Condensing steam

Abstract

An aerosol condensation system is provided. The aerosol condensation system includes: a source electrode electrically connected to a power supply that applies a voltage to the source electrode; a condenser including a sink electrode to collect aerosol contained in an air flow to the sink electrode; and a pipe configured to guide the aerosol to the condenser. The source electrode and the sink electrode generate an electric field in the pipe.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 754,673, filed on November 2, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 779,847, filed on December 14, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 903,596, filed on September 20, 2019, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Technical Field

[0003] The present subject matter generally relates to condensing vapor, such as water vapor condensing systems. Background Art

[0004] Water removal can be a sustainable solution to water scarcity problems in many parts of the world. Desalination is a form of purification of liquids (especially water), and refers to the process of removing a certain amount of salt and other minerals from salt water. Through desalination, salt water can be converted into fresh water suitable for human consumption, irrigation, or other uses. Due to the relatively high energy consumption, the cost of desalination of seawater is generally higher than alternatives (e.g., fresh water from rivers or groundwater, water recycling, water conservation, etc.), but alternatives are not always available. Reverse osmosis is another method of purifying water. However, reverse osmosis uses expensive membranes and high pressures, which requires a lot of energy. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol condensation system. The system may include a source electrode electrically connected to a power supply that applies a voltage to the source electrode, a condenser including a sink electrode for collecting aerosol contained in an air flow, and a pipe configured to guide the aerosol to the condenser. The source electrode and the sink electrode may generate an electric field within the pipe.

[0006] One or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination. For example, the source electrode may include a source mesh, and the source mesh may include a first wire mesh. For example, the source mesh may include a wire diameter between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, and the characteristic size of the opening of the source mesh may be between 1 mm and 15 mm. The source mesh may include stainless steel, nickel, a conductive polymer, or a conductive silicone. The source mesh may include multiple layers, each of the multiple layers including a wire mesh. The sinking electrode may include a condensation mesh, and the condensation mesh includes a second wire mesh. The sinking electrode may condense the aerosol on the condensation mesh to form droplets, which are precipitated at least by gravity.

[0007] The condenser may include an inlet configured to receive an air flow having a first relative humidity, an outlet configured to discharge an air flow having a second relative humidity lower than the first relative humidity, and a reservoir configured to collect droplets. The condensation mesh may include a wire diameter between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, and the characteristic size of the opening of the condensation mesh may be between 1 mm and 15 mm. The condensation mesh may include stainless steel, nickel, a conductive polymer, or a conductive silicone. The condensation mesh may include a plurality of layers, each layer including a wire mesh.

[0008] The power source may include a direct current (DC) power source that produces a voltage between 20 V and 10 kV. The sink electrode may be electrically grounded or connected to an opposing power source that imparts an opposite charge to the sink electrode.

[0009] The system may include a blower configured to drive an air flow containing the aerosol through the source electrode and along a duct to a condenser. The cross-sectional area of ​​the duct may increase along the flow direction of the air flow, and the sink electrode may be arranged in a convex shape protruding toward the flow direction of the air flow.

[0010] On the other hand, the method of condensing the aerosol may include: applying an electric field between a source electrode and a sink electrode, the source electrode being electrically connected to a power source that applies a voltage to the source electrode; condensing the aerosol contained in the air flow into droplets at the sink electrode; and collecting the condensed droplets. The method may also include blowing the air flow along the duct with a blower. The electric field may be applied with a direct current (DC) power source that produces a voltage between 20V and 10kV. The sink electrode may be electrically grounded or connected to an opposite power source that imparts an opposite charge to the sink electrode.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the aerosol condensation system may include a source electrode and a condenser, the source electrode being electrically connected to a power source that applies a voltage to the source electrode, the condenser including a sink electrode to collect aerosols contained in an air flow. The source electrode and the sink electrode may generate an electric field, and the sink electrode may condense the aerosol on a condenser mesh to form droplets that settle at least by gravity.

[0012] One or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination. For example, the condenser may include an inlet configured to receive an air flow having a first relative humidity, an outlet configured to discharge an air flow having a second relative humidity lower than the first relative humidity, and a reservoir configured to collect droplets. The system may include an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) disposed downstream of the condenser to capture solid particles. The system may include a wind turbine disposed upstream of the condenser or downstream of the condenser. The wind turbine may be configured to generate electricity that may be supplied to a power source. The system may include a duct configured to guide the aerosol to the condenser, and the duct may include a contraction portion, an expansion portion, or both.

[0013] In yet another aspect, a method of controlling humidity may include: applying an electric field between a source electrode and a sink electrode, the source electrode being electrically connected to a power supply that applies a voltage to the source electrode; and controlling the humidity of the air flow through the sink electrode. Controlling the humidity of the air flow may include supplying water at the sink electrode when the humidity of the air flow is less than a preset target humidity. The water may be supplied from a water reservoir. Controlling the humidity of the air flow may also include: condensing water at the sink electrode and collecting the condensed water when the humidity of the air flow is greater than a preset target humidity. The condensed water may be collected in a water reservoir. Controlling the humidity of the air flow may include adjusting the voltage applied to the source electrode. Controlling the humidity of the air flow may also include: measuring the humidity of the air flow with a humidity sensor; generating a control signal based on the measured humidity of the air flow with a proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller; and outputting a control signal to adjust the voltage applied to the source electrode.

[0014] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include program instructions executed by a processor or controller, and the computer readable medium may include a memory configured to store the program instructions and a processor configured to execute the program instructions. When the program instructions are executed, they may receive a humidity value of an air flow from a humidity sensor, generate a control signal based on the received humidity value of the air flow, and cause a voltage corresponding to the control signal to be output to a source electrode of a humidity control system.

[0015] In yet another aspect, a method for monitoring and controlling a cooling tower may include measuring a first temperature of a cooling flow discharged from a cooling tower, measuring a second temperature of a heat flow entering the cooling tower, calculating a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, and adjusting a first flow rate of the cooling flow to allow the temperature difference to correspond to a predetermined target temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0016] One or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination. For example, the method may include adding a supplemental flow to the cooling flow. A mixing ratio of the supplemental flow and the cooling flow may be determined based on a temperature difference between a first temperature and a second temperature. The method may include adjusting a rotational speed of a fan to adjust a flow rate of cooling air. The method may include measuring an acidity of the cooling flow and adjusting the acidity by adjusting the mixing ratio of the supplemental flow.

[0017] In yet another aspect, a system for monitoring and controlling a cooling tower may include: a first temperature sensor for measuring a first temperature of a cooling flow discharged from a cooling tower; a second temperature sensor for measuring a second temperature of a heat flow entering a cooling tower; a first valve for adjusting a first flow rate of the cooling flow; a second valve for adjusting a second flow rate of the heat flow; a memory configured to store program instructions; and a processor configured to execute the program instructions. The program instructions, when executed, may configure the processor to collect data from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and adjust the first valve or the second valve to allow a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to correspond to a predetermined target temperature difference.

[0018] One or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination. For example, the processor may be configured to adjust the fan speed. The processor may be configured to adjust the mixing ratio of the supplemental flow and the cooling flow to allow the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to correspond to the target temperature difference. The processor may be configured to adjust the mixing ratio of the supplemental flow and the cooling flow to allow the acidity of the cooling flow to correspond to a predetermined target acidity. The system may also include an acidity sensor to measure the acidity of the cooling flow.

[0019] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for condensing vapor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for condensing aerosols in a cooling tower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 shows a source network and a condensation network according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a condenser used in a system for condensing an aerosol according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5A is a flow chart of a method for condensing aerosol according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5B is a flow chart of a method for condensing aerosol according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of a system for humidity control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a system for humidity control according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 8A shows the arrangement of source electrodes and sink electrodes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8B shows an arrangement of a source electrode and a sink electrode according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig.9A is a schematic diagram of a system for condensing aerosols in a cooling tower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram of a duct having a convergent-divergent portion and a wind turbine disposed within the convergent-divergent portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 9C is a schematic diagram of a duct having a constricted portion and a wind turbine disposed within the constricted portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig.9D is a schematic diagram of a duct having an expansion-contraction portion and a wind turbine disposed within the expansion-contraction portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower monitoring system (CTMS) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig.11 Lists elements of a CTMS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0036] Fig.12 Sensors and control elements of a CTMS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The current subject matter can provide a safe and energy-efficient technology to condense and collect ambient aerosols, such as water droplets, by applying an electric field between a source electrode and a sink electrode to drive the aerosol along the electric field. By generating an electric field and driving the aerosol without ionizing the aerosol with a high voltage power supply, the system can be implemented more safely and with higher efficiency than some conventional methods, and produces water with fewer impurities. Exemplary applications include turbine cooling towers and combustion chimneys. Existing infrastructure can be retrofitted and integrated using the current subject matter.

[0038] Techniques to remove water droplets or vapor from ambient air may include a collector in the form of a wire mesh, and condensation relies on the inertial collision of the water droplets or vapor on the collector mesh to capture the droplets. These techniques may be limited by aerodynamic drag because the droplets may need to collide with the wire mesh.

[0039] Problems associated with previous methods of vapor condensation and collection can be solved by utilizing electricity. Water vapor in the ambient air can be charged and directed toward a collector by an applied electric field. When the water vapor is charged, it can be attracted to the oppositely charged collector. Therefore, the charged water vapor may collide with the surface of the collector mesh with an increased probability. Upon impact, the droplets may adhere to the mesh and grow as they condense with other incoming droplets. When they grow large and heavy enough on the collector mesh, the droplets may settle due to gravity, and the settled droplets may be collected in a reservoir.

[0040] There may be many different means to remove ambient aerosols containing primarily water. In some conventional methods, corona discharge can be used to introduce space charge into the water vapor to impart a net charge to the incoming droplets. Corona discharge can be produced by using a sharp metal needle connected to a high voltage generator. Typically, the voltage range for producing a stable corona discharge is -10kV to -24kV.

[0041] However, there may be problems with using corona discharge to impart an electrical charge to ambient water vapor. For example, corona discharge ionizes the surrounding air and may produce gases such as ozone (O3) and nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide may be further oxidized by photochemical reactions to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and subsequently nitric acid (HNO3). These gases and liquids are toxic, corrosive, and environmentally harmful. If a water vapor condensation system is made with a corona discharge system, what is collected at the collector is a corrosive and toxic acid, so if it is desired to use the collected liquid for a useful purpose, further processing is required. In addition, corona discharge systems, when implemented for water vapor condensation systems, may be dangerous due to the high voltages associated therewith, may waste a lot of energy, and / or may interfere with adjacent electronic instruments due to the high voltage discharge. In addition, corona discharge systems may cause explosion problems when the system is surrounded by debris (e.g., dust particles) and / or loose items with a high surface area.

[0042] In some embodiments, an electric field can be applied within a predetermined space to guide and collect ambient aerosols. In a system that uses an electric field to remove ambient aerosols, the system may not require a high voltage generator, so the surrounding air may not be ionized. Since the dielectric breakdown voltage of air is relatively high, about 3kV / mm, a considerable electric field can be applied within a predetermined space to drive the aerosol to a specific location (e.g., a sinking electrode) where the aerosol can be condensed and collected. Therefore, no toxic and corrosive gases and liquids are produced. The system can be implemented more safely than a corona discharge system, has better energy utilization efficiency, and in addition, produces water with fewer impurities to allow the collected water to be used directly (e.g., without further treatment or purification). Since the system relies on the polar properties of water molecules, the system can distinguish polar aerosols (e.g., water) from non-polar aerosols (e.g., dust), thereby producing condensed water with fewer impurities.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for condensing steam according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , a system 100 for condensing steam may include a source electrode 110 , a condenser 120 , and a pipeline 140 .

[0044] The source electrode 110 may be electrically connected to a power source 130, which may apply a voltage to the source electrode 110. The source electrode 110 may apply an electric field within the duct 140 to drive ambient aerosols contained in the incoming air flow. The source electrode 110 may include a source mesh. Figure 3 An example of a source network is shown in . Figure 3 , the source network may include a plurality of layers 111 , 112 and 113 .

[0045] Each of the multiple layers 111, 112, and 113 may have multiple openings. Depending on the application, flow rate requirements, applied voltage, etc., each opening 114 formed in each of the multiple layers 111, 112, and 113 may have a characteristic size between 1 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, the characteristic size of each opening 114 may be the same between the multiple openings, or may be different. In addition, the openings 114 of the multiple layers 111, 112, and 113 may be aligned with each other or may be staggered. The source mesh of the source electrode 110 may be made of a conductive material. Examples of materials that can be used for the source mesh include stainless steel, nickel, conductive polymers, and conductive silicones. In addition, the source mesh may be made of a hydrophobic material and / or coated with a hydrophobic material to prevent absorption of water vapor. Depending on the application and use environment, the source electrode 110 may also be implemented with a liquid or a gas.

[0046] The source mesh may include a wire mesh. The wire mesh may include a plurality of interwoven or braided wires. Each layer of the source mesh may include a plurality of interwoven or braided wires, the plurality of interwoven or braided wires being wired at substantially regular intervals in a predetermined pattern. In this exemplary embodiment of the source mesh, the characteristic size of the opening 114 may be defined by the regular intervals of the pattern. Alternatively or additionally, the source mesh may be formed to include randomly woven wires. In this exemplary embodiment, the characteristic size of the opening 114 may be defined by the maximum diameter of a particle, which may pass through without being filtered if a certain threshold transmission efficiency is exceeded. For example, if more than a certain percentage of 1 mm particles can be transmitted through the source mesh, it can be said that the characteristic size of the opening 114 is 1 mm. The threshold transmission efficiency may be set to 90%, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the application, flow rate requirements, applied voltage, etc., the wires forming the source mesh may have a diameter between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. Although an example of a wire mesh including horizontal and vertical wires has been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The source mesh may consist of only horizontal wires or vertical wires.

[0047] The water vapor may be attracted to the condenser 120 and collected at the condenser 120. Figure 4 As shown, the condenser 120 may include an inlet 121, an outlet 122, and a reservoir 123. In operation, the inlet 121 may receive an incoming air flow having a first relative humidity value. The outlet 122 may discharge an output air flow having a second relative humidity value. In order to achieve net condensation of water vapor, the second relative humidity may be lower than the first relative humidity. Condensed water at the condenser 120 may be collected in the reservoir 123. As used herein, a relative humidity value refers to the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor to the saturated vapor pressure of water at a given temperature.

[0048] The condenser 120 may include a sink electrode 125. The sink electrode 125 may be electrically grounded and / or may be connected to a power source 130 that imparts a charge to the sink electrode 125 that is opposite to the charge imparted to the source electrode 110. Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which a common power source 130 supplies charges to both the source electrode 110 and the sink electrode 125, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The source electrode 110 and the sink electrode 125 may be connected to separate power sources.

[0049] The sink electrode 125 may include a condensation mesh. Figure 3As shown, the condensation net may include multiple layers 126, 127, and 128 to provide sufficient surface area to allow water vapor to adhere to the surface of the condensation net and condense on the surface of the condensation net. In operation, the condensed water vapor may condense with other condensed water vapor on the surface of the condensation net to form water droplets, and the water droplets may further condense with each other until they become large and heavy. When they become large and heavy enough, the water droplets may settle by gravity. A reservoir 123 may be provided below the sinking electrode 125 to collect the precipitated water droplets.

[0050] In the condensation network, such as Figure 3 As shown, each of the multiple layers 126, 127 and 128 can have multiple openings. Depending on the application, flow rate requirements, neutralization efficiency, etc., each opening 129 can have a characteristic size between 1mm and 15mm. The characteristic size of each opening 129 can be the same in multiple openings, or can be different. The openings 129 of multiple layers 126, 127 and 128 can be aligned with each other or can be staggered to increase the chance of aerosol colliding with the surface of the source network. The condensation network of the sinking electrode 125 can be made of a conductive material. Examples of materials used in the condensation network can include stainless steel, nickel, conductive polymers and conductive silicones. In addition, the condensation network can be made of a hydrophilic material and / or coated with a hydrophilic material to facilitate water vapor to condense more easily on the network surface. Depending on the application and use environment, the sinking electrode 125 can also be implemented with a liquid or a gas.

[0051] Similar to the source mesh, the condensation mesh may include a wire mesh. The wire mesh may include a plurality of interwoven or braided wires. Each layer of the condensation mesh may include a plurality of interwoven or braided wires wired at substantially regular intervals in a predetermined pattern. In this exemplary embodiment of the condensation mesh, the characteristic size of the opening 129 may be defined by the regular intervals of the pattern. Alternatively, the condensation mesh may be formed as a randomly woven wire. In this exemplary embodiment, the characteristic size of the opening 129 may be defined by the maximum diameter of the particle, which may pass through without being filtered if a certain threshold transmission efficiency is exceeded. For example, if more than a certain percentage of 1mm particles can be transmitted through the condensation mesh, it can be said that the characteristic size of the opening 129 is 1mm. The threshold transmission efficiency may be set to 90%, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the application, flow rate requirements, applied voltage, etc., the wire forming the condensation mesh may have a diameter between 0.5mm and 5mm. Although examples of wire meshes including horizontal and vertical wires have been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The condensation mesh may consist of only horizontal or vertical wires.

[0052] It may be desirable that the source and condenser meshes have a minimum characteristic size to provide a finer distribution of the electric field. However, the pressure drop across the mesh may need to be within a certain value to ensure adequate airflow through the system. Therefore, the pressure drop requirement may dictate a lower limit on the characteristic size of the mesh.

[0053] As described above, the power supply 130 can be electrically connected to the source electrode 110, the sink electrode 125, or both. In some embodiments, the power supply 130 can be implemented as a direct current (DC) power supply with a rated voltage between 20V and 10kV. For example, the applied voltage can be 7kV. The electrical power or voltage can be determined based on the size of the system, the processing capacity of the system, etc. In some embodiments, the power supply 130 can be implemented as a direct current (DC) power supply with a rated voltage between 20V and 9kV; 20V and 8kV; 20V and 7kV; 20V and 6kV; 20V and 5kV; 20V and 4kV; 20V and 3kV; 20V and 2kV; 20V and 1kV; 1kV and 9kV; 2kV and 8kV; 3kV and 7kV; or 4kV and 6kV.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the pipe 140 can direct and guide the water vapor from the source electrode 110 side toward the sink electrode 125 side. In some embodiments, it may be undesirable if the charged steam is attracted to the surface of the pipe 140. To solve this problem, the surface of the pipe 140 can be made conductive. If the surface of the pipe 140 is conductive, several charged particles can be initially absorbed and occupied by the surface of the pipe 140, so that the entire surface of the pipe 140 can be charged with the same charge as the water vapor. Once the surface of the pipe 140 is charged with the same charge as the water vapor, other charged steam that arrives subsequently can be repelled by the surface of the pipe 140, thereby allowing the charged steam to be transmitted through the pipe 140 with high transmission efficiency without being lost on the surface of the pipe 140.

[0055] Thus, the conduit 140 may include a conductive material. In some embodiments, the conduit 140 may include an electrically insulating material such as plastic (e.g., the conduit 140 is made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic), and its inner surface may be coated or coated with a conductive material. Depending on the application, the conduit 140 may include a long flow path to place the source electrode 110 and the condenser 120 at separate locations. In this case, the conduit 140 may include a flexible plastic or polymer material, and its inner surface may be coated with a conductive material.

[0056] On the other hand, in some applications, it may be desirable for the charged water vapor to adhere to the surface of the pipe 140 to increase the overall steam removal efficiency. In this case, the pipe 140 may include an electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the pipe 140 may include a conductive material (e.g., made of a conductive material), and its inner surface may be coated or coated with an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic or ceramic material. In some embodiments, the pipe 140 may be installed at a predetermined angle from the proximal end toward the distal end to allow water droplets that have condensed on the surface of the pipe 140 to flow and be collected at the proximal end or the distal end.

[0057] When the conduit 140 includes a conductive material, certain portions near the source electrode 110 and the sink electrode 125 may include an electrically insulating material to prevent discharges between the electrodes and the conduit 140. In addition, the conduit 140 may also include one or more flow straighteners.

[0058] The air flow may be forced (e.g., driven) through the duct 140 from the source electrode 110 side toward the sink electrode 125 side. In order to blow and guide the air flow through the duct 140, the system 100 may include a blower 150. The blower 150 may be implemented as an electric fan, a jet pump, etc. The system 100 may also include an aerosol monitoring device (not shown), such as an electrometer-based particle counter, a condensation particle counter (CPC), a scanning electric mobility particle size spectrometer (SMPS), etc. The system 100 may also monitor the current flowing between the source electrode 110 and the sink electrode 125.

[0059] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A process flow chart of a method for condensing aerosol according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5A , the method may include the steps of applying an electric field S110, condensing aerosols S120, and collecting condensed droplets S130. The step of applying an electric field S110 may be performed by a source electrode 110, which may be electrically connected to a power supply 130, which may supply a voltage to the source electrode 110. The step of condensing aerosols S120 may be performed by a sink electrode 125, which may be electrically grounded or connected to a power supply 130, which imparts a charge to the sink electrode 125 that is opposite to the charge imparted to the source electrode. The source electrode 110 and the sink electrode 125 may be connected to a common power supply 130, or may be connected to separate power supplies. The step of collecting condensed droplets S130 may be performed by a condenser 120 and a reservoir 123.

[0060] Reference Figure 5BIn addition to the steps of applying an electric field S210, condensing aerosol S220, and collecting condensed droplets S230, the method may further include a step of blowing air S205 by the blower 150. In some embodiments, the steps of applying an electric field S110 and S210 may be performed with a direct current (DC) power supply generating a rated voltage between 20V and 10kV.

[0061] Figure 2 300 is a schematic diagram of a system for condensing water in a cooling tower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A cooling tower to which the system 300 may be applied may include a cooling tower for steam turbine exhaust. Figure 2 , the system 300 may include a source electrode 310 and a condenser 320 disposed within a pipe 340 .

[0062] The source electrode 310 may be electrically connected to a power source 330, which may supply a voltage to the source electrode 310. In this way, the source electrode 310 may generate an electric field within the conduit 340. The source electrode 310 may include a source mesh.

[0063] The water vapor may be attracted to the condenser 320 and collected at the condenser 320. The condenser 320 may be substantially similar to Figure 4 The condenser 320 may be implemented in the exemplary implementation shown in . For example, the condenser 320 may include a sink electrode 325. The sink electrode 325 may be electrically grounded and / or may be connected to a power source 330 that imparts a charge to the precipitant 325 opposite to the charge applied to the source electrode 310. The source electrode 310 and the sink electrode 325 may be connected to a common power source 330, or may be connected to separate power sources. The sink electrode 325 may also include a condensation mesh.

[0064] The condensation net can allow water vapor to adhere to its surface and condense on the surface of the condensation net. In operation, the condensed water vapor can condense with other condensed water vapor on the surface of the condensation net to form water droplets. The water droplets can further condense with each other until they become large and heavy. When they become large and heavy enough, the water droplets may settle due to gravity. A reservoir can be provided below the sinking electrode 325 to collect the precipitated water droplets.

[0065] like Figure 2As shown, the pipe 340 can direct and guide water vapor from the source electrode 310 side toward the sink electrode 325 side. Typically, the steam turbine cooling tower already includes a forced or naturally drawn exhaust flow. Therefore, the system 300 can remove and utilize the remaining enthalpy of the exhaust flow, for example to generate electricity. An example of extracting electricity from the steam turbine exhaust is to include a wind turbine 350 downstream of the condenser 320. The electricity removed from the exhaust flow can be directly supplied to the power supply 330 for the operation of the system 300, or alternatively, it can be stored in a battery (not shown) for later use. The overall efficiency of the system 300 can be improved by removing the waste enthalpy in the cooling tower exhaust and using electricity in situ to generate electricity in situ. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the wind turbine 350 can be arranged downstream of the condenser 320, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The wind turbine 350 can also be arranged upstream of the condenser 320.

[0066] Fig.9A An exemplary embodiment is shown in which a wind turbine is arranged upstream of a condenser. Fig.9A and 9B , the exhaust flow from the cooling tower 910 can be directed by the duct 920 toward the condenser 930. The duct 920 can include a convergence-divergence section 925. The wind turbine 940 can be disposed within the duct 920 at the convergence-divergence section 925. The residual enthalpy of the exhaust flow can operate the wind turbine 940 to generate electricity, and the generated electricity can be used to operate the condenser 930. The convergence-divergence section can accelerate the exhaust flow so that the wind turbine 940 can more effectively remove kinetic energy from the exhaust flow. In addition, extracting energy from the exhaust flow can reduce the temperature of the exhaust flow, thereby allowing water vapor in the exhaust flow to condense more easily in the condenser 930.

[0067] In some embodiments, Fig. 9C As shown, the duct 920 may include a contraction section 925' without an expansion section. For example, the diameter of the cooling tower may be about 30 feet, and the duct may taper to about 5 feet in diameter before the wind turbine and condenser. This configuration may accelerate the exhaust flow to allow the wind turbine 940 to produce a greater power output and / or allow the overall size of the condenser system to be smaller. Since the maximum theoretical power output from a wind turbine is generally proportional to the area of ​​the blade disk and the cube of the wind speed, the contraction section 925' or the contraction-expansion section 925 may increase the power output of the wind turbine 940 by increasing the wind speed.

[0068] In some embodiments, the conduit 920 may include an expansion-contraction portion 925", such as Fig.9DAs shown. In this configuration, the exhaust flow can be decelerated at the expansion-contraction portion 925", and a wind turbine 940 with a larger diameter can be installed in the duct. The wind turbine 940 with a larger diameter can rotate at a slower speed, which can reduce noise, friction losses, system wear, etc. In some embodiments, multiple wind turbines can be set in the duct.

[0069] The system can also be applied to combustion exhaust. Combustion exhaust can include combustion-based power plants, such as coal-fired power plants and natural gas power plants, and internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines and gasoline engines. In typical combustion exhaust, non-volatile particles (e.g., solid-phase soot particles) and condensable gases (e.g., water vapor) exist as combustion products. In order to efficiently remove non-volatile and volatile aerosols, the system can be arranged upstream of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) to remove water before the exhaust gas stream enters the ESP. Removing water and other condensable substances from the combustion exhaust before the ESP can protect the ESP from corrosion by water or other acidic liquids. In a combustion exhaust embodiment, the system can also be arranged upstream of a filter (e.g., a high-efficiency specific air (HEPA) filter or a cyclone-type particle remover). In addition, the system can be implemented with a heat exchanger arranged upstream of the system to recycle waste heat from the combustion exhaust.

[0070] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for humidity control. Figure 6 A system for humidity control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 , the system 500 may include a source electrode 510 and a humidity controller 520 disposed in a pipe 540. The source electrode 510 may be electrically connected to a power source 530, which may apply a voltage to the source electrode 510. The source electrode 510 may generate an electric field in the pipe 540. The source electrode 510 may also include a source mesh.

[0071] Water vapor may be attracted to the humidity controller 520 due to the electric field. The humidity controller 520 may include a sink electrode 525, and the sink electrode 525 may be electrically grounded and / or may be connected to a power source 530 that imparts an opposite charge to the sink electrode 525 as imparted to the source electrode 510. The source electrode 510 and the sink electrode 525 may be connected to a common power source 530 or may be connected to separate power sources. The sink electrode 525 may include a humidifying mesh.

[0072] The humidifying mesh can be moistened with water. In operation, water vapor can be attracted to the humidifying mesh of the sink electrode 525. On the surface of the humidifying mesh, liquid water supplied to the humidifying mesh can be transferred to the attracted vapor and leave the surface of the humidifying mesh. Through this process, the relative humidity of the air flow through the system 500 can be increased. The system 500 may include a water reservoir 550 to supply liquid water to the humidity controller 520. In some embodiments, liquid water can be supplied to the humidity controller 520 from the water reservoir 550 via gravity. In order to supply liquid water by gravity, the water reservoir 550 can be set at a position higher than the humidity controller 520. In some embodiments, liquid water can be supplied to the humidity controller 520 from the water reservoir 550 by a pump 560.

[0073] Figure 7 A system for humidity control according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 , the system 700 may include a source electrode 710 and a humidity controller 720 disposed in a pipe 740. The system 700 for humidity control may be implemented in various environments where constant humidity is required. The source electrode 710 may be electrically connected to a power source 730, which may apply a voltage to the source electrode 710. In this way, the source electrode 710 may generate an electric field in the pipe 740. The source electrode 710 may also include a source grid.

[0074] Due to the electric field, water vapor can be attracted to the humidity controller 720. The humidity controller 720 can also include a sink electrode 725. The sink electrode 725 can be electrically grounded and / or can be connected to a power source 730 that imparts a charge to the sink electrode 725 opposite to the charge imparted to the source electrode 710. The source electrode 710 and the sink electrode 725 can be connected to a common power source 730, or can be connected to separate power sources. The sink electrode 725 can also include a humidity control mesh.

[0075] In operation, water vapor can be attracted to the humidity control net of the sink electrode 725. On the surface of the humidity control net, liquid water present on the humidity control net can be transferred to the attracted vapor and leave the surface of the humidity control net. Alternatively, the attracted water vapor can adhere to the surface of the humidity control net. When the water leaving the surface of the humidity control net is more than the water adhering to the surface of the humidity control net, the relative humidity of the air flow after passing through the system 700 can be increased. Conversely, when the water adhering to the surface of the humidity control net is more than the water leaving the surface of the humidity control net, the relative humidity of the air flow can be reduced. Through this process, the relative humidity of the air flow can be controlled to a specific level.

[0076] The system 700 can be operated to maintain the relative humidity of the air flow through the system 700 at a preset target humidity. The preset target humidity can be adjusted by adjusting the applied voltage. The system 700 may include a water reservoir 750 to store condensed water from the humidity control network and / or supply liquid water to the humidity controller 720. The liquid water can be supplied from the water reservoir 750 to the humidity controller 720 by a pump 760. In order to more accurately control the humidity, the system 700 may also include a feedback control system including a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for generating a control signal and outputting the control signal to the voltage of the power supply 730.

[0077] Fig. 8A and 8B The arrangement of the source electrode and the sink electrode for generating the electric field according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is compared. Fig. 8A and 8B In the embodiment of the present invention, the duct can be an expansion duct used to stop (e.g., slow down) the air flow. The expansion duct can cause the pressure to increase and promote the condensation of water. Fig. 8A is an example of a sink electrode configured to protrude toward the downstream direction of the air flow, and Figure 8B is an example of a sink electrode configured to be concave toward the downstream direction of the air flow. It can be seen that when the sink electrode is configured to be convex toward the downstream direction of the air flow, a more smoothly varying electric field can be generated. In addition, the applied voltage is Fig. 8A (convex configuration) Figure 8B (concave configuration) is one order of magnitude higher. Therefore, when the sink electrode is configured to be convex toward the downstream direction of the air flow, water vapor can be more effectively guided toward the sink electrode. However, the aforementioned configuration is merely an example, and the electrode can be configured so that an electric field with a specific configuration can be formed based on operational requirements.

[0078] The subject matter described herein provides many technical advantages. For example, using the current subject matter, the surrounding air can be non-ionized, thereby limiting or preventing the generation of gases such as ozone (O3), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric acid (HNO3). Further processing or treatment of the collected liquid can be minimized or omitted to address these toxic, corrosive and environmentally dangerous compounds. In addition, because the current subject matter can utilize lower voltages compared to some conventional systems, the current subject matter can be safer, can not waste a lot of energy, and can not interfere with adjacent electronic instruments. In addition, unlike some conventional methods, when the system is surrounded by debris (e.g., dust particles) and / or loose items with a high surface area, the current subject matter does not cause concerns about explosion.

[0079] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system and method for monitoring and controlling a cooling tower system. A cooling tower is a heat exchange system that dissipates heat by cooling a water flow (hot flow) into a flow (cooling flow) of lower temperature. Industrial cooling towers are commonly used in power plants, refineries, petrochemical plants, natural gas processing plants, food processing plants, semiconductor plants, and cement manufacturing plants. A cooling tower monitoring system (CTMS) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can measure and analyze various parameters of a cooling tower, and provide detailed monitoring of the performance of the cooling tower based on a comparison of the measured parameters with the specification parameters of the cooling tower. The CTMS of the present disclosure can provide a single-package solution to monitor and control cooling tower operations to improve overall cooling efficiency, increase the life of the system by controlling the acidity of the cooling water, and reduce pollutant emissions from cooling towers. The CTMS of the present disclosure can be installed when a new cooling tower is built, or can be retrofitted to an existing cooling tower with minimal modification to the existing cooling tower.

[0080] In a wet cooling tower (or open circuit cooling tower), hot water can be cooled to a temperature below the dry bulb temperature of the ambient air if the air is relatively dry. As the ambient air is drawn through the water stream, a small portion of the water evaporates, and the energy required to evaporate this portion of the water is taken from the remaining bulk of the water, thereby lowering its temperature. Evaporation results in saturated air conditions, lowering the temperature of the water handled by the cooling tower to a value close to the wet bulb temperature, which is lower than the ambient dry bulb temperature, and this difference is determined by the initial humidity of the ambient air.

[0081] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a CTMS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 , hot water flow 1020 can be supplied to cooling tower 1010. Hot water can be sprayed downward through nozzle 1021. Fan 1011 provides an upward airflow of fresh air to cool the water. The water that has been cooled in cooling tower 1010 can be returned through cooled water flow 1030. Fig.11 Various elements of a CTMS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are listed. There may be hardware elements and software elements, and the hardware elements may include sensors, processing units, and communication components.

[0082] In the following, the sensor and controller elements of the CTMS will be described. A CTMS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a set of sensors to monitor the health of the cooling tower. The set of sensors may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a water level sensor, a tachometer, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a pressure sensor, an anemometer, a water flow meter, etc. The CTMS may also include a processor. A wired and / or wireless communication system may also be included in the CTMS.

[0083] The temperature sensor may include a resistance temperature detector (RTD), such as a Pt-100, or a thermocouple. To read temperature data from the temperature sensor, a cold junction compensated thermocouple reader may be used. For example, the K-MAX6675 may provide temperature data from a signal of a K-type thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be combined or packaged with a humidity sensor such as an SHT-20. An ultrasonic type sensor such as the HC-SR04 may be used as a water level sensor. To measure the rotational speed (rpm) of a fan of a cooling tower system, a tachometer may be used. Various types of tachometers may be used, including contact and non-contact types. When the CTMS is retrofitted to an existing cooling tower, a non-contact tachometer may provide convenience over a contact tachometer. Therefore, an infrared-based tachometer may be used. To measure the power consumption of a cooling tower system, a voltmeter and / or an ammeter may be included in the sensor suite of the CTMS. A barometric pressure sensor such as the BMP-180 may be used as a pressure sensor to measure the pressure within the cooling tower system.

[0084] In order to collect data from sensors, process sensor data and generate control signals to operate the CTMS, a processor or microcontroller may be included in the CTMS. The CTMS may include a display device to display sensor data and / or control parameters and provide a user interface. In addition, the CTMS may communicate wirelessly with some or all sensors through an Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Sensor data and / or control parameters may be displayed, calculated and input through a software interface. The software interface may be implemented as a local software package or using commercial control software such as Matlab or Labview. The software interface may determine control parameters based on an algorithm to optimize the performance of the cooling tower. When determining control parameters from sensor measurement data, parameter uncertainty analysis may be used.

[0085] In operation, Fig.12 As shown, the CTMS can measure the first temperature of the cooling flow 1110 and the second temperature of the heat flow 1120, and can calculate the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. The first temperature sensor 1111 can measure the first temperature, and the second temperature sensor 1121 can measure the second temperature. Subsequently, the CTMS can adjust the first flow rate of the cooling flow 1110 and / or the second flow rate of the heat flow 1120 to allow the temperature difference between the cooling flow 1110 and the heat flow 1120 to correspond to the target temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. In order to adjust the flow rate of the cooling flow 1110 and the heat flow 1120, the first valve 1112 and the second valve 1122 can be used respectively. The first valve 1112 and the second valve 1122 can be configured as ball valves. For automatic operation and computerized control, the ball valve can be equipped with a solenoid actuator and operated by a controller.

[0086] In order to adjust the first temperature of the cooling flow, the CTMS may add a supplementary flow 1130 to the cooling flow 1110. The mixing ratio of the supplementary flow 1130 and the cooling flow 1110 may be determined based on the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. Herein, the supplementary flow 1130 refers to a water supply for supplementing water that evaporates and leaves the cooling tower, and the supplementary flow 1130 may be supplied from any fresh water source. A third temperature sensor 1131 may provide temperature data of the supplementary flow 1130, and a third valve 1132 may adjust the flow rate of the supplementary flow 1130. In order to more accurately control the CTMS, a fourth temperature sensor 1136 may be included downstream of the heat exchanger 1140. Fig.12 , the second temperature sensor 1121 and the fourth temperature sensor 1136 are both shown as being disposed downstream of the heat exchanger 1140. However, the location of the temperature sensor is not limited thereto, and one or both of the second temperature sensor 1121 and the fourth temperature sensor 1136 may be disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 1140. Similarly, the second valve 1122 may be disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 1140. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 1140 may be omitted.

[0087] In addition, in order to adjust the temperature of the cooling flow, the rotational speed of the cooling tower fan 1150 can be monitored and adjusted. To measure the rotational speed of the fan 1150, a tachometer 1190, such as an infrared-based tachometer, can be used. The change in fan speed can adjust the flow rate of the cooling air, thereby adjusting the first temperature of the cooling flow 1110. In addition, the relative humidity of the incoming air can be measured using a humidity sensor 1180.

[0088] Due to mineral accumulation, such as calcium carbonate, the cooling water flow of the cooling tower may become alkaline. In some embodiments, the acidity / alkalinity (pH) of the cooling water can be monitored and controlled using a pH meter 1160. The acidity (or alkalinity) of the cooling water is an important factor affecting the overall performance, lifespan, and / or environmental impact of the cooling tower system. Therefore, the CTMS can measure the acidity of the cooling stream 1110 and adjust the acidity by controlling the mixing ratio of the make-up stream 1130 and the cooling stream 1110. In addition to pH measurement, the hardness of the water can also be measured and controlled by the CTMS. In some embodiments, the CTMS may also include a water level sensor 1170.

[0089] In some embodiments, a wind turbine, such as the one described above, may be added downstream of the fan 1150. The wind turbine may extract some of the enthalpy of the exhaust stream leaving the cooling tower and convert it into electricity. The scavenged electricity may be recycled back into the CTMS system, thereby increasing the overall power efficiency of the system.

[0090] In the above description and claims, phrases such as "at least one of ..." or "one or more of ..." may appear, followed by a joint list of elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such phrases are intended to represent any one of the elements or features listed separately, or a combination of any one of the elements or features with any one of the other elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B", "one or more of A and B", and "A and / or B" are each intended to represent "single A, single B, or A and B together". Similar explanations are also intended to be used for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, and / or C" are each intended to represent "single A, single B, single C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together".

[0091] Depending on the desired configuration, the subject matter described herein may be embodied in systems, devices, methods and / or articles. The embodiments set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all embodiments consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although some variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are also possible. In particular, in addition to those set forth herein, additional features and / or variations may also be provided. For example, the above-described embodiments may relate to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and sub-combinations of several other features disclosed above. In addition, the logical flows depicted in the drawings and / or described herein do not necessarily require the specific order shown or the sequential order to achieve the desired results. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for removing water droplets or vapor from ambient air, comprising: a source electrode, the source electrode being electrically connected to a power source, the power source applying a voltage to the source electrode; a condenser including a sink electrode to collect aerosol contained in the air flow; as well as a conduit configured to direct the aerosol to the condenser, The source electrode and the sink electrode are configured to generate an electric field in the pipe, the electric field drives the aerosol, the system does not use a high voltage power supply to ionize the aerosol, and the system can prevent the surrounding air from being ionized.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The source electrode includes a source network, and the source network includes a first line network.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The source web comprises a wire diameter between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The characteristic size of the openings of the source mesh is between 1 mm and 15 mm.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The source mesh includes stainless steel, nickel, and conductive polymer.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The source net includes a plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers including a wire net.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The sink electrode includes a condensation mesh including a second wire mesh.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The sinking electrode is configured to condense the aerosol on the condensation mesh to form droplets, which are precipitated by at least gravity.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The condenser comprises: an inlet configured to receive a flow of air having a first relative humidity; an outlet configured to discharge a flow of air having a second relative humidity lower than the first relative humidity; and A reservoir is configured to collect the droplets.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The condensation mesh comprises a wire diameter between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The characteristic size of the openings of the condensation net is between 1 mm and 15 mm.

12. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The condensation mesh includes stainless steel, nickel, and conductive polymer.

13. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The condensation mesh includes a plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers including a wire mesh.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: The power source includes a direct current (DC) power source.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: The power supply comprises a direct current (DC) power supply producing a voltage between 20V and 10kV.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein: The sink electrode is electrically grounded.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein: The sink electrodes are connected to opposite power sources which impart opposite charges to the sink electrodes.

18. The system of claim 1, further comprising: A blower is configured to drive the air flow containing the aerosol through the source electrode and along the conduit to the condenser.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the duct increases along the flow direction of the air flow.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: The sink electrode includes a convex shape that protrudes toward a flow direction of the air flow.

21. A method of removing water droplets or vapor from ambient air, comprising: applying an electric field between a source electrode and a sink electrode, the source electrode being electrically connected to a power source that applies a voltage to the source electrode; condensing an aerosol contained in the air stream into liquid droplets at the sink electrode; and collecting the condensed droplets; The electric field drives the aerosol, the method does not use a high voltage power supply to ionize the aerosol, and the method can prevent the surrounding air from being ionized.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: The air flow is blown along the duct by a blower.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The applying of the electric field is performed using a direct current (DC) power supply generating a voltage between 20 V and 10 kV.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The sink electrode is electrically grounded.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The sink electrodes are connected to opposite power sources which impart opposite charges to the sink electrodes.

26. A system for removing water droplets or vapor from ambient air, comprising: a source electrode, the source electrode being electrically connected to a power source, the power source applying a voltage to the source electrode; as well as A condenser is disposed downstream of the source electrode, the condenser comprising: a sinking electrode including a condensation mesh configured to condense an aerosol contained in the air stream into liquid droplets that settle by at least gravity; an inlet configured to receive a first air flow; an outlet configured to discharge a second air flow; a reservoir configured to collect the droplets from the sink electrode; The source electrode and the sink electrode generate an electric field, the electric field drives the aerosol, the system does not use a high voltage power supply to ionize the aerosol, and the system can prevent the surrounding air from being ionized.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein: The first air flow has a first relative humidity; the second air flow having a second relative humidity lower than the first relative humidity; as well as A reservoir is configured to collect the droplets.

28. The system of claim 26, further comprising: An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is disposed downstream of the condenser to capture solid particles.

29. The system of claim 26, further comprising: A wind turbine is disposed upstream of the condenser or downstream of the condenser.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein: The wind turbine is configured to generate electrical power.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein: Electricity generated by the wind turbine is supplied to the power source.

32. The system of claim 26, further comprising: A conduit is configured to direct the aerosol to the condenser.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein: The conduit includes a converging portion, a diverging portion, or both.

34. A method of removing water droplets or vapor from ambient air, comprising: applying an electric field between a source electrode and a sink electrode, the source electrode being electrically connected to a power source that applies a charge to the source electrode, and the sink electrode being electrically grounded or connected to a power source that applies a charge to the sink electrode that is opposite to the charge applied to the source electrode; as well as The humidity of the air flow is controlled by the sink electrode, which comprises: supplying water at the sink electrode in response to determining that the humidity of the air flow is less than a preset target humidity; In response to determining that the humidity of the air flow is greater than a preset target humidity, condensing aerosol contained in the air flow into water at the sink electrode and collecting the condensed water, wherein the condensed water is collected in a water reservoir; or adjusting a voltage applied to the source electrode; The electric field drives the aerosol, the method does not use a high voltage power supply to ionize the aerosol, and the method can prevent the surrounding air from being ionized.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein: The water is supplied from a water reservoir.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein: Controlling the humidity of the air flow includes: measuring the humidity of the air flow using a humidity sensor; generating a control signal based on the measured humidity of the air flow using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller; and outputting the control signal to adjust the voltage applied to the source electrode.

37. A system for removing water droplets or vapor from ambient air, comprising the system of claim 1 or 26, wherein: The system for removing water droplets or vapor from ambient air also includes: a memory configured to store program instructions; and A processor configured to execute the program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed, configure the processor to perform operations, the operations comprising: receiving a humidity value of the air flow from a humidity sensor; generating a control signal based on the received humidity value of the air flow; and So that a voltage corresponding to the control signal is output to the source electrode.

38. A method of condensing water in a cooling tower using the system of claim 1 or 26, the method further comprising a method of monitoring and controlling the cooling tower system: measuring a first temperature of a cooling stream discharged from a cooling tower; measuring a second temperature of a heat flux entering the cooling tower; calculating a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature; as well as A first flow rate of the cooling flow is adjusted to allow the temperature difference to correspond to a predetermined target temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.

39. The method according to claim 38, further comprising: adding a make-up stream to the cooling stream, Wherein, a mixing ratio of the supplementary flow and the cooling flow is determined based on a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.

40. The method according to claim 38, further comprising: The rotation speed of the fan is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the cooling air.

41. The method according to claim 39, further comprising: measuring the acidity of the cooling stream; as well as The acidity is adjusted by adjusting the mixing ratio of the make-up stream.

42. A system for condensing water in a cooling tower using the method of claim 21 or 34, the system further comprising a system for monitoring and controlling the cooling tower system: a first temperature sensor for measuring a first temperature of a cooling stream discharged from a cooling tower; a second temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor being used to measure a second temperature of a heat flow entering the cooling tower; a first valve, the first valve being used to adjust a first flow rate of the cooling flow; a second valve, the second valve being used to adjust a second flow rate of the heat flow; a memory configured to store program instructions; as well as A processor configured to execute the program instructions, wherein the program instructions, when executed, configure the processor to: collecting data from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor; and The first valve or the second valve is adjusted to allow a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to correspond to a predetermined target temperature difference.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein: The processor is also configured to adjust fan speed.

44. The system of claim 42, wherein: The processor is further configured to adjust a mixing ratio of the supplemental flow and the cooling flow to allow a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature to correspond to the target temperature difference.

45. The system of claim 42, further comprising: An acidity sensor is used to measure the acidity of the cooling flow.

46. ​​The system of claim 45, wherein: The processor is also configured to adjust a mixing ratio of the makeup stream and the cooling stream to allow the acidity of the cooling stream to correspond to a predetermined target acidity.

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