Thermal exchange control between two independent fluid streams - uses heat pipe between firearms and reversible heat pump with evaporator-condenser units in each fluid stream

摘要

The recuperation factor of the heat pipe is varied to control the temp. of air sent to the evaporator of the heat pump. The thermal exchange is controlled by varying the recuperation factor of the heat pipe (5) by extraction of calories from circulated air and by use of auxiliary heating to maintain a constant circulating air temp. The heat pumps is then brought into operation and regulates the circulation temp. by variation of the heat pipe recuperation factor to a level which ensures that the cold air passed to the heat pump evaporator (3, 4) is at a temp. just above that which would result in freezing of the heat pump working fluid.