Need a device or method to generate cool air outside

[dmehling]

I need a way to generate cool air outside when temperatures are 90s and above. Basically what I am thinking of doing is essentially like positioning a fan right beside a bowl of ice cubes. Only in my case, instead of using ice cubes, an electrically powered cooling device that can slightly reduce the temperature in the area immediately around it, and a fan would blow that cooler air at a person or object I need to keep cool. And, I would like to keep the air relatively dry (50% or less humidity). I don't know a lot about what's out there, but I did read on another forum about using a heat exchanger to generate cool air. I only need to reduce the temperature by 5° to 10° a foot or less away from the cooler.

 

[dmehling]

That link is for evaporative coolers; is that the kind of device I was describing? I don't think that will work in my case because I need the air to be relatively dry, rather than increase humidity. Are there no other options for outdoor cooling?

 

[russ_watters]

You're basically just talking about running an air conditioner outside.

 

[rootone]

Are there no other options for outdoor cooling?

Running an air conditioner outside is clearly the easy way to go.
You could improve on that by placing the air conditioner in an area which is well covered by tarps or other materials,
so that the machine isn't having to deal with winds and stuff like that.

 

[CWatters]

You cannot just make something cold without moving that energy somewhere else. That's essentially what any air conditioner, refrigerator or heat pump does.

 

[NascentOxygen]

I need a way to generate cool air outside when temperatures are 90s and above. Basically what I am thinking of doing is essentially like positioning a fan right beside a bowl of ice cubes. Only in my case, instead of using ice cubes, an electrically powered cooling device that can slightly reduce the temperature in the area immediately around it, and a fan would blow that cooler air at a person or object I need to keep cool. And, I would like to keep the air relatively dry (50% or less humidity). I don't know a lot about what's out there, but I did read on another forum about using a heat exchanger to generate cool air. I only need to reduce the temperature by 5° to 10° a foot or less away from the cooler.

How much money are you willing to pay to set this up? What running cost/hour would you be prepared for?

Reducing the humidity by so much on a very humid day is going to be an economical challenge.

 

[Nuke]

If you are moving air try a vortex cooler. We use them to supply cool air inside of anti-contamination suits. No moving parts except the air.

 

[Jeff Rosenbury]

If it's a small spot, you might try a Peltier cooler and a muffin fan.

A Peltier cooler is basically a thermocouple run backwards.

 

[Jeff Rosenbury]

You might also consider a bottle of compressed air. Fan and ice in one package with no need for electricity.

You could recharge it at the local scuba shop.

 

[NascentOxygen]

The OP hasn't returned to answer questions or provide additional helpful information, so it's time to close this thread. Thanks to all contributors.