Vortex Air Conditioner With Belt 1,500 BTUH vs. 2,500 BTUH

Features

• Vortex air conditioners include a small vortex tube that separates compressed air into cold or warm airstreams. The tube attaches to a belt that connects to a diffuse-air vest. Both the 1,500 and 2,500 BTUH Vortex air conditioners include a 1/4 inch air compression tube and a 3/4 inch air discharger. When used with the air-diffuse vest, the 1,500 and 2,500 models provide a temperature range that is plus or minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit from the inlet temperature, or the temperature of the air as it enters the vortex tube.

Cooling Capacity

• The Vortex 2,500 BTUH model produces 1,000 more BTUHs of energy per hour than the 1,500 BTUH vest. A BTUH measures the cooling capacity of an air conditioner per square feet of space. For example, a 5,000 BTUH air conditioner works best in a 100- to 150-square-foot room. Since the 1,500 and 2,500 BTUH Vortex models provide cold or hot air to equally sized vests, the BTUH measures the cooling speed, and not the square footage.

Compressed Air Consumption and Pressure

• In terms of cooling capacity, a 2,500 BTUH compresses air faster than does a 1,500 BTUH, which results in a cooler or warmer vest in a shorter amount of time. The Vortex 1,500 BTUH compresses air at 25 standard cubic feet per second, or 10 cubic feet less than the 2,500 BTUH, which compresses at 35. The pressure rating for both the 1,500 and 2,500 BTUH models is equal, or 100 pounds per square inch.

Price and Availability

• As of 2011, both the 1,500 and 2,500 BTUH Vortex models retail for $114 each. Vortec, which offers a variety of vortex tube technology products, manufactures and sells both models online. Vortex personal cooling vests are available in large, extra large and extra-extra large sizes. Each vest is compatible with the 1,500 and 2,500 BTUH air conditioner model.