WO2020018020A1

WO2020018020A1 - Air cooler

Info

Publication number: WO2020018020A1
Application number: PCT/SG2019/050347
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mun Chew Kong
Original assignee: K-ONE INDUSTRIES Pte Ltd
Current assignee: K-ONE INDUSTRIES Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-17
Filing date: 2019-07-17
Publication date: 2020-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-17
Also published as: SG10201806102QA

Abstract

An air cooler comprises an inlet for drawing ambient air into the air cooler as an airstream; a cooling component coupled to the inlet for cooling the airstream; a tank connected to the cooling component for lowering temperature of the cooling component; and an outlet further coupled to the cooling component for discharging cooled airstream. The cooling component comprises a stirrer for causing turbulence to the airstream. A fan assembly comprises a supporting fixture for holding an object on the supporting fixture; a supporting stand connected to the supporting fixture for raising the supporting fixture above the ground; and the air cooler. The fan assembly comprises one or more ducts connected between the outlet of the air cooler for channelling a cooling stream to a side of the fan assembly.

Description

AIR COOLER

[0001 ] The present international patent application under PCT claims a filing date of an earlier Singapore patent application number 10201806102Q as its priority date, which has a title of Portable Cooler and was submitted to Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) on 17 July 2018. All content or relevant subject matter (e.g. description, claims) of the earlier priority application is hereby incorporated or contained in entirely by reference, wherever appropriate.

[0002] The present application relates to an air cooler, which is also known as a portable cooler, a portable air cooler, an evaporative air cooler, an evaporative cooler or the like. The application also relates to methods for making, modifying, installing, assembling, maintaining, configuring and using the air cooler.

[0003] Air coolers, particularly evaporative coolers are widely for cooling air and meanwhile raising the humidity. An air cooler works by firstly drawing hot air from an ambient environment surrounding the air cooler, and then pushing the hot air through a media soaked with water. As the hot air flows through the soaked media, water is evaporated by the hot air which lowers a temperature of the air (i.e. cooled air). The cooled air is finally directed into the designed area to be cooled.

[0004] Compared with air-conditioners, the evaporative coolers have many advantages such as electricity-saving and portable. Therefore, evaporative coolers are in great demand such as food centre in Singapore where heat is generated by stoves, ovens, machineries and even refrigerators. The heat is also contributed by natural heat propagated from the sun on a hot day. However, the evaporative cooler is traditionally only useful in dry climates and not efficient in humid and hot climates of tropical areas such as Singapore, since an efficiency of the evaporative cooler is limited by humidity and temperature of the ambient environment. In an extreme case when the humidity reaches a saturation under the temperature, the evaporative cooler stops to work.

[0005] As a first aspect, the present application aims to provide an air cooler, particularly an evaporative cooler for providing cooling or pleasant environment surrounding a user. [0006] The evaporative cooler comprises an inlet for drawing, pulling or sucking ambient air into the air cooler as an incoming airstream; a cooling component coupled or connected to the inlet for cooling the incoming airstream to cooled air; a tank (e.g. receptacle or reservoir) connected to the cooling component for providing a heat sink to and/or lowering temperature of at least one part of the cooling component for cooling the incoming airstream as a cooled airstream by partially immersing the cooling component into a coolant such as water; and an outlet further coupled or connected to the cooling component for discharging the cooled airstream to a user near the outlet. The inlet, the cooling component and the outlet form an air path of the evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler optionally has a flexible design. In some implementations, the outlet is located distant from or at an opposite side of the inlet, and/or at a downstream of the cooling component.

[0007] The cooling component optionally comprises a stirrer (e.g. fan, a spiral channel, a chamber with orifices) for causing turbulence or a turbulent flow to the incoming airstream and/or the cooled airstream in order to lower temperature of the cooling component more effectively.

[0008] The cooling component may comprise a porous material such as cloth, excelsior or artificial ceramics from man-made minerals such as silicon carbide (SiC). The porous material provides a large wetting surface for the incoming airstream to flow along or pass through. Almost all hydrophilic porous materials are applicable; however, compared with cloth or excelsior, the artificial ceramics from man-made minerals are preferred since the artificial ceramics are easy to manipulate as a unitary part, hard to external shocks and resistant to abrasion, and thus can be reusable, washable and durable.

[0009] According to the porous material, the cooling component may work under two principles: a first principle of drawing water as the coolant from the tank, or a second principle of dripping or sprinkling water onto the porous material. In particular, the cooling component may work under a combination of the first principle and the second principle. Under the first principle of drawing water, the porous material has to comprise a hydrophilic capillary material or a wicking material that is able to absorb and draw water upwardly by capillary action from the tank. The capillary material or the wicking material is partially immerged or submerged into the water in the tank. Since the capillary material has capillary effect, water is naturally drawn from the tank by the capillary action. As a result, the evaporative cooler does not need a pump for drawing water upwardly and thus the evaporate cooler is light and small for being portable. The capillary material optionally has a porosity from 0.1 to 1 .0, more preferably from 0.3 to 1 .0.

[0010] Under the second principle of dripping or sprinkling water, water is firstly supplied from either the tank inside the evaporative cooler or directly an external water source, and then dripped or sprinkled on the porous material. The porous material optionally retains the water by slowing the water from flowing downwardly by gravity and hence the porous material may not necessarily comprise a capillary material or a wicking material. The water may flow back to the tank or a water collector as excessive water that is not evaporated when the incoming airstream passes along or flows through the porous material. The evaporative cooler may further comprise a recycling mechanism for recycling the excessive water.

[001 1 ] The evaporative cooler may combine the two working principles when the capillary material is used as the porous material. On one hand, the capillary material draws naturally water from the tank; and on the other hand, the capillary slows or even retains water dripped or sprinkled thereon. Hence, the evaporative cooler has a higher efficiency of cooling the incoming airstream.

[0012] In some implementations, the capillary material comprises a silicon carbide (SiC) element for drawing and/or retaining the water. The silicon carbide (SiC) element has a plurality of pores with sizes of at least 0.01 millimetre (mm). For example, the silicon carbide (SiC) has a size distribution where the sizes ranges from 0.01 mm to 3.0mm, from 0.01 mm to 2.67mm, from 0.01 mm to 2.33mm, from 0.01 mm to 2.0mm, from 0.01 mm to 1 .8mm, from 0.01 mm to 1 .6mm, from 0.01 mm to 1 .4mm, from 0.01 mm to 1 .2mm, from 0.01 mm to 1 .0mm, from 0.01 mm to 0.75mm, from 0.01 mm to 0.5mm, from 0.01 mm to 0.25mm, from 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, or from 0.01 mm to 0.05mm.

[0013] In some implementations, the porous material may have non-uniform pores in size. In other words, the size distribution of the porous materials is not uniform across the porous material. In addition, the size distribution optionally has different distribution patterns. For example, the silicon carbide (SiC) element comprises a bottom portion with a bottom distribution pattern, a top portion with a top distribution pattern and a middle portion therebetween with a middle distribution pattern. The bottom distribution pattern, the top distribution pattern and the middle distribution pattern are designed according to the working principles of the evaporative cooler. For example, the bottom distribution pattern may be uniform and narrow for the capillary material to naturally draw the water from the tank easily under the first principle; while the second distribution pattern and the third distribution pattern may be larger than the first distribution pattern for the incoming airstream to easily pass through. In contrast, the second distribution pattern and the third distribution pattern may be even smaller than the first distribution pattern for increasing surface area such that more water retained in the surface are evaporated as the incoming airstream flows along the porous material.

[0014] In some implementations, the porous material optionally comprises one single unit such as a monolithic, block or cubical unit. The single unit is not only washable, reusable and self-cleaning, but also robust and durable for usage. Therefore, the single unit is applicable when the incoming airstream is strong such that the single unit would not be damaged or destroyed.

[0015] Alternatively, the porous material optionally comprises multiple sheets. The multiple sheets may work independently from each other and be detachably mounted onto a frame. Hence, the evaporative cooler may work normally as long as at least one sheet has been mounted on the frame. In some implementations, two or more of the multiple sheets are placed parallel with respect to each other, either vertically or horizontally orientated when the evaporative cooler is in use. In addition, the multiple sheets are configured to be parallel with respect to each other, either vertically or horizontally orientated in relation to the tank when the air cooler is in use.

[0016] The evaporative cooler may further comprise a water level regulator for controlling an immersion depth of the porous materials such as the silicon carbide (SiC) element in the tank. For example, the water level regulator controls an exit hole for discharging water out of the tank. In addition, the water level regulator optionally also controls an entrance hole for filling water into the tank. In this way, the water level regulator is configured to adjust the immersion depth of the porous materials in the tank.

[0017] The water level regulator may further comprise a ball float valve (also called ballcock or balltap) located above a water line of the tank, an overflow channel connected to the ball float valve, and a tank drainage for preventing the water overflowing from the tank the overflow channel and the tank drainage are connected at the exit hole of the tank. The ball float valve would automatically open once excess water above the water line of the tank is detected. The excess water flows out of the evaporative cooler via the ball float valve, along the overflow channel, via the exit hole of the tank and finally along the tank drainage.

[0018] The evaporative cooler comprises one or more air circulators for drawing, pulling or sucking the incoming airstream along or through the porous material. In some implementations, the air circulator comprises a low pressure fan or a high suction pressurised fan facilitating a high flow of the incoming airstream. For example, the low pressure fan comprises multiple centrifugal blowers with backward curved impellers.

[0019] The evaporative cooler may further comprise an unoccupied air passage connected to the inlet and the porous material (such as the silicon carbide element). The unoccupied air passage for eddying the incoming air. The more turbulent the incoming airstream is; the higher efficiency of evaporation would be. In other words, the evaporative cooler may cool the ambient environment effectively even if the incoming air wafts into the inlet. In some implementations, the unoccupied air passage is formed by a baffle (also called air flow baffle) further manufactured by hot folding of a bulkhead plate.

[0020] The unoccupied air passage may have another advantage of removing airborne droplets of water in the incoming airstream; and therefore the evaporative cooler is still effective in humid climates. In other words, the unoccupied air passage may make the evaporative cooler more effective in cooling the incoming airstream since the unoccupied air passage provides an empty space for the airborne droplets of water in the incoming airstream to fall under gravity. The longer the length of the unoccupied air passage and the longer the time the incoming airstreams travels; the more effective the airborne droplets of water in the incoming airstream is removed. Meanwhile, the baffle may be also configured to additionally remove the airborne droplets of water from the incoming airstream, due to impingements of the airborne droplets to the baffle.

[0021 ] The evaporative cooler may further comprise an air filter located at the inlet for removing air contaminants such as dusts or virus. The dusts in the incoming airstream may fall under gravity, deposit in the evaporative cooler and block the air path, particularly the porous material. The virus in the incoming airstream may biologically hazard health of a use of the evaporative cooler. In some implementations, the air filter is made of the porous material that effectively remove the air contamination due to narrow dimensions.

[0022] The evaporative cooler may further comprise one or more ventilators (such as motorized fans) located around the inlet for drawing the ambient air into the evaporative cooler. The ventilators facilitate a high flow of the incoming airstream and thus enhance the efficiency of the evaporative cooler.

[0023] The tank of may be either permanently fixed inside the evaporative cooler or detachable from the evaporative cooler as a detachable tank. The detachable tank can be conveniently and easily taken out of the evaporative cooler and filled with water. Alternatively, the tank is connected to the external water source via a water supply pipe connected to the entrance hole of the tank. Water is supplied by the external water source and flows through the water supply pipe, the entrance hole and finally into the tank.

[0024] The evaporative cooler may comprise a sterilizer or sterilization unit for sterilizing the incoming airstream. The sterilizer may be located around the inlet of the evaporative cooler either before or after the air filter. Therefore, the incoming airstream is sterilized immediately and thus the evaporative cooler would not be contaminated. For example, the sterilizer comprises an ultraviolet (UV) LED sterilizer next to, on top of or inside the tank. In some implementations, the sterilizer may be combined with the air filter to integrate as a unitary unit and placed as a whole easily.

[0025] Working under the second principle or a combination of the first principle and the second principle, the evaporative cooler may comprise a pump for pumping the water upwardly from the tank and a water distribution system or a water distributor connected to the pump for transferring the water above the porous material. The water distribution system optionally comprises a spraying mechanism for dripping or sprinkling the water onto the porous material. The spraying mechanism optionally comprises multiple spraying orifices located above the porous material such as the silicon carbide element for spraying the water onto the porous material.

[0026] The evaporative cooler optionally comprises an air pre-treatment unit connected between the inlet and the cooling component for regulating condition of the incoming airstream before reaching the cooling component. The air pre-treatment may further comprise a first dehumidifier located before the tank for removing moisture from the incoming airstream. The incoming airstream thus becomes dry airstream before flowing through or passing along the porous material. The efficiency of the evaporation is largely determined by the humidity of the incoming airstream at a certain temperature; therefore, the efficiency of the evaporative cooler is greatly enhanced when the incoming airstream is turned into the dry airstream by the first dehumidifier.

[0027] The evaporative cooler optionally comprises an air post-treatment unit connected between the cooling component and the outlet for regulating condition of the outgoing airstream after leaving the cooling component. The air pre-treatment may further comprise a second dehumidifier located after the tank for removing moisture from the cool but humid airstream. As a result, the dry airstream is then cooled down after passing through or flowing along the porous material; however, the dry airstream becomes humid again due to the evaporation of water from the porous material into the dry airstream. For example, the airstream would carry 17.3 gram of water in a cubic meter when moisture of the airstream reaches a saturation state at a room temperature of 20 degrees. People would feel unconformable if humidity level goes above 60%, therefore the evaporative cooler may create a comfortable personal environment for the user by the second dehumidifier.

[0028] The first dehumidifier or the second dehumidifier may comprise a refrigeration dehumidifier (also known as compressor dehumidifier), a thermoelectric dehumidifier ((i.e. Peltier module), a desiccant dehumidifier or any other device of removing moisture from air. The refrigeration dehumidifier comprises a cold evaporator coil which cools the air below a Dew point temperature of water. Moisture in the humid airstream is condensed by the cold evaporator coil and then collected and removed out of the refrigeration dehumidifier. The refrigeration dehumidifier is usually lager in size and also needs to be electrically connected to a high voltage power source. In some implementations, the refrigeration dehumidifier is located outside a housing of the evaporative cooler; and detachably connected with an external high voltage power source. Therefore, the evaporative cooler using the refrigeration dehumidifier is accordingly more suitable for usage at home or in office or food center.

[0029] The thermoelectric dehumidifier comprises a thermoelectric chiller element (TEC) that provides a direct conversion due to thermoelectric effect of an electric voltage into a temperature different between a hot plate and a cold plate. Similar to the refrigeration dehumidifier, moisture in air is condensed on the cold plate and then collected and removed from the thermoelectric dehumidifier. In some implementations, the cold plate and the hot plate of the thermoelectric dehumidifier further comprises multiple cold fins and multiple hot fins, respectively. The multiple cold fins have more surface area for enhancing an efficiency of removing moisture from air. Meanwhile, the multiple hot fins are cooled by immersing the multiple hot fins into the tank for transferring heat from the multiple hot fins to the water in the tank. In this way, the thermoelectric dehumidifier optionally needs less electricity for maintaining the thermoelectric effect of the thermoelectric chiller element (TEC). In contrast to the refrigeration dehumidifier, the thermoelectric chiller element (TEC) may be powered by a low electric voltage provided by a portable power source such as battery, power bank or USB charger. Therefore, the thermoelectric dehumidifier may be enclosed inside the housing of the evaporative cooler; and thus the evaporative cooler is suitable for portable usage.

[0030] The desiccant dehumidifier comprises one or more desiccant materials or drying agents such as silica gel. The silica gel comprises a porous form of granular silica which further comprises an internal structure of microscopic interconnected pores. Therefore, the silica gel adsorbs moisture in air by attracting the moisture into the internal structure of the granule silica. In contrast to the refrigeration dehumidifier and the thermoelectric dehumidifier, the silica gel absorbs and then stores the moisture inside the internal structure. Although the desiccant dehumidifier may not be as strong as the refrigeration dehumidifier or the thermoelectric dehumidifier, the desiccant dehumidifier does not need any electrical power source and thus is more convenient to use. Meanwhile, the desiccant dehumidifier is more economical since the silica gel is reusable. The absorption and storage of moisture is reversible. In other words, when saturated with the moisture, the silica gel may release the moisture by being heated at an elevated temperature. Similar to the thermoelectric dehumidifier, the desiccant dehumidifier may be enclosed inside the housing of the evaporative cooler; and thus the evaporative cooler is also suitable for portable usage.

[0031 ] The first dehumidifier or the second dehumidifier optionally comprises any combination of the refrigeration dehumidifier, the thermoelectric dehumidifier and the desiccant dehumidifier for further removing moisture from the incoming airstream before the tank or the cool airstream after the tank. Particularly, the evaporative cooler is still portable when the thermoelectric dehumidifier and the desiccant dehumidifier are combined.

[0032] The first dehumidifier or the second dehumidifier may comprise a first reflux passage and a second reflux respectively. In order to further lower down the humidity level, the incoming airstream travels through the first reflux passage for several times. Similarly, the cool but humid airstream also travels through the second reflux passage for several times for removing more moisture.

[0033] In some implementations where the refrigeration dehumidifier and/or the thermoelectric dehumidifier are adopted, the evaporative cooler may comprise a first container configured to be connected to the first dehumidifier for collecting condensed water (i.e. drew) from the incoming airstream. Particularly, the evaporative cooler may also comprise a first hose configured for connecting the first container to the tank. As a result, the tank is replenished by the condensed water from the first container. More particularly, the first container is optionally located higher in height than the tank for directing the condensed water to flow automatically by the gravity force from the first container to the tank.

[0034] In some implementations, the evaporative cooler may comprise a second container connected to the second dehumidifier for collecting condensed water from the cool airstream after the tank (i.e. the airstream going out of or passing after the cooling component). Particularly, the evaporative cooler may also comprise a second hose configured for connecting the second container to the tank. As a result, the tank is replenished by the condensed water from the second container. More particularly, the second container is optionally located higher in height than the tank for directing the condensed water to flow automatically by the gravity force from the first container to the tank.

[0035] In some implementations, the evaporative cooler may comprise both the first container and the second container. When used in tropic climates such as Singapore, the first container and the second container may collect enough condensed water from the incoming airstream such that the evaporative cooler does not need any external water resource. In this way, the evaporative cooler is suitable for outdoor usage. [0036] The evaporative cooler optionally comprise accessories such as a water supply module for supplying water to the evaporative cooler, particularly to the tank. The water supply module may further comprise a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the tank. The water level sensor comprises an ultrasonic level sensor, a pressure level sensor, a radar level sensor, a capacitance level sensor or any combination of the foregoing objects. When the water level goes beyond a pre-determined range, the water level sensor would send a warning signal to the user and/or automatically adjust the water level back to the pre-determined range. For example, once the water level of the tank is below a low limit, the water level sensor would send a first warning single to an indicator such as a red light or a loud speaker for notifying the user. Meanwhile, the water supply module may automatically open the entrance hole of the tank for replenishing water into the tank. Similarly, the water level sensor would also send a second warning single once the water level is over a high limit. The second warning signal is preferably easily distinguished from the first warning signal. In addition, the water supply module may operate together with the water level regulator for preventing the water from overflowing out of the tank.

[0037] The evaporative cool may also comprise an electrical supply module for supplying electrical power to the evaporative cooler. The electrical supply module may comprise an inductive charging unit for receiving an electric power supply wirelessly or cordlessly.

[0038] Alternatively, the electrical supply module optionally comprises an alternative current (AC) to direct current (DC) convertor when the refrigeration dehumidifier is used as the first dehumidifier and/or the second dehumidifier. For the thermoelectric dehumidifier, the electrical supply module optionally comprises an electricity sensor for detecting remaining electricity in the portable power source and a screen for displaying the remaining electricity or an electricity level of the portable power source.

[0039] In addition to the water level sensor and the electricity sensor, the evaporative cooler may also comprise other sensors for monitoring an operation of the evaporative cooler, such as a humidity sensor (i.e. hygrometer) and a proximity sensor. The humidity sensor measures and reports both a relative humidity and temperature of air. The humidity sensor may comprise a capacitive humidity sensor, a resistive humidity sensor, a thermal humidity sensor, or any combination of the foregoing objects. The proximity sensor detects presence of the user within a certain distance from the evaporative cooler. For example, the proximity sensor emits an electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation (such as infrared radiation), and then exams changes in the field or analyses a return signal from the beam of electromagnetic radiation.

[0040] The evaporative cooler optionally comprises a control module for controlling operation of the evaporative cooler. The control module receives and monitors multiple parameters sent from the sensors such as the water level sensor, the electricity sensor, the humidity sensor and the proximity sensor. The control module may also be configured to be connected to a local computing device, a remote server or a mobile phone for analysing the multiple parameters in real-time. Accordingly, the control module comprises a communication unit for communicating with the local computing device, or the mobile phone the remote server via a communication cable or wirelessly. In addition, the control module optionally comprises an electricity management software for managing to save electricity with the electrical supply module.

[0041 ] The evaporative cooler optionally comprises a warning module for warning an abnormal operation of the evaporative cooler. The warning module notifies the user the abnormal operation or emergencies such as water leakage or electricity leakage so that the user may suspend or stop the evaporative cooler in time. In particular, the warning module may prevent the evaporative cooler from being switched on when the cooling component is blocked or severely clogged. The warning module works in cooperation with the communication unit by either receiving the multiple parameters from the control module or receiving instructions from the local computing device, the remote server or the mobile phone.

[0042] The evaporative cooler optionally comprises a moving mechanism for moving the evaporative cooler on ground. For example, the moving mechanism comprises three or four wheels below a bottom or a chassis of the evaporative. The wheels are configured to be retractable inside the evaporative cooler such that the evaporative cooler does not move on ground when working. Alternatively, the moving mechanism comprises one or more wheel stoppers for stopping the evaporative cooler from moving around when working.

[0043] The evaporative cooler may also comprise a heat transfer regulator for regulating temperature of the cooling component, the air pre-treatment unit or both. Fleat generated from the cooling component, the air pre-treatment unit or both are transferred to an external heat sink or a surrounding environment the heat transfer regulator comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor or both. In addition, the heat transfer regulator is configured to regulate at least a portion or surface of the air pre-treatment unit to be lower than a dew temperature of the incoming airstream.

[0044] As a second aspect, the application also aims to present new and useful methods of making or using the evaporative cooler. A method of making the evaporative cooler comprises a first step of providing an enclosure with an inlet and an outlet; a second step of providing a tank inside the enclosure; a third step of installing a cooling component inside the enclosure; and a fourth step of immersing the cooing component partially into the tank. Alternatively, the cooling component may be partially immersed into the tank first; and then the cooling component and the tank are installed inside the enclosure together.

[0045] The method of making also comprises additional steps of installing other parts of the evaporative cooler. For example, the method of making optionally comprises a step of installing a stirrer (e.g. fan, a spiral channel, a chamber with orifices) inside the enclosure; a step of installing a water level regulator at the tank; a step of installing an air circulator near the inlet; a step of forming an unoccupied air passage between the inlet and the cooling element; a step of installing an air filter at the inlet; a step of installing a ventilator (such as motorized fan); a step of installing a sterilizer or sterilization unit around the inlet; and a step of detachably connecting a pump for transferring water from the tank upwardly to a water distribution system.

[0046] The method of making also comprises additional steps of installing accessories to the evaporative cooler. For example, the method of making optionally comprises a step of installing a first dehumidifier before the tank; a step of installing a second dehumidifier after the tank; a step of providing a first container and maybe interconnecting the second container to the tank; a step of providing a second container and maybe interconnecting the second container to the tank; a step of providing a water supply module and installing the water supply module to the evaporative cooler; a step of providing an electrical supply module and installing the electrical supply module to the evaporative cooler; a step of providing a control module and installing the control module to the evaporative cooler; a step of providing a warning module and installing the warning module to the evaporative cooler; a step of providing a moving mechanism and installing the moving module to the evaporative cooler; and a step of providing multiple sensors (such as water level sensor, electricity sensor, humidity sensor and proximity sensor) and installing the multiple sensors to the evaporative cooler.

[0047] The method of using the evaporative cooler comprises a first step of filling the tank with water below a water level; a second step of switching on a power source; a third step of starting the evaporative cooler by drawing ambient air into an inlet as an incoming airstream. The first step of filling the tank with water may be conducted in two ways. The tank may be detached from and taken out of the evaporative cooler; and then filled manually with water. Alternatively, the tank may be automatically filled by switching on a water supply module.

[0048] The method of using also comprises additional steps of utilizing other parts of the evaporative cooler. For example, the method of using optionally comprises a step of switching on a stirrer (e.g. fan, a spiral channel, a chamber with orifices) inside the enclosure; a step of switching on a water level regulator at the tank; a step of switching on an air circulator near the inlet; a step of switching on an air filter at the inlet; a step of switching on a ventilator (such as motorized fan); a step of switching on a sterilizer or sterilization unit around the inlet; and a step of switching on a pump for transferring water from the tank upwardly to a water distribution system.

[0049] The method of making also comprises additional steps of utilizing accessories to the evaporative cooler. For example, the method of using optionally comprises a step of switching on a first dehumidifier before the tank; a step of switching on a second dehumidifier after the tank; a step of switching on an electrical supply module; a step of switching on a control module; a step of switching on a warning module; and maybe a step of switching on a moving mechanism.

[0050] In particular, the method of using comprises a step of washing a cooling element when the cooling element is contaminated or blocked. The step of washing may further comprise a process flow of firstly detaching the cooling element from the tank; secondly taking the cooling element out of the evaporative cooler; thirdly cleaning the cooling element; and fourthly installing the cooling component back into the evaporative cooler by immersing the cooling component partially into the tank. The third process of cleaning the cooling element may be conducted by flushing the cooling element with water or a cleaning solution.

[0051 ] As a third aspect, the present application aims to provide a porous material for making the cooling component of the evaporative cooler. The porous material may comprise a plurality of pores that are interconnected throughout the cooling component (i.e. interconnected pores). The interconnected pores optionally form a continuous flow path such as a honeycomb structure for drawing water upwards due to capillary effect. Therefore, the porous material comprises a porosity ranging from 0.1 to 1 . In addition, the interconnected pores may be either uniform or different in pore size. To achieve the capillary effect, the pore size has an internal diameter less than one millimetre (1 mm). In some implementations, the pore size ranges from 0.01 millimetre (0.01 mm) to 1 millimetre (1 mm).

[0052] In some implementations, the porous material comprises a silicon carbide (SiC) porous material. The silicon carbide porous material is optionally made from a plurality of silicon carbide (SiC) particles that are an artificial mineral wetting to water. In other words, the silicon carbide porous material has a contact angel (CA) less than 90 degrees to water; and thus is suitable for the capillary effect. In addition, the silicon carbide porous material has other advantages such as high hardness, abrasion resistance and resistance to heat and chemicals. The silicon carbide porous material comprises a plurality of silicon carbide particles assembled in the honeycomb structure for forming a plurality of pores.

[0053] The porous silicon carbide material may further comprise a binder for the silicon carbide particles together. The binder is optionally hydrophilic to water. The binder optionally comprises polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic resins, coal tar pitch, long chain fatty material (such as“CARBOWAX'), metallic stearates (such as aluminium stearates or zinc stearates), sugars, starches, alginates, and polystyrene. In some implementations, the binder comprises metal silicon compounds having a better compatibility with silicon carbide.

[0054] The cooling component optionally comprises a shell enclosing or encapsulating the porous silicon carbide material for protecting the porous silicon carbide. The shell may comprise any hard or stiff material resistant to external shocks and/or abrasions, such as metals, hard plastics or fibre-reinforced plastics, comprising carbon fibre (such as Kevlar), glass fibre, various aramid fibres, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, or high density polystyrene or any combination of the foregoing objects. In some implementations, the shell comprises a silicon carbide (SiC) membrane comprising a plurality of second silicon carbide (SiC) particles. The silicon carbide membrane has an excellent compatibility with the silicon carbide porous material due to a same chemical and physical nature of silicon carbide (SiC).

[0055] Similar to the silicon carbide porous material, the silicon carbide membrane also has a plurality of second silicon carbide (SiC) particles for forming a plurality of second pores that are interconnected throughout the silicon carbide membrane (i.e. second interconnected pores). The second interconnected pores are also characterized by a second porosity ranging from 0.1 to 1 and a second pore size with a second internal diameter ranging from 200 to 2000 nanometres (nm). In addition to the nature of high hardness, abrasion resistance and resistance to heat and chemicals, the silicon carbide membrane also has an advantage of filtering any impurities larger than the second pore size. As a result, the silicon carbide porous material enclosed inside the silicon carbide membrane are not easily contaminated or blocked by the impurities in the water supply. In other words, the evaporative cooler can work normally in the condition where a clean water supply is not available. Therefore, the cooling element can be self-cleaning from foreign impurities.

[0056] The silicon carbide particles and the second silicon carbide particles may comprise silicon carbide crystals, amorphous (non-crystal) carbide crystal or a combination of the foregoing objects. The silicon carbide crystals may further comprise alpha silicon carbide, beta silicon carbide or a mixture of both the alpha silicon carbide and the beta silicon carbide. In some implementations, the alpha silicon carbide in a non- cubic crystalline form are adopted, since the alpha silicon carbide is less expensive and more readily obtained than the beta silicon carbide in a cubic crystalline form. The amorphous silicon carbide in a powder form is adopted only when an average grain size of the powder meets requirements of the pore size of the silicon carbide porous material and/or the second pore size of the silicon carbide membrane.

[0057] Internal surfaces of the silicon carbide porous material are optionally physically and/or chemically treated for enhancing the capillary effect, since water wettability is sensitive to the internal surfaces. For example, the internal surfaces are physically modified under ablation by femtosecond laser pluses in liquid ethanol for forming a plurality of tiny structure in nanometre scale (i.e. nanostructures). The nanostructures significantly reduce the contact angle of the internal surfaces to water and thus enhance the water wettability of the internal surfaces. In some implementations, the nanostructures comprise a plurality of periodic grooves with a period of around 200 nanometres (nm). Each of the periodic grooves has a lateral dimension from 10 to 15 nanometres (nm).

[0058] The silicon carbide comprises naturally comprises polarity due to different electro negativities of the silicon (Si) atom and the carbon (C) atoms, such as polar faces (C- terminated polar face and Si-terminated polar face). If the polar faces of the silicon carbide are chemically modified by increasing polarity, the water wettability is enhanced since attraction increases between water molecules and the polar faces of the silicon carbide. For example, the silicon carbide particles are modified with chemicals such as azo radical initiator (e.g. 2,2 ' -azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), 2,2 ' -azobis (2- methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AMPA), or 2,2 ' -azobis [N-(2-carboxyethyl)-2- methylpropionamidine) n-hydrate (ACMPA)]. The azo radical initiator generates radical species that react with the unsaturated hydrocarbons on the polar faces and thus alter chemical nature of the internal surfaces of the silicon carbide porous material.

[0059] The cooling element optionally further comprises a hydrophilic coating on surfaces of the silicon carbide porous material. The hydrophilic coating may comprise one or more thin polymer films, such as chemically modified polyester or polyurethane. For example, Sympatex from Akzo (Enka AG) is adopted as the hydrophilic coating, consisting of a copolymer of 70% polyester and 30% polyether. Polyether is a hydrophilic component for attracting water. In addition, some hydrophilic coatings also have an advantage of reducing bacterial adhesion or antifouling, such as polysaccharides, poly-N- vinylpyrrolidone (Flydromer), poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly (vinyl sulfonic acid) (PVSA), or poly(ethylenimine) (PEI). As a result, the evaporative cooler can work normally even if the water supply is not free from fouling or bacteria. Therefore, the cooling element can be self-cleaning from fouling or bacteria. [0060] The cooling element optionally comprises a waterproof adhesive or glue for fixing the hydrophilic coating firmly on the silicon carbide porous material. The waterproof adhesive may comprise cross-linking poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyurethane glue, epoxy glue, construction glue, or any other glues suitable for resisting water or moisture. In this way, the cooling element is washable for removing any deposit or fouling; and thus the cooling element is reusable after washing.

[0061 ] As a fourth aspect, the application also aims to present new and useful method of making the cooling component from the porous material as such silicon carbide (SiC). The method of making a silicon carbide porous material optionally comprises a first step of providing a plurality of silicon carbide particles; and a second step of combing the silicon carbide particles together for forming the silicon carbide porous material. In some implementations, the silicon carbide particles are sintered together for one or more cycles at different temperatures for controlling a porosity and pore sizes of the silicon carbide porous material.

[0062] In some implementations, the silicon carbide particles are sintered or fired at a temperature beyond two thousand degrees (2000 °C), the silicon carbide porous material has a high porosity more than 40% and pore sizes in a range of five to ten (05-10) micrometres. Hence, the silicon carbide porous material is formed in a monolithic honeycomb structure with an enough permeability for drawing water upwards through the silicon carbide porous material. In addition, the silicon carbide porous material also obtains satisfactory mechanical and chemical robustness.

[0063] The application also discloses a method of making a silicon carbide membrane encapsulating the silicon carbide porous material. The method of making the silicon carbide membrane optionally comprises a first step of providing a plurality of second silicon carbide particles; a second step of combing the second silicon carbide particles together for forming the silicon carbide membrane; and a third step of binding the silicon carbide membrane onto the silicon carbide porous material as a whole. Similar to the method of making the silicon carbide porous material, the second step of combing is also optionally conducted by sintering or firing. The silicon carbide membrane may have pore sizes ranging from 200 to 2000 nanometres (nm). In addition, the method of making may comprise a step of re-crystalizing the combined second silicon carbide particles before the second step of combing the second silicon carbide particles together. The re crystallization step alters sizes of the second silicon carbide particles.

[0064] Alternatively, the method of making the silicon carbide membrane may comprise a first step of providing a plurality of second silicon carbide particles; a second step of depositing the second silicon carbide particles onto the silicon carbide porous material; and a third step of combing the second silicon carbide particles together for forming the silicon carbide membrane. The third step of combing may be also conducted by sintering or firing. Meanwhile, the second silicon carbide particles are also bound with the silicon carbide porous material as a whole during the third step.

[0065] As a fifth aspect, the application also aims to present a fan assembly using the evaporative cooler as a portable cooler. In addition to the evaporative cooler, the fan assembly may comprise a supporting fixture (e.g. baseplate, railing) for upholding or supporting an object (e.g. user) on top of the supporting fixture. The supporting fixture is optionally a plate, a platform, a bed or any other base, buttress, column, prop, pole, or shaft. The portable cooler also comprises a supporting stand (e.g. table stand or hollow cylinder) that is connected to the supporting fixture for raising the supporting fixture above the ground to a predetermined height. Advantageously, the supporting stand is adjustable in height so that the supporting fixture is able to be fixed at a desired height. For example, the supporting stand is telescopically extendable in its length or height so that the supporting fixture is kept away from dust, pest, wheels or human feet on the ground. The portable cooler comprises one or more ducts, tubes or tunnels connected to the supporting structure or the supporting stand for channelling a cooling stream to a side of the portable cooler. For example, the one or more ducts, tubes or tunnels have openings at one or more edges, sides or surfaces of the portable cooler so that the cool stream is directed to one or more users of the portable cooler, especially at the portable cooler’s proximity (e.g. near an edge of the supporting fixture).

[0066] Particularly, the supporting structure, the supporting stand or both are optionally integrated into one or more pieces of furniture items such that the portable cooler has an outlook of a piece of furniture, such as a chair, a stool, a table, a bed, a cupboard. For example, the supporting base or supporting fixture comprises a tabletop (e.g. countertop, counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop, or kitchen bench) for keeping tableware or tableware items on top of the tabletop or the supporting fixture, which has the appearance of a table having the portable cooler. Alternatively, the supporting fixture comprises a plank or board of a cupboard so that cool streams of air may be discharged from side edges or top surfaces of the plank or board, cooling the cupboard and its surroundings. A diner who sits next to the“table” is able to enjoy cool stream of air that is discharged from a circular edge of the table, which is actually delivered by the supporting fixture with one or more ducts at its sides or peripheral edge.

[0067] The supporting fixture can alternatively comprise one or more seats (e.g. stool, chair) for supporting a person. In other words, the portable cooler becomes a stool or chair that is able to deliver the cool stream of air or other cooling media (e.g. mist, dry ice). In contrast or addition to the supporting structure as a tabletop, the supporting stand of a seat has one or more orifices or nozzles that are connected to the one or more ducts, discharging cool streams of air to legs of diners sitting on the seat. Hence, one or more of the fan assemblies can be installed in a food centre, provide effective and efficient cooling to diners.

[0068] The supporting fixture, the supporting stand or both optionally comprise one or more rails, bars, shafts, pillars, panels or walls that have orifices, openings or nozzles for discharging the cool streams of air or other cooling media. For example, the rail includes a hand-rail at a bus stop, a bus terminal or a public transport interchange station (known as interchange) so that passengers at the bus stop, the bus terminal or the interchange are able to enjoy the cool streams of air when waiting for their buses. Energy consumption of the rail-type portable cooler is much lower an ordinary electric fan, which blows hot air almost aimlessly from a distance.

[0069] The portable cooler may further comprise one or more nozzles on a surface or edge of the portable cooler (e.g. supporting fixture or stand). The one or more nozzles are connected to the one or more ducts for directing the cool stream towards one or more users of the portable cooler or to a close proximity of a user. The one or more nozzles are able to be regulated for adjusting flow rate of the cool stream through the one or more nozzles, whether automatically or manually. Users of the portable cooler is able to adjust direct, opening size, flow rate or even temperature the cool stream by controlling the portable cooler. The one or more nozzles may additionally comprise one or more valves for regulating (e.g. changing flow rate, opening size or direction of) the cool stream from the nozzle. [0070] The one or more nozzles can be configured to shut off or open automatically. For example, a door of the one or more nozzles is activated by the seat of the supporting fixture or base so that the one or more nozzles of a stool with the portable cooler discharge cool streams of air if seated by a diner, as triggering or activation. Cool streams of air are conserved from wasteful usage, especially when diners are not present on or next to the portable cooler.

[0071 ] Embodiments of the portable cooler further comprise an electric fan or automatic fan that is connected to the one or more ducts, nozzles or both for driving the cooling stream through the duct. The electric fan is able to accelerate or propel air stream in the one or more ducts so that diners or users are able to feel strong air stream when desired. The portable cooler optionally comprises one or more sensor or ambient sensors (e.g. temperature, humidity, light, proximity sensors) or timers that are connected to a controller or computer. The portable cooler becomes able to respond to surrounding situations (e.g. temperature, people, time) in order to provide customised or optimised cooling. For example, the portable cooler is able to accelerate or propel more air stream if detecting hot ambient temperature (e.g. >35°C). The sensor is alternatively known as a detector for operating the portable cooler or observing ambient of the portable cooler automatically.

[0072] The one or more ducts optionally comprises multiple channels in the supporting fixture or the supporting stand for guiding the cooling stream to a lateral edge of the supporting fixture. For example, the one or more ducts include tunnels or tubes that are radially connected at their ends and the tunnels are provided in the tabletop, between a top surface and a bottom surface of the tabletop. The common ends of the ducts, channels or tunnels are connected to an inlet, or further to the electric fan so that nozzles or openings at opposite ends of the ducts, tunnels or tubes are able to deliver multiple cool streams of air radially, providing thermal comfort to diners at the portable cooler or tabletop.

[0073] The portable cooler may further comprise a heat exchanger (e.g. air conditioning device or air-conditioner) that is connected to the one or more ducts for providing the cooling stream having temperature lower than an ambient temperature of the portable cooler. The heat exchanger not only is able to deliver cool air to the diners, but also I able to provide hot water to kitchens or stalls. Energy consumption of effectiveness of the heat exchanger becomes much lower than merely providing cool air (e.g. cooling by refrigerant) or hot water (e.g. heating by coal) alone. For example, the heat exchanger comprises a heat pump or an air source heat pump for providing both hot water up to 55~60°C and the cool stream of air.

[0074] Particularly, the heat exchanger can comprise an evaporative cooler for drawing water automatically, without or without a pump. The evaporative cooler consumes less energy as compared to air-conditioners, and also offer cool air of reasonable comfort. For example, the evaporative cooler is able to deliver cool air stream of 2~5°C lower than its ambient air temperature.

[0075] The evaporative cooler optionally comprises a concealed or automatic water collector for keeping freshwater for the evaporative cooler. Pest or external disturbance (e.g. by kids playing) is effectively prevented, making maintenance of the evaporative cooler easier. For example, the water collector of the evaporative cooler has an automatic feeder of freshwater (e.g. by water level sensor) so that the water collector is automatically kept full or at a predetermined level if connected to a water source (e.g. water tap).

[0076] Embodiments of the portable cooler provide the evaporative cooler that comprises a capillary material or porous material for drawing water automatically without a pump, opposite to the direction of gravity. Alternatively, the portable cooler include the capillary material or porous material directly such that the cool streams are able to flow over the capillary material or porous material, providing additional cooling by evaporation of cooling fluid(s) or refrigerant(s), such as water.

[0077] Since drawing of freshwater by the capillary material does not require a pump, the evaporative cooler becomes quiet and optionally requires much less electric power consumption. For example, the capillary material comprises a foam (e.g. silicon carbide ceramic foam filter, metal foam) that has a pore size of 10mm (millimetres), 8mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4.5mm, 3.5mm, 2.8mm, 2.1 mm, 1 .8mm, 1 .4mm, 1 .2mm, 1 mm, 08mm, 0.6mm, 0.4mm, 0.2mm or smaller. The capillary material alternatively includes one or more cluster of thin tubes for drawing water. Diameters of the tubes range from 10mm (millimetres), 8mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4.5mm, 3.5mm, 2.8mm, 2.1 mm, 1 8mm, 1 4mm, 1 2mm, 1 mm, 08mm, 0.6mm, 0.4mm, 0.2mm or smaller. The capillary or porous material further includes aerated concrete, gypsum plaster, clay brick, mortar, concrete brick or cured concrete and sponge.

[0078] The heat exchanger may comprise a thermal energy storage material (i.e. thermic material) for absorbing heat from the cooling stream. The thermal energy storage material may include one or more materials with latent heat or high heat capacity so that the thermal energy storage material is used to absorb heat of air stream when flowing over it, offering the cool air stream.

[0079] The portable cooler optionally comprises a renewable energy harvester (e.g. solar panel) for powering the portable cooler. The renewable energy harvester includes wind turbine, geothermal energy collector, bio energy harvester (e.g. waste food composter) that possibly provides auxiliary power source to the portable cooler.

[0080] In the present application, the portable cooler optionally comprises one or more dinning furniture (e.g. dining table, stool, chair, kitchen top) having its supporting stand on the ground, and one or more ducts are connected to an external source of the cool stream. The one or more dining furniture items may be independently operated, mutually connected or centrally powered.

[0081 ] Embodiments of the portable cooler or any of its components are mobile, permanent or detachable (e.g. the supporting stand has wheels). For example, a nozzle of the portable cooler has a catch so that a technician is able to click or snap a replacement nozzle when repairing.

[0082] The present application provides a residence for providing a cooling ambient to diners. Example of the residence includes office, building, eating place, hawker centre, coffee shop, bar, cafeteria, dining room, canteen, chophouse, pizzeria, night club, soda fountain, saloon, restaurant and inn. The residence comprises a first portable cooler that comprises the supporting fixture and the supporting stand. The residence also comprises a second portable cooler that include the supporting fixture and the supporting stand. The first portable cooler and the second portable cooler share the same source of cool stream or power supply. Hence, the two fan assemblies can be coordinated, synchronised or complement each other. [0083] In another aspect, the present application provides a fixture (i.e. portable cooler) with cooling means for proximal cooling of a user. The fixture comprises one or more perforations along a surface of the fixture and one or more channels within the fixture, which are connected to the one or more perforations. In use, cool streams of air are able to flow through the channels and the perforations.

[0084] The fixture (i.e. portable cooler) optionally further comprises a supporting structure (e.g. horizontal top, tabletop or stool top) with the channels; a supporting stand (e.g. hollow vertical support, table stand, stool stand) orthogonally fastened to the horizontal top, and a base support coupled to the vertical support. The fixture optionally has a receptacle for storing a liquid (e.g. freshwater) is installed in the vertical support, advantageously at the bottom of the table/stool stand. The fixture can additionally include a capillary medium for being partially submerged in the receptacle for drawing the liquid.

[0085] The fixture (i.e. portable cooler) may include a pump in the receptacle for drawing liquid to a ring with evenly distributed perforations at a high position for moistening the capillary medium. The (i.e. portable cooler) can moreover include a ventilator (e.g. electric fan) is installed in the channel for driving the air flow therein. The fixture or portable cooler may have a base support with a concentric bore for flowing of the air into the vertical support and into the channels within the horizontal top.

[0086] The evaporative cooler optionally comprises following features:

1 ) the portable cooler is portable;

2) the portable cooler is slimmer or flatter;

3) the capillary material in the portable cooler comprises a ceramic membrane, which is easily replaceable, re-washable and reusable (such as the silicon carbide porous material);

4) the capillary material in the portable cooler is of an antibacterial material. For example, silicon carbide treated with nano sliver ion particles etc.;

5) the capillary material in the portable cooler may have a varied porous size for coolness and dust filtering;

6) the capillary material (e.g. ceramic membrane) in the portable cooler can be placed in parallel or perpendicular to a direction of airflow therefore saving space and being compact means more efficient and minimising water usage; 7) the portable cooler may optionally have a bluetooth speaker, a FM (frequency modulation) radio transceiver, a torchlight/LED light, a clock, and a fan speed control;

8) the portable cooler may optionally have a mosquito repellent. The mosquito repellent can comprise of an audio frequency (sound), an optical frequency (light), an olfactory means (odour) or a combination of all which are targeting the mosquitoes;

9) a compartment at the air vent for placing a fragrance cartridge of different fragrances;

10) a temperature reading of ingoing and out-going fluid, a Relative Humidity display, a water level sensor, a cartridge cleaning or replacement alert;

1 1 ) a battery level indicator, a solar panel;

12) a non-dripping portable cooler;

13) possibility of membrane perimeter having water storage compartment instead of a separate water holding tank;

14) a Wi-Fi for wireless communication. Having a mobile phone app;

15) a carrying handle or a clutch; and

16) an ambient air enters one side and out the other side which is similar to under the table design of the current application. Additionally, the air intake from surrounding 360 degrees at base and then expel the cool air upwards. The cool air will sink and hence cool the surrounding.

[0087] The accompanying figures (Figs.) illustrate embodiments and serve to explain principles of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that these figures are presented for purposes of illustration only, and not for defining limits of relevant inventions.

[0088] Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cooling component;

Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of the cooling component;

Fig. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of an evaporative cooler;

Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 5 illustrates a first embodiment of a thermoelectric dehumidifier;

Fig. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the thermoelectric dehumidifier;

Fig. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the evaporative cooler; Fig. 9 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 10 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 1 1 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 12 illustrates an eighth embodiment of the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 13 illustrates a first embodiment of the cooling component installed in the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 14 illustrates a second embodiment of the cooling component installed in the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 15 illustrates a third embodiment of the cooling component installed in the evaporative cooler;

Fig. 16 illustrates the evaporative cooler with accessories;

Fig. 17 illustrates a plurality of application of fixtures with cooling means installed at a food centre;

Fig. 18 illustrates the schematic of a cooling device;

Fig. 19 illustrates a first embodiment of a table with the cooling means;

Fig. 20 illustrates a second embodiment of the table with the cooling means;

Fig. 21 illustrates a third embodiment of the table with the cooling means; and Fig. 22 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the cooling means.

[0089] Exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the present application will now be described with references to the above-mentioned figure.

[0090] Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cooling component 1000. The cooling component comprises a silicon carbide porous material 1002 encapsulated by a silicon carbide membrane 1004. The silicon carbide porous material 1002 further comprises a plurality of flow paths 1006 that are interconnected for an incoming airstream 1008 to flow through the silicon carbide porous material 1002. Some of the flow paths 1006 are further extended throughout and exposed from the silicon carbide membrane 1004.

[0091 ] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of the cooling component 1000. The silicon carbide porous material 1002 is encapsulated by the silicon carbide membrane 1004. Some of the flow paths 1006 are exposed from the top surface of the cooling component 1002 where the incoming airstream 1008 flows out of the cooling component 1000 and further out of the evaporative cooler as an outgoing airstream 1010. [0092] Fig. 3 illustrates a first embodiment 2000 of an evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler 2000 comprises an inlet 2002 for drawing the incoming airstream 1008, an outlet 2004 for discharging the outgoing airstream 1010 and a tank 2006 for installing the cooling component 1000. The inlet 2002 and the outlet 2004 are located at opposite sides of a shell 2008. In addition, the evaporative cooler 2000 also comprises other parts, such as a sterilization unit 2010 for sterilizing the incoming airstream; a baffle 2012 for removing airborne droplets of water from the incoming airstream 1008 and for forming an unoccupied air passage 2014; and a water level regulator 2026 for preventing overflow of the water in the tank 2006.

[0093] The cooling element 1000 comprises an entrance 2016 and an exit 2018 for the incoming airstream 1008 to flow into and out of the cooling element respectively. Arrows in Fig. 3 indicate directions of air flow. To facilitate the air flow, the evaporative cooler 2000 also comprises a low pressure fan 2020 near the exit 2018. In addition, the evaporative cooler 2000 further comprises a pump 2022 for transferring water from the tank 2006 to a spraying system. The spraying system comprises multiple spraying orifices 2024 located above the cooling element 1000 for spraying water onto the cooling element 1000.

[0094] Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment 3000 of the evaporative cooler that is similar to the first embodiment 2000. In addition, the evaporative cooler 3000 comprises a first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002 for condensing moisture from the incoming airstream 1008 and a first condensation passage 3004 for collecting and transferring the condensed water into the tank 2006. In some implementations, the tank 2006 extends below the first condensation passage 3004. Arrows in Fig. 4 also indicate directions of air flow.

[0095] Fig. 5 illustrates a first embodiment 3010 of the first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002. The first embodiment 3010 comprises an air ingress 3012, an air egress 3014, and a coiled tube 3016 connecting the air ingress 3012 and the air egress 3014. The incoming airstream 1008 is introduced into the coiled tube 3016 via the air ingress 3012 and drawn out of the coiled tube 3016 via the air egress 3014. The moisture of the incoming airstream 1008 is condensed while the incoming airstream 1008 flows along the coiled tube 3016. In particular, the coiled tube 3016 is arranged in a zigzag configuration 3018 for enhancing the condensation. Arrows in Fig. 5 indicate directions of air flow. [0096] Fig. 6 illustrates a second embodiment 3020 of the first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002 that is similar to the first embodiment 3010. Instead of the zigzag configuration 3018, the coiled tube 3016 is arranged in a spiral configuration 3022 for enhancing the condensation. Accordingly, the air ingress 3012 and the air egress 3014 are located at a center and at a periphery of the spiral configuration 3022. Arrows in Fig. 6 indicate directions of air flow.

[0097] Fig. 7 illustrates a third embodiment 4000 of the evaporative cooler. The third embodiment 4000 integrates features of the first embodiment 2000 and the second embodiment 3000. In addition, the evaporative cooler 4000 comprises a first container 4002 located before the tank 2006 for collecting the condensed water from the first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002. The first container 4002 is connected to the tank 2006 via a first reflux passage 4004. In particular, the first container 4002 is located higher than the tank 2006 while the evaporative cooler 4000 works. As a result, the condensed water flows automatically from the first container 4002 into the tank 2006 for replenishing the tank 2006. Arrows in Fig. 7 indicate directions of air flow.

[0098] Fig. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment 5000 of the evaporative cooler that is similar to the third embodiment 4000. In addition to the first container 4002, the evaporative cooler 5000 comprises a second thermoelectric dehumidifier 5002 located near the outlet 2004 for removing moisture from the outgoing airstream 1010. The second thermoelectric dehumidifier 5002 is connected to a second container 5004 via a second condensation passage 5006. The second container 5004 is used for collecting the condensed water from the second thermoelectric dehumidifier 5002. In some implementations, the second container 5004 is also connected to the tank 2006 via a second reflux passage 5008. The second container 5004 is located higher than the tank 2006 such that the condensed water flows automatically from the second container 5004 into the tank 2006 for replenishing the tank 2006. Arrows in Fig. 8 indicate directions of air flow.

[0099] The evaporative cooler may be built small in size by enclosing only basic parts inside the shell 2008: the inlet 2002, the outlet 2004, the tank 2006 and the cooling component 1000. As a result, the evaporative cooler is convenient for portable usage. Other additional parts are optionally connected to the evaporative cooler as external accessories. Fig. 9 illustrates a fifth embodiment 6000 of the evaporative cooler comprising the basic parts only. In addition, the first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002 and the sterilization unit 2010 are connected to the inlet 2002; while the low pressure fan 2020 is connected to the outlet 2004. The evaporative cooler 6000 may have a flexible design of connecting the additional parts at any possible position of the evaporative cooler 6000. The additional parts may also be located in a distance from the evaporative cooler 6000. Therefore, the incoming air 1008 may be introduced far away from the evaporative cooler 6000. Arrows in Fig. 9 indicate directions of air flow.

[0100] Fig. 10 illustrates a sixth embodiment 6100 of the evaporative cooler similar to the fifth embodiment 6000. In addition to the basic parts, the evaporative cooler 6100 also comprises the low pressure fan 2020 inside the shell 2008 for enhancing a cooling efficiency by prompting the air flow. The sterilization unit 2010, the first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002 and the unoccupied air passage 2014 are connected to the inlet 2002; while the second thermoelectric dehumidifier 5002 is connected to the outlet 2004. Arrows in Fig. 10 indicate directions of air flow.

[0101 ] Fig. 1 1 illustrates a seventh embodiment 6200 of the evaporative cooler, similar to the second embodiment 3000 in Fig. 4. In particular, the first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002 comprises multiple cold fins 6202 and multiple hot fins 6204. Moisture in the incoming airstream 1008 is condensed to water on the multiple cold fins 6202 while the incoming airstream 1008 flows across the multiple cold fins 6202. Under the gravity force, the condensed water flow automatically into the tank 2006 via a thermoelectric dehumidifier drainage 6206. The multiple hot fins 6204 are partially or even fully immersed into the tank 2006 for cooling. In this way, the first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002 consumes less energy (i.e. electricity) for maintaining a low temperature of the multiple cold fins 6202. Arrows in Fig. 1 1 indicate directions of air flow.

[0102] Fig. 12 illustrates an eighth embodiment 6300 of the evaporative cooler. In contrast to the seven embodiment 6200, the first thermoelectric dehumidifier 3002 is replaced by a desiccant dehumidifier 6302. The desiccant dehumidifier 6302 comprises silica gel as a desiccant material. The silica gel is non-toxic, non-flammable and chemically stable or non-reactive with ordinary usage and thus is safe for the evaporative cooler 6300. The silica gel is changed from a dry state to a wet state until a saturation state after absorbing moisture or water. When heated to one hundred and twenty degrees (120 °C), the silica gel is regenerated from the wet state or the saturation state back to the dry state. Therefore, the desiccant dehumidifier 6302 can be reusable for many cycles. In addition, the silica gel further comprises moisture indicators such as cobalt (II) chloride or methyl violet for indicating the saturation state of the silica gel with moisture. Cobalt (II) chloride shows a deep blue colour and a pink colour for the dry state and the wet state respectively of the silica gel. Methyl violet is changed from an orange colour for the dry state to a green colour or colourlessness for the wet state of the silica gel. Therefore, the silica gel is removed from the desiccant and regenerated when a colour change of the humidity indicator is observed. Arrows in Fig. 12 indicate directions of air flow.

[0103] Fig. 13 illustrates a first embodiment 7000 of the cooling component 1000 installed in the evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler may be any of the foregoing embodiment 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 6100, 6200 or 6300. In particular, the cooling component 1000 comprises a plurality of cooling sheets 7002 made of silicon carbide porous material. The incoming airstream 1008 flows across the cooling sheets and finally out of the cooling component 1000 as the outgoing airstream 1010. In the process, the incoming airstream 1008 is cooled due to the evaporative effect of the water in the silicon carbide porous material. In Fig. 13, the cooling sheets 7002 are vertically installed in relation to the tank 2006 and partially immersed in the water. The water is automatically drawn upwards from the tank 2006 into the cooling sheets 7002 due to the capillary effect. Arrows in Fig. 13 indicate directions of air flow.

[0104] Fig. 14 illustrates a second embodiment 7100 of the cooling component 1000 installed in the evaporative cooler. In contrast to the first embodiment 7000, the cooling sheets 7002 are installed in parallel with the tank 2006 and are not immersed in the water of the tank 2006. The water is transferred to the spraying orifices 2024 via the pump 2022. The spraying orifices 2024 are located over the cooling sheets 7002 for spraying the water to the cooling sheets 7002. The incoming airstream 1008 also flows across the cooling sheets 7002 and finally out of the cooling component 1000 as the outgoing airstream 1010. Arrows in Fig. 14 indicate directions of air flow.

[0105] Fig. 15 illustrates a third embodiment 7200 of the cooling component 1000 installed in the evaporative cooler. Instead of the cooling sheets 7002, the first embodiment 7000 and the second embodiment 7100, the cooling component 100 comprises a cooling bulk 7202 as the single unit for the third embodiment 7200. The incoming airstream 1008 also flows across the cooling bulk 7202 and finally out of the cooling component 1000 as the outgoing airstream 1010. In addition, the cooling bulk 7202 comprises multiple air channels 7204 within the cooling bulk 7202 for increasing contact area between the incoming airstream 1008 and the cooling component 1000. Arrows in Fig. 15 indicate directions of air flow.

[0106] Fig. 16 illustrates an evaporative cooler 8000 with accessories. The accessories comprise a water supply module 8002 for supplying water to the tank 2006, an electrical supply module 8004 for supplying electricity to the evaporative cooler 8000, a control module 8006 for controlling parts of the evaporative cooler 8000 and accessories, a warning module 8008 for sending warning messages to a user, a communication module 8010 for communicating with a local computing device, a remote server or a mobile phone; a sensor module 8012 for monitoring and controlling multiple sensors (such as water level sensor, electricity sensor, humidity sensor and proximity sensor), a screen 8014 for displaying an operation state of the evaporative cooler 8000; and a moving mechanism 8016 (such as three or more wheels) for moving the evaporative cooler 8000. The evaporative cooler 8000 may be any of the foregoing embodiment 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 6100, 6200 or 6300.

[0107] Fig. 17 illustrates a plurality of application of fixtures with cooling means installed at a food centre 80. A diner 82 is seated on a first stool with a nozzle 92 ejecting a steady airstream at a stool stand. The diner 82 with his elbow resting on a table tap has also a nozzle 92 ejecting the airstream from a table stand 134. A second stool is located opposite the first stool and unoccupied. The two stools and the one table are erected on a horizontal ground (not shown) with the ends contacting the floor coupled to a first insulated conduit 88. The first insulated conduit 88 is attached to a cooling device 94. A second insulated conduit 90 from the cooling device 94 is guided to a wall fan 84 and a ceiling fan 86. A plurality of nozzle 92 is introduced along the second insulated conduit 90 specifically at a position of the wall fan 84 and a position of the ceiling fan 86. The rotating blades of the fans 84,86 accelerate the airstream from the nozzles 92 to the directions of the fans 84,86.

[0108] The cooling device 94 herein is a heat pump 94 which transfers heat energy from a source of heat to a destination called a "heat sink". The heat pump 94 is designed to move thermal energy in the opposite direction (usually is from hot to cold places) of spontaneous heat transfer by absorbing heat from a cold space and releasing it to a warmer one. Depending on the weather and the time of the day, the source of heat and the heat sink area interchangeable.

[0109] For example, on a hot noon day, the source of heat is the ambient heat outside the food centre 80 whilst the heat sink is the cooler indoor ambient environment of the food centre 80. On a rainy noon day, the source of heat is from the indoor ambient environment and the heat sink is the cooler outdoor.

[01 10] The cooling device 94 is powered by a battery solar power system 98. The battery solar power system comprises a charge controller, a battery bank, a system meter and a main DC (Direct Current) disconnect. The battery solar power system 98 is connected to an electrical grid 97 and to a plurality of photovoltaic solar panel 96.

[01 1 1 ] Fig. 18 illustrates a schematic of the cooling device 94 or a heat pump. The cooling device 94 has an evaporator 100, a pressure lowering device 101 , a condenser 102 and a compressor 108. The cooling device 94 is in an enclosure (not shown). An inflow air 104 enters the cooling device 94 from an inlet (not shown). The evaporator 100 absorbs the heat from the inflow air 104. An outflow air 106 exits the cooling device at an outlet (not shown). The outflow air 106 has a higher temperature than the inflow air 104. This outflow air 106 is not used to ventilate the indoor food centre 80. In practice, the outflow air 106 is used to heat a container of water or a boiler 1 16 (not shown). The boiler 1 16 is made of metal, for example aluminium which is non-corrosive at ambient temperature and relatively a good conductor of heat. Alternatively, the condenser 102 can placed in the boiler directly 1 16 to heat the water. The condenser 102 in this case must be made of corrosion resistant metal at high temperature like bronze which is a good conductor of heat. The heated water can be channelled through water pipe to a dishwasher 1 18.

[01 12] The heat pump 94 exploits the physical properties of a volatile evaporating and condensing fluid known as a refrigerant. The heat pump 94 specifically the compressor 108 compresses the refrigerant to make it hotter on the side to be warmed, and releases the pressure at the side where heat is absorbed. In the case of the food centre 80, the heat to be absorbed is the outdoor environment assuming it is hotter than the indoor environment as described previously. [01 13] The refrigerant, in its gaseous state, is pressurized and circulated through the system by the compressor 108. On the discharge side of the compressor 108, the now hot and highly pressurized vapor 1 10 is cooled in a heat exchanger, called a condenser 102, until it condenses into a high pressure, moderate temperature liquid 1 12 or a condensed refrigerant 1 12. The condensed refrigerant 1 12 then passes through a pressure-lowering device 101 also called a metering device. This may be an expansion valve, capillary tube, or possibly a work-extracting device such as a turbine 120. The turbine 120 is used in the current embodiment. The turbine 120 propels a cool air 107 from the cooling device 94 and into the indoor food centre 80 through the conduits 88,90 as shown in Fig. 1 7.

[01 14] The low-pressure liquid refrigerant 1 14 then enters another heat exchanger, the evaporator 100, in which the low-pressure liquid refrigerant 1 14 absorbs heat and boils. The low-pressure liquid refrigerant 1 14 then returns to the compressor 108 and the cycle

[01 15] It is essential that the refrigerant reach a sufficiently high temperature, when compressed, to release heat through the "hot" heat exchanger (the condenser). Similarly, the fluid must reach a sufficiently low temperature when allowed to expand, or else heat cannot flow from the ambient cold region into the fluid in the cold heat exchanger (the evaporator). In particular, the pressure difference must be great enough for the fluid to condense at the hot side and still evaporate in the lower pressure region at the cold side. The greater the temperature difference, the greater the required pressure difference, and consequently the more energy needed to compress the fluid. Thus, as with all heat pumps, the coefficient of performance (amount of thermal energy moved per unit of input work required) decreases with increasing temperature difference.

[01 16] Insulation is used to reduce the work and energy required to achieve a low enough temperature in the space to be cooled. The space is the indoor of the food centre 80.

[01 17] Fig. 19 illustrates a first embodiment 130 of a fixture with the cooling means specifically for the table top 132 with the table stand 134. The table stand 134 has a base support 136 that is fastened to the horizontal ground 196 by at least two bolts and nuts 140. The table stand 134 is orthogonally erected and joined (welded) to the base support 136. The base support 136 is a circular disc with a bore 138 in the centre. The bore 138 has a diameter about thirty millimetres (30 mm).

[01 18] The table stand 134 is a hollow cylinder 134 with the two ends exposed. A bottom end of the hollow cylinder 134 is joined to the base support 136 circumscribing the bore 138 in the centre. A top end of the hollow cylinder 134 is joined to the table top 132. At a top section is a three-bladed fan 142 driven by a DC (direct current) motor. The DC motor is attached to a tripod 144. The three legs of the tripod 144 are supported by the inner periphery of the hollow cylinder 134 at the top section. The tripod 144 is positioned within the hollow cylinder 134 just below the top end of the hollow cylinder 134.

[01 19] The DC motor is energised by at least one electrical wire (positive and negative wires). The at least one electrical wire extends in the hollow cylinder 134 and to a power source (not shown). The power source can be a dry cell battery or electricity from the utility grid, or from renewable energy sources. If a dry cell battery were used, an access point is provided along the hollow cylinder 134 to replace the battery.

[0120] Along a body of the hollow cylinder 134, there are two spouts 146 on a left side and on a right side. The two spouts 146 puncture through the wall of the hollow cylinder 134 and are aligned horizontally across each other. Along the inner periphery of the hollow cylinder 134 specifically above the two punctured holes (leading to the spouts 146), is a bevel 148 that circumscribes the inner periphery.

[0121 ] Alternatively, the spouts 146 can be angled or pointing upwards towards the table top 132. Still, the spouts 146 can be nozzles 92 that are directionally rotatable and possess rotational air volume control.

[0122] The table top 132 has a thickness of forty millimetres (40 mm) and a diameter of one thousand millimetres (1 ,000 mm). The erected table stand 134 has a height of seven hundred millimetres (700 mm). An outer diameter of the table stand 134 (as a supporting stand) is sixty millimetres (60 mm) with an inner diameter of fifty millimetres (50 mm). The spout 146 which is circular has a diameter of ten millimetres (10 mm). The table top 132 is made of fibreglass which possesses water resistant property whilst the table stand 134 is made of steel which is durable. [0123] A circular hole 150 underneath the table top 132 or a bottom surface communicates with the top end of the erected table stand 134. The circular hole 150 fits onto the top end of the table stand 134 or the hollow cylinder 134. The circular hole 150 also has a diameter of sixty millimetres (60 mm). Additional fasteners are in place to secure the coupling between the table top 132 and the table stand 134.

[0124] Within the table top 132 are air channels 152 as shown in broken lines that extend from the centre to a circumference of the table top 132. The table top 132 in Fig. 19 has four air channels 152 that diverges from the centre to the circumference forming an orthogonal cross. The four air channels 152 terminate along the circumference with four funnel-like vents 156. The one vent 156 has a rectangular profile with a length of forty millimetres (40 mm) and a height of twenty millimetres (20 mm). Underneath the table top 132, along the four air channels 152 are visible holes 154. Three visible holes 154 are along each air channel 152.

[0125] Fig. 20 illustrates a second embodiment 160 of the table with the cooling means used on the table top 132 with the table stand 134. The table top 132 is similar to the first embodiment 130. The table stand 134 is perforated with perforations 162 around the periphery thereof.

[0126] Fig. 21 illustrates a third embodiment 170 of the table with the cooling means used on the table top 132 with the table stand 134. The cooling means of the second embodiment 160 include the perforations along the periphery of the table stand 134 and the three-bladed fan 142 at the top section of the table stand 134. The third embodiment 170 has a hollow cylindrical water tank 172 placed at the bottom end of the table stand 134. The hollow cylindrical water tank 172 having a trough at its bottom and an exposed brim. A hollow cylindrical membrane 178 is inserted into the hollow cylindrical water tank 172 at the exposed brim. An electric water pump 174 is placed inside the hollow cylindrical water tank 172. A water hose 176 is connected to the electric water pump 174 with an opposite end connected to a hollow ring 180 with perforations along the hollow ring 180. The water hose 176 can either be on an outer periphery or an inner periphery extending from a bottom end to a top end of the hollow cylindrical membrane 178. The hollow ring 180 is placed at a top end of the hollow cylindrical membrane 178. [0127] The outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical water tank 172 is about fifty millimetres (50 mm) the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical water tank 172 is about twenty-five millimetres (25 mm). The height of the hollow cylindrical water tank 172 is about one hundred millimetres (100 mm). The height of the hollow cylindrical membrane 178 is about seven hundred millimetres (700 mm) with 100 mm of the bottom part immersed in the hollow cylindrical water tank 172.

[0128] The water in the hollow cylindrical water tank 172 travels upwards on the hollow cylindrical membrane 178 through capillary action moistening itself. The top end of the hollow cylindrical membrane 178 is moistened by the hollow coil having water trickling down the inner surface thereof. The air coming from the bore 138 at the base support 136 travels upwards through the hollow cylindrical membrane 178.

[0129] Alternatively, the hollow cylindrical membrane 178 can be a hollow hexagonal membrane. An increase surface area helps in the evaporative process which removes the heat and creating cooler air. Alternative liquid may be used instead of water.

[0130] The fixture with cooling means can also be used for the stool as well. The stool has the same structure as the table. The stool includes a stool stand (as a supporting stand) and a stool top (as a supporting fixture).

[0131 ] Fig.22 illustrates a fourth embodiment 190 of the cooling means relating to a hand rail 192. The figure depicts a partial view of the hand rail 192 revealing the inner periphery on a left side and the hand rail 192 extends to a right bend towards the ground 196. Similar to the first, second and the third embodiments, the cooled air is introduced into the hand rail 192 from a connecting conduit 88. A first terminal end of the hand rail 192 on the right end is joined to the base support 136. The base support 136 is screwed to the ground 196 by two bolts and secured by two nuts 140. The second terminal end of the hand rail 192 on the left side is also joined to another base support 136. The air flow goes back to the conduit 88 underground.

[0132] The hand rail 192 has a plurality of perforation 162 as shown by the shaded circles along the periphery thereof. A right human hand 194 is shown to grip the hand rail 192. The arrows in the figure shows the direction of air flow 198 from the conduit 88 to the ground 196 and into the handrail 192. The air flow 198 is driven by the cooling device 94 located remotely. The cooled air from the cooling device 94 is then transported through the conduit 88 and to the hand rail 192.

[0133] The fixtures described in Fig. 17 relates to the table, the stool, the wall fan 84 and the ceiling fan 86.

[0134] Functionally, the fixtures by themselves are unable to provide any cooling means. A fixture that is able to provide the means to cool a diner 82 is sought after especially the table and the stool as they are in close proximity to the diner 82.

[0135] The table stand 134 and the stool stand have nozzles 92 constructed to provide the cool air. The cool air is provided by the first insulated conduit 88. The second insulated conduit 90 is specially routed to the wall fan 84 and the ceiling fan 86. The routed second insulated conduit 90 has nozzles 92 that provide the cool air to the two fans 84,86. The two insulated conduit 88 are coupled to the cooling device 94 that provides a centralised air cooling means.

[0136] The cooling device 94 is a heat pump that is able to transfer heat energy from a source of heat (temperature above 10^QC would contain heat) to a heat sink. The principle of vapor compression refrigeration, uses a refrigerant R134a involving a compressor and a condenser to absorb heat at one place and release it at another. The R134a (1 ,1 ,1 ,2- tetrafluoroethane, R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a or HFC-134a) also known as norflurane is a haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone depletion potential and a somewhat lower global warming potential (1 ,430, compared to R-12's GWP of 10,900).

[0137] The heat pump 94 absorbs heat from a cold space (evaporator coil, which extracts heat from ambient air) and releasing it to a warmer space (inner heat exchanger coil, which transfer the heat into a water tank). The heat pump 94 provides free cool air, environmentally friendly and low cost of operation.

[0138] Heat pump 94 is used to transfer heat because less high-grade energy is required than is released as heat. Most of the energy for heating comes from the external environment, only a fraction of which comes from electricity (or some other high-grade energy source required to run a compressor 108). In the electrically-powered heat pump 94, the heat transferred can be three or four times larger than the electrical power consumed, giving the system a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 or 4, as opposed to a COP of 1 for a conventional electrical resistance heater, in which all heat is produced from input electrical energy.

[0139] The heat pump 94 uses a refrigerant as an intermediate fluid to absorb heat where it vaporizes, in the evaporator 100, and then to release heat where the refrigerant condenses, in the condenser 102. The refrigerant flows through insulated pipes between the evaporator 100 and the condenser 102, allowing for efficient thermal energy transfer at relatively long distances.

[0140] The heat pump 94 which is powered by the battery solar power system 98 charge provides further energy conservation so as not to solely rely on the electrical grid 97. The charge controller prevents the battery from overcharging by interrupting the flow of electricity from the photovoltaic (PV) solar panels 96 when the battery bank is full. The battery bank connects a group of batteries together. The batteries are similar to car batteries but designed specifically to endure the type of charging and discharging that is required to handle in a solar power system. The system meter provides a measurement and display of the solar PV system performance and status. The main DC disconnect is a DC rated breaker between the batteries and the inverter (Direct Current to Alternating Current) providing a rapid disconnecting from the battery bank for servicing.

[0141 ] The battery solar power system 98 is also connected to the electrical grid 97 also known as a grid-tied PV system. The grid-tied PV system inverters are designed to shut down when the grid experiences a power outage so as to protect the utility repair workers from being shocked by electricity coming from the PV array. As a result, during a power outage, the electricity coming from the PV array cannot be utilized. However, if the PV system includes a battery bank, during a power outage the energy produced by the PV system can be utilized and stored in the batteries which is shown in Fig. 17.

[0142] A grid-tied PV system with battery backup is ideal if you live in an area that has unreliable power from the grid or that experiences power outages due to natural disasters. [0143] The base support 136 provides the support of the table stand 134 and the table top 132. The bore 138 at the base support 136 provides a channel for the cool air to flow into the table stand 134 and table top 132. The cylindrical structure of the table stand 134 provides a uniform structural strength. The table stand 134 is hollow so as to provide unobstructed air flow to the table top 132. The bore 138 at the base support 136 is circumscribed by the table stand 134 or also known as the hollow cylinder 134 so that the air from the cooling device 94 is delivered into the hollow cylinder 134.

[0144] In the first embodiment 130 as shown in Fig. 19, at the top section of the hollow cylinder 134 is a three-bladed fan 142 driven by a D.C. (direct current) motor. The three- bladed fan 142 provides a propulsion of cool air from the bottom end to the top end of the hollow cylinder 134. Therefore, the blades are angled to provide an upward flow of air. The three-bladed fan 142 also serves to increase the air flow speed through the hollow cylinder 134.

[0145] The spouts 146 along the periphery of the hollow cylinder 134 provides lateral air flow to the diner 82 sitting around the table so that the air flow reaches the lower parts of the diner(s) 82. The bevel 148 along the inner periphery of the hollow cylinder 134 specifically above the two spouts 146, is to channel the air flow from the bottom end thereof to the spouts 146.

[0146] The channelled air driven upwards by the three-bladed fan 142 goes to the table top 132 through the circular hole 150. The four air channels 152 in the table top 132 allow the cool air to flow to the funnel-like vents 156 at the circumference. Along the four air channels 152 in the table top 132, beneath the table top 132 are perforations which provides cool air to the diner 82.

[0147] In the second embodiment 160 as shown in Fig. 20, the table stand 134 is perforated around the periphery. The perforations provide more cool air to be purged from the table stand 134.

[0148] The third embodiment 170 as shown in Fig. 21 uses the principle of evaporation to cool the air further. The hollow cylindrical membrane 178 provides a medium for the absorption of water from the hollow cylindrical water tank 1 72. Flowever, only part of the hollow cylindrical membrane 178 is moistened based on capillary action of the water. Therefore, the electric water pump 174 is used to pump the water through the water hose 176 and into a hollow ring 180 at the top end. The water will trickle on to the hollow cylindrical membrane 178 from the perforations around the hollow ring 180. The cool air introduced through the bore 138 at the base support 136 provides a low humidity cool air (dry cool air) which provides accelerated rate of evaporation of the moisture on the hollow cylindrical membrane 178. In other words, cooler air purge from the table stand 134 and the table top 132.

[0149] The hollow cylindrical membrane 1 78 also provides filtration for the air as well as the water. The membrane must be permeable to air so that the flow of air is not obstructed. The permeability can be altered by either increasing or decreasing the layers of membrane Alternatively, a less expensive medium to use can be a fabric like a cloth.

[0150] The fixture with cooling means relating specifically to the table and the stool with cooling means.

[0151 ] A method of constructing the table top 132 comprising the steps of first forming a mould. The mould takes the shape of a circle. Secondly, a channel-vent structure which is laid in the mould which is within the table top 132. Thirdly, a resin typically a two-part thermoset polyester, vinyl or epoxy which is mixed with its hardener in the mould and the channel-vent structure is applied thereon. Fourthly, sheets of fibreglass matting are laid into the mould and the channel-vent structure. Then more resin mixture is applied. The resin mixture and the fibreglass must conform to the mould, and air must not be trapped between the fibreglass, the channel-vent structure and the mould. The table top 132 may be covered with a plastic sheets and vacuum is drawn on the table to remove air bubbles and press the fibreglass to the shape of the mould. Finally, the moulded table top 132 is cured in an oven.

[0152] A method of constructing the table stand 134 comprising the steps of first, acquiring a metal hollow cylindrical tube. Secondly, drilling a plurality of hole around the hollow cylindrical tube. The holes made can either be for the installation of the spouts 146 at the outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical tube or simply perforations for the out flowing of cool air from within. Optionally, the three-bladed fan 142 can be installed at the top end of the table stand 134. [0153] Finally, joining the base support 136 to the bottom end of the table stand 134 by welding.

[0154] The assembly of the table top 132 and the table stand 134 is achieved by inserting the top end of the table stand 134 into the circular hole 150 underneath the table top 132. The same method of construction is applicable for the stool i.e. the stool top and the stool stand.

[0155] Relating to the cooling device 94 which is a reversible heat pump 94 work in either direction to provide heating or cooling indoors. A reversing valve is used to reverse the flow of refrigerant from the compressor through the condenser and evaporation coils.

[0156] The cooling device 94 provides two modes of operation, a heating mode and a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the outdoor coil is an evaporator, while the indoor coil is a condenser. The refrigerant flowing from the evaporator (outdoor coil) carries the thermal energy from outside air indoors. Vapour (refrigerant) temperature is augmented within the pump by compressing it. The indoor coil then transfers the thermal energy (including energy from the compression) to the indoor air, which is then conveyed indoors by conduits 88,90 as shown in Fig. 17 where the conduits 88,90 are routed to the fixtures.

[0157] Alternatively, the thermal energy is transferred to the water, which is then used to heat the indoor environment via radiators. The heated water may also be used for domestic hot water consumption like dishwashing. The refrigerant is then allowed to expand, cool, and absorb heat from the outdoor temperature in the outside evaporator, and the cycle repeats. The "cold" side of the refrigerator (the evaporator coil) is positioned so if is the outdoor environment where is colder.

[0158] In a cold weather, the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump 94 needs to be intermittently defrosted. This will cause the auxiliary or emergency heating elements (located in the air-handler) to be activated. At the same time, the frost on the outdoor coil will quickly be melted due to the warm refrigerant. The condenser/evaporator fan ceases to run during defrost mode. [0159] In the cooling mode, the cycle is similar, but the outdoor coil is now the condenser and the indoor coil (which reaches a lower temperature) is the evaporator. This is the familiar mode in which air conditioners operate.

[0160] In the application, unless specified otherwise, the terms "comprising", "comprise", and grammatical variants thereof, intended to represent "open" or "inclusive" language such that they include recited elements but also permit inclusion of additional, non- explicitly recited elements.

[0161 ] As used herein, the term "about", in the context of concentrations of components of the formulations, typically means +/- 5% of the stated value, more typically +/- 4% of the stated value, more typically +/- 3% of the stated value, more typically, +/- 2% of the stated value, even more typically +/- 1 % of the stated value, and even more typically +/- 0.5% of the stated value.

[0162] Throughout this disclosure, certain embodiments may be disclosed in a range format. The description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed ranges. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0163] It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the application will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the application and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims. Reference Numerals

1000 cooling component;

1002 silicon carbide porous material;

1004 silicon carbide membrane;

1006 flow path;

1008 incoming airstream;

1010 outgoing airstream;

2000 first embodiment of evaporative cooler;

2002 inlet;

2004 outlet;

2006 tank;

2008 shell;

2010 sterilization unit;

2012 baffle;

2014 unoccupied air passage;

2016 entrance;

2018 exit;

2020 low pressure fan;

2022 pump;

2024 spraying orifices;

2026 water level regulator;

3000 second embodiment of evaporative cooler;

3002 first thermoelectric dehumidifiers;

3004 first condensation passage;

3010 first embodiment of thermoelectric dehumidifier; 3012 air ingress;

3014 air egress;

3016 coiled tube;

3020 second embodiment of thermoelectric dehumidifier; 3022 spiral configuration;

4000 third embodiment of evaporative cooler;

4002 first container;

4004 first reflux passage;

5000 fourth embodiment of evaporative cooler; 5002 second thermoelectric dehumidifier;

5004 second container;

5006 second condensation passage;

5008 second reflux passage;

6000 fifth embodiment of evaporative cooler;

6100 sixth embodiment of evaporative cooler; 6200 seventh embodiment of evaporative cooler; 6202 cold fins;

6204 hot fins;

6206 thermoelectric dehumidifier drainage;

6300 eighth embodiment of evaporative cooler; 6302 desiccant dehumidifier;

7000 first embodiment of cooing component; 7002 cooling sheet;

7100 second embodiment of cooing component; 7200 third embodiment of cooing component; 7202 cooling bulk;

7204 air channel;

8000 evaporative cooler;

8002 water supply module;

8004 electrical supply module;

8006 control module;

8008 warning module;

8010 communication module;

8012 sensor module;

8014 screen;

8016 moving mechanism;

80 food centre

82 diner

84 wall fan

86 ceiling fan

88 first insulated conduit

90 second insulated conduit

92 nozzle

94 cooling device or heat pump photovoltaic solar panel

electrical grid

battery solar power system

100 evaporator

101 pressure lowering device or metering device

102 condenser

104 inflow air

106 outflow air

107 cool air

108 compressor

1 10 highly pressurized vapour

1 12 high pressure moderate temperature liquid or condensed refrigerant

1 14 low-pressure liquid refrigerant

1 16 boiler

1 18 dishwasher

120 turbine

130 first embodiment

132 table top

134 table stand or hollow cylinder

136 base support

138 bore

140 bolts and nuts

142 three-bladed fan

144 tripod

146 spout

148 bevel

150 circular hole

152 air channel

154 visible holes

156 funnel-like vent

160 second embodiment

162 perforations

170 third embodiment

172 hollow cylindrical water tank

174 electric water pump 176 water hose

178 hollow cylindrical membrane

180 hollow ring

190 fourth embodiment

192 hand rail

194 right human hand

196 ground

198 direction of air flow

Claims

1. An air cooler comprising:

> an inlet for drawing ambient air into the air cooler as an airstream;

> a cooling component coupled to the inlet for cooling the airstream;

> a tank connected to the cooling component for lowering temperature of the cooling component; and

> an outlet further coupled to the cooling component for discharging cooled airstream;

wherein the cooling component comprises a stirrer for causing turbulence to the airstream.

2. The air cooler of claim 1 , wherein

the cooling component comprises a porous material for wetting surface of the porous material.

3. The air cooler of claim 1 or 2, wherein

the porous material comprises multiple pieces;

the multiple pieces are configured to operate independent from each other; and two or more of the multiple pieces are parallel with respect to each other.

4. The air cooler of any of the preceding claims further comprising:

a water level regulator for controlling an immersion depth of the cooling component in the tank.

5. The air cooler of claim 4, wherein:

the water level regulator further comprises

> a ball float valve located above a water line of the tank;

> an overflow channel connected to the ball float valve; and

> a tank drainage connected to the tank for discharging water from the tank.

6. The air cooler of claim 1 , wherein

the stirrer comprises at least one air circulator for drawing the incoming airstream along the cooling component, and the at least one air circulator comprises a low pressure fan or a high suction pressurised fan.

7. The air cooler of any of the preceding claims further comprising

> a pump for pumping the water;

> a water distributor connected to the pump for transferring the water to the tank;

wherein the water distributor comprises a spraying mechanism having multiple spraying orifices located above the cooling component for wetting the cooling component.

8. The air cooler of any of the preceding claim, further comprising:

an air pre-treatment unit connected between the inlet and the cooling component for regulating condition of the incoming airstream.

9. The air cooler of claim 1 or 8, wherein

the cooling component, the air pre-treatment unit or both comprises multiple fins for extending surfaces of heat transfer.

10. The air cooler of any of the preceding claims further comprising

a heat transfer regulator for regulating temperature of the cooling component, the air pre-treatment unit or both.

1 1. The air cooler of claim 10, wherein

the heat transfer regulator comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor or both.

12. A fan assembly, comprising:

> a supporting fixture for holding an object on the supporting fixture;

> a supporting stand connected to the supporting fixture for raising the supporting fixture above the ground; and

> the air cooler according to any of the preceding claims;

wherein the fan assembly further comprises at least one duct connected to the outlet of the air cooler for channelling a cooling stream to a side of the fan assembly.

13. The fan assembly of claim 12, wherein

the supporting fixture comprises a tabletop for keeping a tableware on top.

14. The fan assembly of claim 12 or 13, wherein

the supporting fixture comprises a seat for supporting a person.

15. The fan assembly of any of the preceding claims 12 to 14 further comprising at least one nozzle on a surface of the fan assembly, the at least one nozzle connected to the at least one duct for directing the cool stream towards a user of the fan assembly.

16. The fan assembly of any of the preceding claims 12 to 15 further comprising an automatic fan for driving the cooling stream through the at least one duct.

17. The fan assembly of any of the preceding claims 12 to 16, wherein

the at least one duct comprises multiple channels in the supporting fixture for guiding the cooling stream to a lateral edge of the supporting fixture.

18. The fan assembly of any of the preceding claims 12 to 17 further comprising a heat exchanger that is connected to the at least one duct for providing the cooling stream having temperature lower than an ambient temperature of the fan assembly.

19. The fan assembly of claim 18, wherein

the heat exchanger comprises a thermal energy storage material for absorbing heat from the cooling stream.

20. The fan assembly of any of the preceding claims 12 to 19 further comprising at least one dinning furniture having its supporting stand on the ground, and the at least one duct is connected to an external source of the cool stream.

21. A residence for providing a cooling ambient to diners, the eating place comprising

> a first fan assembly according to any of the preceding claims 12 to 20; and

> a second fan assembly according to any of the preceding claims 12 to 20; wherein the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly share the same source of cool stream.

22. A method of making the air cooler of any of the preceding claims 1 to 1 1 ,

comprising:

> providing an enclosure with an inlet and an outlet;

> providing a tank inside the enclosure;

> installing a cooling component inside the enclosure; and

> immersing the cooing component partially into the tank.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising

coating the cooling component with a hydrophilic material.

24. A method of using the air cooler of any of the preceding claims 1 to 1 1 ,

comprising:

> filling the tank with water below a water level;

> switching on a power source; and

> starting the evaporative cooler.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising

cleaning a cooling component of the air cooler in order to reuse the air cooler with the same cooling component.