A German researcher has invented a new light-weight air-conditioned jacket that can keep its wearer cool on hot days and during heavy physical exertion.
Wilhelm Stork from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has created the innovative jacket ‘KlimaJack’ which weighs a comfortable 200 grams, centineladigital.com reported.
The project developed by Stork in Germany, was funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, according to which the invention may allow an increase in the hours of work of police officers and firefighters who are often forced to use heavy clothes.
According to the Ministry, the jacket could also benefit people who suffer from cardiovascular problems
The prototype of the jacket resembles a bulletproof vest and functions by evaporation of perspiration through the air circulating in its ventilation ducts, thereby reducing the body temperature.
The jacket’s cooling can be regulated with the help of a mini-computer which can be worn as a wrist watch.
The ‘KlimaJack’ idea came to Stork during a European heat wave in the summer of 2003.
After a number of experiments, including with ice jackets, the German researcher concluded the best method would be to optimize the body’s natural cooling mechanism.
The prototype, which is intended for use by police officers and firefighters, is under further evaluation as it does not cover the arms and legs of the wearer.