The Inventors Who Changed Modern HVAC Forever
Throughout black history, the modernization of heating and cooling has transformed how and where people live. Controlling the environment has become increasingly easy with important additions and inventions in the HVAC industry.
One of the most important revolutionaries in HVAC history is an African American man named David Crosthwait. Mr. Crosthwait was from Kansas City, Missouri, and it was here that he first considered the future of temperature.
The Pioneer of Refrigeration
David Crosthwait is one of the most accomplished African American inventors in history. He specialized in both heat transfer and air conditioning. During the post-Jim Crow era, he was able to earn a Bachelor's degree from Purdue University despite the difficulties of racial politics. His achievements in science and education were remarkable for the times.
After earning a Master's Degree in engineering, Mr. Crosthwait became the Director of Research Laboratories for what is now known as Marshall Engineered Products Co. By primarily focusing on air ventilation and temperature control, he was a pioneer of refrigeration and vacuum pumps.
David Crosthwait invented an improved boiler system, new thermostat controls, and temperature-regulating technology among several of his patents. Before these inventions were created, an HVAC system could not remove unwanted air as effectively as it can now.
Part of this is due to the use of vacuum pumps. Mr. Crosthwait was able to perfect the air conditioning system by removing water vapor. This helps reduce gasses from the refrigerant system to achieve the value of atmospheric pressure. This air conditioning component allows a room to stay cool without causing damage to the internal system.
The Home Security System: From Home for Home
Ms. Parker is a black woman inventor responsible for designing the first gas furnace powered by natural gas. Because she invented a mechanism that could distribute heat evenly, she helped families stay warm throughout the cold months.
Individually controlled air ducts were used to control burner units to heat different areas of a building. This technology inspired other heating and cooling inventions like thermostats and forced air furnaces. Instead of relying on wood, Alice Parker's natural gas heating system increased efficiency during the winter. Her efforts were recognized in 2019 by the National Society of Black Physicists.
The Coolest Electrician
Lewis Latimer was another black inventor famous for multiple inventions involving electricity. In 1884 Mr. Latimer became an engineer at Edison Electric Light Company. Mr. Latimer was known for improving the light bulb with an electrified filament made from carbon. Later he wrote a book on electric lighting called Incandescent Electric Lighting: A Practical Description of the Edison System.
Lewis Latimer invented the evaporative air conditioner to cool air by using the process of evaporation. This was considered one of the first modern air conditioners in the country. The air conditioner operated as a window unit and was designed with apartments in mind. One of its features was intended to disinfect a room.
Lewis Latimer worked with Alexander Graham Bell to help patent the telephone. Although he defended Alexander Graham Bell's claim to the invention, there has been speculation whether Mr. Latimer created the telephone.
About Central Heating
Central Heating believes in innovative technology to produce the best HVAC services available. Their expert staff can handle any heating issues, including installations and repairs. Contact them today for reliable service in Barri, ON.
