Temperature and PCM Control System and Methods for Controlling Temperature

Abstract

A self-contained temperature control system comprises a container having at least two chambers receiving at least two different chemicals, one of which metered in controlled increments to create cooling/heating of a thermally conductive surface. The container forms a cartridge that carefully controls release/absorption of heat to cool/heat a heat exchanger that allows heat to be added/removed from wearable items. The cartridge is replaceable when energy from the chemical reaction between the chemicals is expended. A phase change material is provided as a buffer to increase cartridge life and buffer temperature output. A fabric construct containing phase change material nodes and flexible heat exchanger tubing is provided. Desired temperature of environment inside the item is controlled by temperature sensors sampling temperature of the environment allowing a control or microprocessor to process the data and control speed of reaction and flow of fluid through a tubing loop inside the item.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A self-contained temperature control system, comprising:
 a cartridge comprising a thermally conductive surface and defining:
 a first chamber disposed above the thermally conductive surface; and 
 at least one compartment different from the first chamber; 
   a first chemical disposed within the first chamber;   at least one second chemical disposed within the at least one compartment, the at least one second chemical being different from the first chemical; and   a pump configured to move the at least one second chemical from the at least one compartment into the first chamber such that contact of the first chemical with the at least one second chemical changes a temperature of the thermally conductive surface.