System and apparatus for enclosing equipment

Abstract

An enclosure having a top and at least one side to surround equipment is disclosed. The enclosure includes a first set of ventilation ports disposed toward the bottom of the enclosure, a second set of ventilation ports disposed toward the top of the enclosure, and a baffle disposed proximate the top at the interior of the enclosure. The top of the opening of the first set of ventilation ports is disposed to be lower than the bottom of the equipment, the bottom of the opening of the second set of ventilation ports is disposed to be higher than the top of the equipment, and the baffle is configured to direct a cooling medium toward the second set of ventilation ports.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to equipment enclosures, and particularly to enclosures surrounding power plant equipment. [0002] Power generating equipment, such as gas turbines for example, may create significant amounts of acoustic energy (noise) during operation. Therefore it is common practice, as may be required by national agencies or the power station operators, to enclose such equipment within sound enclosures to dampen, or prevent transmission of, this acoustic energy into the surrounding environment. In addition to acoustic energy, many types of power generating equipment also generate large quantities of heat. When this equipment is sited indoors, a means to dissipate the heat to the exterior of the building and maintain specific thermal operating conditions may be required. Presently, enclosures utilize blowers to force cooling air through the enclosures to remove the heat generated by the equipment contained therein. Often, t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029] As disclosed, some embodiments of the invention may include some of the following advantages: ability to eliminate blower use for heat removal; ability to eliminate, or at least reduce, blower noise, which can contribute to overall power plant noise levels, thereby reducing overall system noise; increased equipment uptime by eliminating blower maintenance; reduced energy consumption via elimination of blower use; and, reduction in space consumed by blower motors and fans.

Problems solved by technology

Power generating equipment, such as gas turbines for example, may create significant amounts of acoustic energy (noise) during operation.

In addition to acoustic energy, many types of power generating equipment also generate large quantities of heat.

These blowers may consume significant energy and require regular repair and maintenance, which may have a negative impact on the uptime of the generating equipment.

Images