MakeHeat

“Congressional representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA), Wally Herger (R-CA) and Earl Pomeroy (D-S.D.) have introduced the Thermal Energy Cooling and Heating Act of 2009 (HR 3918) that would give a 30 percent tax credit and accelerated depreciation to individuals or businesses that install thermal energy systems that reduce peak demand.

The primary thermal energy system on the market today that fits this description is the ice cooler marketed by both Ice Energy and Calmac. In these systems, ice is made at night when power is cheaper (or generated but not consumed). It then melts during the day: Heat exchangers allow the chilly vapors to circulate through the building and cool them. …”

via Greentech Media: Tax Breaks for Ice Air Conditioners? A Proposal Is in Congress | Green Light.

My 5th grade teacher (Mr. Hart) told me of a similar method used in the army so they could cool their beer, where they’d soak their sock, put the can of beer inside and wait awhile. The water would evaporate, and cool the beer to a “drinkable temperature”. He had a lot of stories, after going through two world wars. Never thought of making a canister to do the same, but this young inventor has. via Inhabitat