An air-cooled heat exchanger system with improved water drainage

Abstract

(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (10) International Publication Number (43) International Publication Date WO 2025 / 254505 A1 11 December 2025 (11.12.2025) WIPOIPCT (51) International Patent Classification: (72) Inventor: MUCENIEKS, Armands; Skolas iela 18, F28D 1 / 04 (2006.01) F28F 17 / 00 (2006.01) LV-5001 Ogre, Ogres nov. (LV). F28D 1 / 02 (2006.01) F28F 25 / 00 (2006.01) (74) Agent: KROMANIS, Artis; KROMANIS, Ranka dambis (21) International Application Number: 30 - 111, LV-1048 Riga (LV). PCT / LV2025 / 050016 (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every (22) International Filing Date: kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, 05 September 2025 (05.09.2025) AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CV, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM, (25) Filing Language: English DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, (26) Publication Language: English HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IQ, IR, IS, IT, JM, JO, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN, KP, KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, (30) Priority Data: MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MU, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, LVP2025000013 20 February 2025 (20.02.2025) LV NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, (71) Applicant: BLUE ENERGY GLOBAL, SIA [LV / LV]; RS, RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, ST, SV, SY, TH, Skolas iela 18, LV-5001 Ogre, Ogres nov. (LV). TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UY, UZ, VC, VN, WS, ZA, ZM, ZW. (54) Title: AN AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED WATER DRAINAGE 10 11 14 11 11 2 14 14 13 13 12 13 11 20 20 12 ITE 1 20 50 40 1 20 Fig. 2 (57) Abstract: The present invention relates to an adiabatic pre-cooling system (10) with water supply (40) and drainage units (50). WO 2025 / 254505 A1 The adiabatic pre-cooling system (10) comprises an adiabatic panel (11), a water spraying unit (12) arranged in front of the adiabatic panel (11), and a drainage channel (20) under the adiabatic panel (11) The drainage channel (20) comprises a base (21), a front sidewall (22) and a back sidewall (23) extending from said base (21), and a base protrusion (24) extending from the base (21) of the drainage channel (20) and arranged between the front sidewall (22) and the back sidewall (23) and configured to support the adiabatic panel (11). The system comprises a drainage nipple (30) comprising a drainage hole (31) and a flange (32), wherein the drainage nipple (30) is connected to the drainage channel (20) through the base (21) of the drainage channel (20). [Continued on next page] WO 2025 / 254505 A1 PCT / LV2025 / 050016 MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MU, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, (71) Applicant: BLUE ENERGY GLOBAL, SIA [LV / LV]; (54) Title: AN AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED WATER DRAINAGE 10 14 2 14 14 13 13 12 13 20 20 20 50 40 20 WO 2025 / 254505 A1 GH, GM, KE, LR, LS, MU, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SC, SD, - - Published: - - before the expiration of the time limit for amending the - upon request of the applicant, before the expiration of the from PATENTSCOPE - - - - - from PATENTSCOPE

Description

AN AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED WATER DRAINAGEDESCRIPTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an air cooled heat exchanger system comprising an adiabatic pre-cooling system with water supply and drainage units.Background of the invention

[0002] Conventional cooling systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are used around the world to regulate and control the temperature and humidity of a room or space, providing fresh and / or filtered air.

[0003] Some typical examples of air-cooled heat exchangers with adiabatic cooling are disclosed in the European patent application publication No. EP3671090, Chinese patent application publications Nos. CN10520291 and CN105157447.

[0004] V-shaped or V-type air cooled heat exchangers with adiabatic pre-cooling are disclosed in the US patent application publication No. US2018 / 0231264, and the international application publications Nos. WO2017 / 082714 and W02019 / 060463. The US patent application publication No. US2018 / 231264 discloses a once-through dry adiabatic cooler having a water distribution system, a wastewater sensor, and a controller, where the amount of wastewater, is detected, and the amount of water distributed to an air flow path adjacent to the coils of the cooler is adjusted so that the amount of water detected is as close to zero as possible, or, in the case of the use of adiabatic pads that require flushing, only the amount of water necessary to flush salt and other minerals from said pads.

[0005] Cooling units consume vast amounts of energy. Supplying power to a cooling unit is often costly and has environmental implications. Cooling units exploiting adiabatic cooling require a continuous supply of water, in a result of which large volumes of water are consumed as part of the cooling process.

[0006] Hence, it is necessary to decrease water consumption without sacrificing cooling efficiency. One way of decreasing water consumption is by utilizing various sensor and controlsystems as disclosed in European patent application publication No. EP3671090. This increases the complexity of the system and the possibility of down-time due to some electronic fault. Improved adiabatic pre-cooling system for a V-type air cooled heat exchanger is disclosed in the international patent application publication No. WO2023 / 214866. The publication discloses the system comprising an adiabatic panel arranged in front of an air inlet area of the V-type air cooled heat exchanger and a water spraying unit arranged in front of the adiabatic panel. The water spraying unit comprises a horizontal water spraying sub-unit and two vertical water spraying sub-units connected to the horizontal water spraying sub-unit. Each water spraying sub-unit comprises nozzles. The nozzles on the vertical water spraying sub-unit are arranged so that water from the nozzles is sprayed parallel to the adiabatic panel. The nozzles on the horizontal water spraying sub-unit are arranged so that water from the nozzles is sprayed longitudinal to a direction of the incoming air flow.

[0007] In addition to very effective cooling, it is necessary to provide a maintenance free or at least close to maintenance free cooling system. One of the main problems or triggers for maintenance is a water management system for adiabatic cooling. Working environment is not clean. Mostly, it is contaminated with various particles, dirt, dust, etc. All this can block water management system and trigger maintenance. Moreover, this is very damaging when the maintenance is unexpected, i.e. is not planned. For example, for cooling of hospital or data centres, such unplanned downtime is even live threatening for humans and dangerous for expensive and high-performance equipment. Another object of the invention is to minimize a water consumption. Even if the cooling system provides effective cooling, a lot of water is wasted, i.e., not collected back into the system.

[0008] It is an aim of the invention to improve water management system so there is no unexpected downtime whilst minimizing water consumption.Summary of the invention

[0009] The aim is achieved by a design of an air-cooled heat exchanger system comprising at least two V-type air cooled heat exchangers. Each V- type air cooled heat exchanger comprises two air inlet areas arranged in V-type configuration to each other, an air outlet arranged above two air inlet areas and at least one fan configured to provide an air flow from the air inlet area to the air outlet.

[0010] The system comprises an adiabatic pre-cooling system. The adiabatic pre-cooling system comprises an adiabatic panel arranged in front and in parallel to the air inlet area of theV-type air cooled heat exchanger so that the incoming air flow first flows through the adiabatic panel and then through the air inlet area of the V-type air cooled heat exchanger into the V-type air cooled heat exchanger. The adiabatic pre-cooling system also comprises a water spraying unit arranged in front of the adiabatic panel. The water spraying unit comprises a horizontal water spraying sub-unit and a vertical water spraying sub-unit.

[0011] The system comprises a drainage channel arranged under the adiabatic panel so that the water sprayed onto the adiabatic panel from the water spraying unit and subsequently draining from the adiabatic panel falls into the drainage channel. The drainage channel comprises a base, a front sidewall, a back sidewall and a base protrusion. The front sidewall and the back sidewall extend from the base of the drainage channel. The back sidewall comprises an anti-splash protrusion extending from the back sidewall towards the front sidewall and a base of the drainage channel. The base protrusion extends from the base of the drainage channel and arranged between the front sidewall and the back sidewall and configured to support the adiabatic panel. The base protrusion is arranged preferably in a middle of between the front sidewall and the back sidewall. Moreover, the back sidewall extends higher from said base than the front sidewall.

[0012] The system comprises a drainage nipple. The drainage nipple comprises a drainage hole and a flange. The drainage nipple is connected to the drainage channel through the base of the drainage channel so that the flange of the drainage nipple extends into a cut-out of the base protrusion of the drainage channel. The drainage nipple with its flange on the base of the drainage channel forms a step so that the drainage hole of the drainage nipple is above the base of the drainage channel. The flange of the drainage nipple is arranged below an upper edge of the base protrusion of the drainage channel.

[0013] The drainage channel and drainage nipple design ensures efficient collection and removal of excess water from the system, minimizing water wastage and preventing pooling. Anti-splash protrusion prevents water from splashing, reducing potential system wear or contamination. The drainage nipple design prevents clogging and allows water to drain effectively, reducing maintenance requirements. The base protrusion supports the adiabatic panel securely, improving system longevity.

[0014] The system comprises a water supply unit fluidly connected to the water spraying unit and configured to supply the water to the water spraying unit. The system also comprises a water drainage piping fluidly connected to the drainage nipple and configured to drain the water from the drainage channel through the drainage nipple.Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The drawings illustrate through examples embodiments of the invention falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an air-cooled heat exchanger system comprising twelve V-type air cooled heat exchangers (1) with built in adiabatic pre-cooling systems (10).

[0017] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of one section of the air-cooled heat exchanger system as seen in Fig. 1 showing parts of two V-type air cooled heat exchangers (1) and the adiabatic precooling systems (10).

[0018] Fig. 3 is another enlarged view of one section of the air-cooled heat exchanger as seen in Fig. 1 showing the adiabatic pre-cooling system (10) in more detail, especially a drainage members of the adiabatic pre-cooling system (10).

[0019] Fig. 4 is a drainage channel (20) with a drainage nipple (30).

[0020] Fig. 5 is a close-up view of the drainage channel (20) as seen in Fig. 4.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a front view of the drainage channel (20) as seen in Fig. 4 and 5 with addition of an adiabatic cooling panel (11).

[0022] Fig. 7 is the front view of the drainage channel (20) with built-in nipple (30) as seen in Fig. 6 illustrating its function.Detailed description of the embodiments

[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an air-cooled heat exchanger system comprising twelve V-type air cooled heat exchangers (1) with built in adiabatic pre-cooling system (10). Each V- type air cooled heat exchanger (1) comprises two air inlet areas (2) arranged in V-type configuration to each other, an air outlet (3) arranged above two air inlet areas (2) and at least one fan (4) configured to provide an air flow (100, see Fig. 7) from the air inlet area (2) to the air outlet (3). The system comprises a water supply unit (40) and a water drainage piping (50) for the adiabatic pre-cooling system (10).

[0024] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of one section of the air-cooled heat exchanger system as seen in Fig. 1 showing parts of two V-type air cooled heat exchangers and the adiabatic precooling system. Fig. 3 is another enlarged view of one section of the air-cooled heat exchanger as seen in Fig. 1 showing the adiabatic pre-cooling system (10) in more detail, especially a drainage members of the adiabatic pre-cooling system (10). The adiabatic pre-cooling system (10) comprises an adiabatic panel (11) arranged in front and in parallel to the air inlet area (2)of the V-type air cooled heat exchanger (1) so that the incoming air flow (100) first flows through the adiabatic panel (11) and then through the air inlet area (2) of the V-type air cooled heat exchanger (1) into the V-type air cooled heat exchanger (1). The adiabatic pre-cooling system (10) comprises a water spraying unit (12) arranged in front of the adiabatic panel (11), wherein the water spraying unit (12) comprises a horizontal water spraying sub-unit (13) and a vertical water spraying sub-unit (14). The adiabatic pre-cooling system (10) comprises a drainage channel (20) arranged under the adiabatic panel (11) so that the water sprayed onto the adiabatic panel (11) from the water spraying unit (12) and subsequently draining from the adiabatic panel (11) falls into the drainage channel (20).

[0025] Fig. 4 is a drainage channel (20) with a drainage nipple (30). Fig. 5 is a close-up view of the drainage channel (20) as seen in Fig. 4. The drainage channel (20) comprises a base (21), a front sidewall (22) and a back sidewall (23) extending from said base (21). The back sidewall (23) comprises an anti-splash protrusion (25) extending from the back sidewall (23) towards the front sidewall (22) and a base (21) of the drainage channel (20). The drainage channel (20) comprises a base protrusion (24) extending from the base (21) of the drainage channel (20) and arranged between the front sidewall (22) and the back sidewall (23) and configured to support the adiabatic panel (11). It also comprises a drainage nipple (30) comprising a drainage hole (31) and a flange (32). The drainage nipple (30) is connected to the drainage channel (20) through the base (21) of the drainage channel (20) so that the flange (32) of the drainage nipple (30) extends into a cut-out (26) of the base protrusion (24) of the drainage channel (20). The drainage nipple (30) with its flange (32) on the base (21) of the drainage channel (20) forms a step so that the drainage hole (31) of the drainage nipple (30) is above the base (21) of the drainage channel (20). The flange (32) of the drainage nipple (30) is arranged below an upper edge of the base protrusion (24) of the drainage channel (20).

[0026] Fig. 6 is a front view of the drainage channel (20) as seen in Fig. 4 and 5 with addition of an adiabatic cooling panel (11). The adiabatic cooling panel (11) within the drainage channel (20) is supported by the base protrusion (24) of the drainage channel (20).

[0027] Fig. 7 is the front view of the drainage channel (20) with built-in nipple (30) as seen in Fig. 6 illustrating its function. The water (200) within the adiabatic cooling panel (11) falls into the drainage channel (20). The dirt and other particles (300) that come with drained water from the adiabatic cooling panel (11) stay within the drainage channel (20) and does not enter the drainage system (50). It is due to the flange (32) of the drainage nipple (30) that is above the base (21) of the drainage channel (20). Moreover, the anti-splash protrusion (25) of the drainagechannel (20) not only does not allow the water (200) to splash out from the drainage channel (20) but also maintains the adiabatic cooling panel (11) in place.

[0028] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of which have been shown by way of example in the figures and have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An air-cooled heat exchanger system comprising:- at least two V-type air cooled heat exchangers (1), wherein each V- type air cooled heat exchanger (1) comprises two air inlet areas (2) arranged in V-type configuration to each other, an air outlet (3) arranged above two air inlet areas (2) and at least one fan (4) configured to provide an air flow (100) from the air inlet area (2) to the air outlet (3);- an adiabatic pre-cooling system (10), wherein the adiabatic pre-cooling system (10) comprises:— an adiabatic panel (11) arranged in front and in parallel to the air inlet area (2) of the V-type air cooled heat exchanger (1) so that the incoming air flow (100) first flows through the adiabatic panel (11) and then through the air inlet area (2) of the V-type air cooled heat exchanger (1) into the V-type air cooled heat exchanger (1);— a water spraying unit (12) arranged in front of the adiabatic panel (11), wherein the water spraying unit (12) comprises a horizontal water spraying sub-unit (13) and a vertical water spraying sub-unit (14);- a drainage channel (20) arranged under the adiabatic panel (11) so that the water sprayed onto the adiabatic panel (11) from the water spraying unit (12) and subsequently draining from the adiabatic panel (11) falls into the drainage channel (20), wherein the drainage channel (20) comprises:— a base (21);— a front sidewall (22) and a back sidewall (23) extending from said base (21), wherein the back sidewall (23) comprises an anti-splash protrusion (25) extending from the back sidewall (23) towards the front sidewall (22) and a base (21) of the drainage channel (20);— a base protrusion (24) extending from the base (21) of the drainage channel (20) and arranged between the front sidewall (22) and the back sidewall (23) and configured to support the adiabatic panel (11);- a drainage nipple (30) comprising a drainage hole (31) and a flange (32), wherein the drainage nipple (30) is connected to the drainage channel (20) through the base (21) of the drainage channel (20) so that the flange (32) of the drainage nipple (30) extends into a cut-out (26) of the base protrusion (24) of the drainage channel (20); wherein the drainage nipple (30) with its flange (32) on the base (21) of the drainage channel (20) forms a step so that the drainage hole (31) of the drainage nipple (30) is above thebase (21) of the drainage channel (20), and wherein the flange (32) of the drainage nipple (30) is arranged below an upper edge of the base protrusion (24) of the drainage channel (20).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the base protrusion (24) is arranged in a middle of between the front sidewall (22) and the back sidewall (23).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the back sidewall (23) extends higher from said base (21) than the front sidewall (22).

4. The system according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the system comprises a water supply unit (40) fluidly connected to the water spraying unit (12) and configured to supply the water to the water spraying unit (12).

5. The system according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the system comprises a water drainage piping (50) fluidly connected to the drainage nipple (30) and configured to drain the water from the drainage channel (20) through the drainage nipple (30).

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