24,000 BTU air conditioners. For example, if the user wishes to cool the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 and the surrounding microenvironment to approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the user can initially set the air conditioner 702 to that temperature and operate the air conditioner 702 until the 78 degree temperature is reached. The user can then raise the air conditioner setting to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. FIG. 9 illustrates examples of air conditioner sizes and the corresponding room sizes they could be capable of cooling. It is to be understood that these use instructions and air conditioner size recommendations are offered by way of example only and are not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In implementations, size of air conditioner utilized and method of use can vary by the individual user's preferences.
The use of a synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 for the purpose of cooling an area is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system 200 can be configured to produce other temperature effects (e.g., synergistic heating, etc.).

Example Processes

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process 800 that employs a synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system 200, such as the synergistic pairing conductive and convective thermal regulating system 200 shown in FIGS. 1 through 5.
In the process 800 illustrated, a convective thermal regulating device is operated to induce a temperature change in a conductive thermal regulating device (Block 802). As shown in FIG. 7, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can be an air conditioner 702. In some implementations, the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be a conductive fluid pillow insert 704. For example, the convective thermal regulating device 204 can induce a temperature in the conductive thermal regulating device 202 approximately in the range of 1 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The induced temperature change can be a decrease in temperature.
The temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device is detected (Block 804). In some implementations, the achievement of a desired temperature can be manually detected by a user. For example, the user 206 can manually observe or sense an ambient temperature, a temperature setting of the convective thermal regulating device 204, and/or a temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202. Based upon the sensed temperature(s), the user 206 can adjust the convective thermal regulating device 204 to achieve a balance between the ambient temperature and a selected temperature range for the conductive thermal regulating device 202. In other implementations, the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be indicated by an indicator 302. As shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can include one or more indicators 302. The indicators 302 can indicate the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202. In some implementations, the user 206 can manually adjust the convective thermal regulating device 204 to achieve a balance between the ambient temperature and a selected temperature range for the conductive thermal regulating device 202, as described above. In other implementations, the conductive thermal regulating device 202 can be configured to communicate its temperature to the user 206, the convective thermal regulating device 204, a programmable thermostat 502, and/or a mobile electronic device 602.
Heat is transferred rapidly into the conductive thermal regulating device to achieve a selected temperature range in a microclimate (Block 806). For example, the conductive fluid pillow insert 704 can prevent heat from transferring into the pillow area 706. The conductive fluid pillow insert 704 can be further activated by heat transfer (e.g. body heat, etc.), increasing the cooling effect. The conductive fluid pillow insert 704 can radiate the heat away from the pillow area 706 and back into the surrounding air of the microenvironment. In this way, a microclimate is created and maintained within a specific portion of the microenvironment that the user 206 is or will be utilizing.
The operation of the convective thermal regulating device is controlled (e.g. started, stopped, fan speed increased or decreased, etc.) based on maintaining the selected temperature range (Block 808). In some implementations, the operation of the convective thermal regulating device 204 can be manually controlled (e.g. by a person as previously described herein). In other implementations, the operation of the convective thermal regulating device 204 can be controlled by at least one of the programmable thermostat 502 or the mobile electronic device 602. For example, the at least one of the programmable thermostat 502 or the mobile electronic device 602 can be configured to communicate at least one of an instruction or temperature information to the convective thermal regulating device 204 based on the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device 202, as described above.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing operations can be carried out in any order, unless otherwise indicated herein, and that one or more steps may be carried out substantially simultaneously or at least partially in parallel. It should be further recognized that the various functions, operations, blocks, or steps described throughout the present disclosure may be carried out by any combination of hardware, software, or firmware. Various steps or operations may be carried out by one or more of the following: electronic circuitry, logic gates, multiplexers, a programmable logic device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller/microcontroller, or a computing system. A computing system may include, but is not limited to, a personal computing system, mainframe computing system, workstation, image computer, parallel processor, or any other device known in the art. In general, the terms “controller” and “computing system” are broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processors, which execute instructions from a carrier medium.
Program instructions implementing methods, such as those manifested by embodiments described herein, may be transmitted over or stored on carrier medium. The carrier medium may be a transmission medium, such as, but not limited to, a wire, cable, or wireless transmission link. The carrier medium may also include a non-transitory signal bearing medium or storage medium such as, but not limited to, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic or optical disk, a solid-state or flash memory device, or a magnetic tape.
It is further contemplated that any embodiment or implementation of the disclosure manifested above as a system or method may include at least a portion of any other embodiment or implementation described herein. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are various embodiments or implementations by which systems and methods described herein can be implemented, and that the implementation will vary with the context in which an embodiment of the disclosure is deployed.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system for regulating a microclimate within a microenvironment, the synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system comprising:

a conductive thermal regulating device; and

a convective thermal regulating device configured induce a temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device.

2. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 1, wherein the conductive thermal regulating device includes a phase change material configured to increase the heat capacity of the conductive thermal regulating device.

3. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 1, further comprising one or more indicators coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device, the one or more indicators configured to indicate the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device.

4. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 3, wherein the one or more indicators comprise a smart pigment, a temperature indicator strip, or a thermochromatic film.

5. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 1, wherein the conductive thermal regulating device is configured to be in communication with the convective thermal regulating device.

6. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 1, further comprising a programmable thermostat, the programmable thermostat including:

a set point;

a transceiver configured to be in communication with at least one of the convective thermal regulating device or the conductive thermal regulating device;

a temperature sensor configured to identify temperature information associated with conductive thermal regulating device; and

a temperature regulator configured to increase or decrease the thermostat setpoint based on the temperature information associated with the conductive thermal regulating device.

7. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 1, further comprising a computing device in communication with at least one of the convective thermal regulating device or the conductive thermal regulating device, the computing device including:

a memory configured to store one or more modules; and

a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the one or more modules to cause the processor to receive data associated with temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device.

8. A process comprising:

operating a convective thermal regulating device to induce a change in temperature in a conductive thermal regulating device;

detecting the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device;

initiating rapid heat transfer into the conductive thermal regulating device to achieve a selected temperature range in a microclimate; and

controlling the operation of the convective thermal regulating device based on maintaining the selected temperature range.

9. The process of claim 8, wherein the conductive thermal regulating device includes a phase change material configured to increase the heat capacity of the conductive thermal regulating device.

10. The process of claim 8, wherein the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device is indicated by one or more indicators coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device.

11. The process of claim 10, wherein the convective thermal regulating device is controlled by communicating at least one of temperature information or an instruction to the convective thermal regulating device based on temperature information obtained from the one or more indicators.

12. The process of claim 11, wherein the at least one of temperature information or an instruction to the convective thermal regulating device is communicated to a programmable thermostat.

13. The process of claim 11, wherein the communicating of the at least one of temperature information or an instruction to the convective thermal regulating device further includes using a computing device.

14. A synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system comprising:

a conductive thermal regulating device including a phase change material configured to increase the heat capacity of the conductive thermal regulating device; and

15. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 14, wherein the induced temperature change in the conductive thermal regulating device is approximately in the range of 1 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

16. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 14, further comprising one or more indicators coupled to the conductive thermal regulating device, the one or more indicators configured to indicate the temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device.

17. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 16, wherein the one or more indicators comprise a smart pigment, a temperature indicator strip, or a thermochromatic film.

18. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 14, further comprising a programmable thermostat, the programmable thermostat including:

a set point;

a transceiver configured to be in communication with at least one of the convective thermal regulating device or the one or more indicators;

a temperature sensor configured to identify the temperature information from the one or more indicators on the conductive thermal regulating device; and

a temperature regulator that can increase or decrease the thermostat setpoint based on the temperature information obtained from the one or more indicators.

19. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 14, further comprising a computing device in communication with at least one of the convective thermal regulating device or the one or more indicators, the computing device including:

a memory configured to store one or more modules; and

a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the one or more modules to cause the processor to receive data associated with temperature of the conductive thermal regulating device from the one or more indicators.

20. The synergistic pairing convective and conductive thermal regulating system of claim 19, wherein the computing device is configured to receive input from the subject.