Indirect evaporative cooling unit and control method
By designing a shared water supply/drainage system in the indirect evaporative cooling unit, the problem of independent configuration of humidification and spraying systems is solved, achieving efficient resource utilization and cost reduction.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411814760.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-12-09
AI Technical Summary
In existing indirect evaporative cooling units, the humidification and spraying systems are equipped with separate water replenishment/drainage systems, which occupy space and increase operating costs.
Design an indirect evaporative cooling unit that allows the humidification and spraying systems to share a single water supply/drainage system. By collecting and controlling the condensate from the heat exchange system, the humidification water storage tank and the spraying water storage tank can be connected and share a water supply device.
The humidification and spraying systems share a common water supply/drainage system, reducing the space occupied by the unit, lowering operating costs, and effectively utilizing condensate resources.
Smart Images

Figure CN119532863B_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of machine room air conditioning, in particular to an indirect evaporative cooling unit and a control method. BACKGROUND
[0002] The indirect evaporative cooling unit uses outdoor air with a lower temperature and / or the refrigeration effect of a compressor mode to exchange heat with air in the machine room, thereby taking away heat in the machine room. When the outdoor temperature is low, the temperature of the heat exchange core or the evaporator wall is lower than the dew point temperature of the indoor air, and condensate water is generated.
[0003] The inventor found during the implementation of the present application that when the ambient temperature and the machine room temperature change relatively, the amount of condensate water generated by the heat exchange core and / or the evaporator also changes, which may result in excessive condensate water or the amount of condensate water failing to meet the humidification requirement. In this case, a water pipe, a water pump, and a water treatment device, etc. are additionally arranged on the humidification device to form a water supplementing / discharging system, so as to discharge excessive condensate water or supplement water to meet the humidification requirement. The humidification device and the spraying device are two independent water supplementing / discharging systems, which occupy additional space of the unit and increase the operation cost of the unit.
[0004] Therefore, how to make the humidification and the spraying share one water supplementing / discharging system is a technical problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. SUMMARY
[0005] The present application aims to provide an indirect evaporative cooling unit and a control method, so that the humidification and the spraying share one water supplementing / discharging system without additional configuration.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides an indirect evaporative cooling unit, comprising:
[0007] a heat exchange system;
[0008] a spraying system comprising a spraying water storage tank, wherein the spraying water storage tank is connected with a water supplementing device for water supply;
[0009] a humidification system comprising a humidification water storage tank, wherein a liquid inlet of the humidification water storage tank is in communication with the water supplementing device to supplement water into the humidification water storage tank;
[0010] wherein one side of the heat exchange system is provided with a water collecting member for collecting condensate water thereof, the liquid inlet is also in communication with the water collecting member, and the humidification water storage tank is in communication with the spraying water storage tank to supplement water into the spraying water storage tank.
[0011] Preferably, the heat exchange system comprises a heat exchange core and an evaporator arranged on the air outlet side of the heat exchange core in the room, and the water collecting member is arranged on the lower side of the heat exchange system to collect condensate water of the heat exchange core and / or the evaporator.
[0012] Preferably, the humidification system further includes a humidifier located on the air outlet side of the evaporator, the input end of the humidifier being connected to the liquid outlet of the humidification water tank via a humidification pipe, and a humidification water pump being provided on the humidification pipe.
[0013] Preferably, the spraying system further includes a spray outlet pipe connected to the spray water storage tank, and the spray outlet pipe is equipped with a spray water pump and a spray head, the spray head spraying water toward the heat exchange core.
[0014] Preferably, the humidifying water storage tank is located below the water receiving component, and the liquid inlet includes a first inlet and a second inlet. The first inlet is connected to the water receiving component through a condensate drain pipe, and a first drain valve is provided on the condensate drain pipe. The second inlet is connected to the water supply pipe of the water supply device through a water supply inlet pipe, and a humidifying water supply valve is provided on the water supply inlet pipe.
[0015] Preferably, the humidification and water supply valve is a three-way valve, with the first and second ends of the three-way valve connected to the water supply inlet pipe, and the third end of the three-way valve connected to the water receiving component.
[0016] Preferably, the spray water storage tank is located below the humidification water storage tank, and the bottom of the humidification water storage tank is provided with a connecting pipe connected to the spray water storage tank, and a second drain valve is provided on the connecting pipe.
[0017] Preferably, the heat exchange system further includes:
[0018] A condenser is located on the outdoor air outlet side of the heat exchange core, and a spray head is located between the condenser and the heat exchange core.
[0019] An outdoor fan is located on the air outlet side of the condenser and is used to exhaust air to the outside.
[0020] An indoor fan is located on the air outlet side of the evaporator and is used to exhaust air to the output end of the humidifier and supply air into the room.
[0021] The compressor is connected to the condenser and the evaporator to form a refrigerant circulation loop in the air conditioning system.
[0022] Preferably, the heat exchange core includes two symmetrically distributed rhomboid cores, the two rhomboid cores are inclined, the evaporator is located on the downward inclined side of the rhomboid core, the condenser is located on the upward inclined side of the rhomboid core, and the evaporator and the condenser are located on two adjacent surfaces of the rhomboid core.
[0023] Preferably, the water receiving component is located at the lowest corner of the rhomboid core and corresponds at least to the lowest side of the evaporator in the vertical direction. The number of water receiving components is consistent with the number of heat exchange cores and corresponds one-to-one. The condensate from the heat exchange cores and the condensate from the evaporator collect at the lowest corner under the action of gravity.
[0024] A control method, applied to the aforementioned indirect evaporative cooling unit, includes:
[0025] Obtain the amount of condensate from the heat exchange system within a preset time, and determine the relationship between the amount of condensate and the amount of humidification water used by the humidification system;
[0026] Based on the aforementioned size relationship, the on / off control is performed between the humidification water storage tank and the water replenishment device, and between the humidification water storage tank and the spray water storage tank;
[0027] The humidification system of the indirect evaporative cooling unit is operated and controlled based on humidification requirements.
[0028] Preferably, the step of obtaining the condensate volume of the heat exchange system within a preset time and determining the relationship between the condensate volume and the humidification water consumption of the humidification system includes:
[0029] The humidifying water storage tank is connected to the water receiving device, and after the preset connection time, the amount of condensate entering the humidifying water storage tank from the water receiving device is obtained;
[0030] If the amount of condensate reaches a preset high level in the humidification water tank, then the amount of condensate is greater than or equal to the amount of humidification water.
[0031] If the amount of condensate is less than the amount of water used for humidification if the water level in the humidification tank does not reach the preset high level, then the amount of condensate is less than the amount of water used for humidification.
[0032] Preferably, the operation control of the humidification system of the indirect evaporative cooling unit based on humidification requirements includes:
[0033] When humidification is required, if the water level in the humidification storage tank reaches a preset high level, the humidification system will be started. If the water level in the humidification storage tank does not reach the preset high level, the humidification storage tank and the water replenishment device will be connected so that the water replenishment device replenishes water to the humidification storage tank. After replenishment, when the water level in the humidification storage tank reaches the preset high level, the humidification system will be started.
[0034] Preferably, the operation control of the humidification system of the indirect evaporative cooling unit based on humidification requirements further includes:
[0035] When there is no need for humidification, if the water level in the humidification water tank reaches a preset high level, the humidification water tank and the spray water tank are connected to each other so that the humidification water tank replenishes water to the spray water tank.
[0036] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided in this application has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0037] When the heat exchange system produces excessive condensate, the condensate in the humidification storage tank can be used for both humidification and as reserve water for the spray system. By opening the connecting channel between the humidification and spray storage tanks, water can be drained into the spray storage tank to prevent overflow. Conversely, when the heat exchange system produces insufficient condensate to meet the humidification needs, water can be added to the humidification storage tank via a water replenishment device to satisfy different humidification requirements. The humidification system of this application can share a single water replenishment device with the spray system and can also drain water from the spray system's water storage tank, thus achieving the goal of sharing a single water replenishment / drainage system for humidification and spraying without occupying additional unit space and reducing unit operating costs. Attached Figure Description
[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the indirect evaporative cooling unit provided in the embodiments of this application.
[0040] In the diagram: 1-Heat exchange system; 11-Heat exchange core; 12-Evaporator; 13-Condenser; 14-Outdoor fan; 15-Indoor fan;
[0041] 2-Sprinkler system; 21-Sprinkler water tank; 22-Sprinkler water pump; 23-Sprinkler outlet pipe; 24-Water connection fitting; 25-Sprinkler head;
[0042] 3-Humidification system; 31-Humidifier; 32-Humidification water tank; 33-Humidification water supply valve; 34-Condensate drain pipe; 35-First drain valve; 36-Humidification water pump; 37-Water level switch; 38-Humidification pipe; 39-Water supply inlet pipe;
[0043] 4-Water supply pipe;
[0044] 5-Connecting pipe;
[0045] 6-Second drain valve;
[0046] 7-Water supply valve;
[0047] 8-Pressure gauge. Detailed Implementation
[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0049] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0050] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an indirect evaporative cooling unit, which includes a heat exchange system 1, a spray system 2, and a humidification system 3. The heat exchange system 1 includes a heat exchange core 11 and an evaporator 12 located on the air outlet side of the heat exchange core 11. The high-temperature indoor return air of the computer room passes through the heat exchange core and exchanges heat with the air from the outside. Then it passes through the evaporator 12 (compressor mode, which can be turned on as needed) for another heat exchange and is sent into the computer room to cool the server.
[0052] The spray system 2 includes a spray head 25 for spraying the heat exchange core 11 and a water receiving part 24 located on the lower side of the heat exchange system 1. After the outdoor air enters the heat exchange core 11, it can be cooled by the spray system 2, thereby cooling the outdoor air and improving the heat exchange efficiency between the outdoor air and the indoor return air in the heat exchange core 11.
[0053] The water receiving part 24 can collect the condensate of the heat exchange system 1. Specifically, when the outdoor temperature is low, condensate will be generated on the heat exchange core 11 and the evaporator 12. When the condensate accumulates to a certain extent, it will flow downward along the heat exchange core 11 and the evaporator 12 under the action of gravity and eventually flow into the water receiving part 24.
[0054] The sprinkler system 2 includes a sprinkler water supply tank 21, which is connected to a water supply device. The water supply device has a water supply pipe 4 at its outlet. When there is a large sprinkler demand, the water supply pipe 4 can provide sufficient stored water to the sprinkler system 2 to ensure the sprinkler effect.
[0055] The humidification system 3 includes a humidifier 31 located on the air outlet side of the evaporator 12. The indoor air outlet of the heat exchange core 11 passes through the evaporator 12 and then through the humidifier 31, thus humidifying the computer room. Of course, the humidifier can also humidify the computer room directly without passing through the evaporator 12; no further restrictions are imposed here. The humidifier 31 can be a wet-film humidifier, and its input end is connected to a humidification water tank 32. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 The humidifying water storage tank 32 is equipped with a water level switch 37, which includes a high-level switch and a low-level switch, respectively used to detect the water level in the humidifying water storage tank 32.
[0056] The humidifying water storage tank 32 is provided with a liquid inlet, which can be connected to the water supply pipe 4. At the same time, the liquid inlet of the humidifying water storage tank 32 can also be connected to the water receiving component 24. In addition, the humidifying water storage tank 32 can be connected to the spray water storage tank 21 to replenish water into the spray water storage tank 21.
[0057] In summary, when the heat exchange system 1 produces excessive condensate, the condensate in the humidification storage tank 32 can be used for both humidification and as reserve water for the spray system 2. By opening the communication channel between the humidification storage tank 32 and the spray storage tank 21, water can be drained into the spray storage tank 21 to prevent overflow. Conversely, when the heat exchange system 1 produces insufficient condensate to meet the humidification needs of the humidification system 3, water can be replenished to the humidification storage tank 32 via a water replenishment device to satisfy different humidification requirements. The humidification system 3 of this application can share a single water replenishment device with the spray system 2, and can also drain water from the spray system 2's spray storage tank 21, thus achieving the goal of sharing a single water replenishment / drainage system for humidification and spraying, without occupying additional unit space and reducing unit operating costs.
[0058] The input end of the humidifier 31 is connected to the outlet of the humidification water tank 32 through the humidification pipe 38. The humidification pipe 38 is equipped with a humidification water pump 36. When there is a need for humidification in the computer room, if the water level in the humidification water tank 32 meets the humidification water requirements, the humidification water pump 36 and the humidifier 31 can be started to humidify the computer room.
[0059] Similarly, the spray system 2 also includes a spray outlet pipe 23 connecting the spray water storage tank 21 and the spray head 25. The spray water storage tank 21 serves as the water storage component of the spray system 2, and the outlet of the spray water storage tank 21 is equipped with the spray outlet pipe 23, which is connected to the spray head 25 to provide a continuous and stable water supply to the spray head 25. A spray water pump 22 is installed on the spray outlet pipe 23 to provide spray power to the spray head 25. The inlet of the spray water storage tank 21 is equipped with a water supply pipe 4, which can be connected to customer water supply. A corresponding water supply valve 7 is installed on the water supply pipe 4 to control the opening and closing of the water supply pipe 4. A pressure gauge 8 can also be installed on the water supply pipe 4 to monitor the water supply pressure inside the water supply pipe 4. If the spray water volume generated by the spray head 25 is large, after heat exchange with the heat exchange core 11, it can be collected through an external water receiving device and recycled through the inlet of the water supply pipe 4.
[0060] Furthermore, the humidifying water storage tank 32 is located below the water receiving component 24. When the humidifying water storage tank 32 and the water receiving component 24 are connected, the condensate in the water receiving component 24 will drain into the humidifying water storage tank 32 under gravity. The liquid inlet of the humidifying water storage tank 32 includes a first inlet and a second inlet. The first inlet is connected to the water receiving component 24 through a condensate drain pipe 34, which is equipped with a first drain valve 35. The second inlet is connected to the water supply pipe 4 through a water supply inlet pipe 39, which is equipped with a humidifying water supply valve 33 to control the opening and closing of the water supply inlet pipe 39. It should be noted that since the water supply pipe 4 is equipped with a water supply pump, water can be selectively supplied to the spray water storage tank 21 and the humidifying water supply tank according to the opening and closing of the water supply valve 7 on the water supply pipe 4 and the humidifying water supply valve 33 on the water supply inlet pipe 39.
[0061] The spray water storage tank 21 is located below the humidification water storage tank 32. The bottom of the humidification water storage tank 32 is provided with a connecting pipe 5 that is connected to the spray water storage tank 21. A second drain valve 6 is provided on the connecting pipe 5. Since the spray water storage tank 21 is located below the humidification water storage tank 32, when the second drain valve 6 is opened, the stored water in the humidification water storage tank 32 will be replenished into the spray water storage tank 21 under the action of gravity.
[0062] When the computer room needs humidification, but the condensate collected by the water inlet 24 is insufficient, water can be added to the humidification water tank 32 by opening the humidification water supply valve 33 to meet the humidification requirements. If the computer room does not need humidification, to prevent the condensate from overflowing in the humidification water tank 32, the water level in the humidification water tank 32 can be lowered by opening the connecting channel between the humidification water tank 32 and the spray water tank 21 to prevent the humidification water tank 32 from overflowing. At the same time, a certain amount of water can be retained in the humidification water tank 32 so that when the humidification system 3 is started next time, the humidification water tank 32 will have enough water to meet the humidification requirements.
[0063] If the water receiving component 24 collects a large amount of condensate, for example, when the outdoor temperature is low in winter, a large amount of condensate will be generated on the outer wall of the heat exchange core 11. At this time, while the amount of condensate meets the humidification requirements, there will still be some surplus. In related technologies, this surplus is usually discharged directly outdoors, resulting in water waste. However, in this embodiment, the condensate can be discharged into the humidification storage tank 32 through the water receiving component 24. Based on the water level in the humidification storage tank 32, the communication channel between the humidification storage tank 32 and the spray storage tank 21 can be selectively opened to lower the water level in the humidification storage tank 32. The humidification storage tank 32 can then be used as a reserve water source for the spray system 2.
[0064] In some embodiments, the humidification and water supply valve 33 can be an electric three-way valve; please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 The first and second ends of the three-way valve are connected to the water inlet pipe 39 to control the connection between the humidifying water storage tank 32 and the water supply device. The third end of the three-way valve is connected to the water receiving component 24 to control the connection between the humidifying water storage tank 32 and the water receiving component 24 via the three-way valve. When the condensate volume is large and water supply from the water inlet pipe 39 is not required, the three-way valve can be used to control the connection between the second inlet of the humidifying water storage tank 32 and the water receiving component 24, thereby improving the efficiency of condensate drainage into the humidifying water storage tank 32. When water supply from the water inlet pipe 39 is required to replenish the humidifying water storage tank 32, the second inlet of the humidifying water storage tank 32 is connected to the water supply pipe 4, and the connection between the second inlet and the water receiving component 24 is closed.
[0065] The heat exchange system 1 also includes a condenser 13, an outdoor fan 14, an indoor fan 15, and a compressor. The condenser 13 is located on the outdoor air outlet side of the heat exchange core 11, and the spray head 25 is located between the condenser 13 and the heat exchange core 11. When the outdoor air enters the heat exchange core 11, it exchanges heat with the indoor return air within the heat exchange core 11. It should be noted that there are independent outdoor air ducts and outdoor air channels within the heat exchange core 11. The outdoor air enters the outdoor air channel from the outdoor air inlet side and is discharged from the outdoor air outlet side. It then undergoes heat exchange in the condenser 13 (compressor mode) and is discharged to the outdoor environment by the outdoor fan 14. The indoor air enters the indoor air channel from the indoor return air side, exchanges heat with the outdoor air within the heat exchange core 11, and is discharged from the indoor air inlet side after heat exchange. It then supplies air to the room through the evaporator 12 and the indoor fan 15. Therefore, the indoor air and outdoor air do not mix when they exchange heat in the heat exchange core 11. Meanwhile, the humidifier 31 is located on the air outlet side of the evaporator 12, so the indoor fan 15 can also act on the output end of the humidifier 31, thereby improving the humidification efficiency of the computer room. The compressor (not shown in the figure) is connected to the condenser 13 and the evaporator 12 to form a refrigerant circulation loop for the air conditioning system. Of course, the air conditioning system also includes components such as electronic expansion valves, which can be referred to in the existing air conditioning system, and will not be described in detail here.
[0066] In some embodiments, the heat exchange core 11 has a dual-core rhomboid distribution; specifically, the heat exchange core 11 includes two symmetrically distributed rhomboid cores. Please refer to [reference needed for details]. Figure 1 One corner of the rhomboid core is located at the bottom. Within this rhomboid core, the evaporator 12 is located on the downward-sloping side, and the condenser 13 is located on the upward-sloping side, situated on two adjacent surfaces. A water collection element 24 is located at the bottom corner of the rhomboid core, vertically corresponding at least to the bottom of the evaporator 12. This allows the condensate and spray water from the heat exchange core 11 to collect at the bottom corner under gravity, and the condensate from the evaporator 12 to collect at the bottom of the evaporator 12 under gravity, before flowing back into the water collection element 24. The number of water collection elements 24 corresponds to the number of heat exchange cores 11.
[0067] This application also includes a control system, which can determine whether to start the heat exchange system 1 and / or the spray system 2 by comparing the preset switching point temperature with the outdoor dry-bulb temperature and the outdoor wet-bulb temperature. Specifically, the preset switching point temperature includes the dry-state switching point temperature and the spray switching point temperature. The dry-state switching point temperature is the preset temperature when the unit switches to dry mode, and the spray switching point temperature is the preset temperature when the unit switches to mixed mode. The outdoor dry-bulb temperature is the temperature measured by the thermometer when it is freely exposed to the air, and the outdoor wet-bulb temperature is the temperature when the surface temperature of the wet-bulb thermometer gauze reaches saturation.
[0068] When the outdoor temperature is low, the outdoor dry-bulb temperature is less than the dry-state switching point temperature. The unit operates in dry mode. At this time, the spray system 2 and the heat exchange system 1 are not running. The cooling demand can be met by relying on the heat exchange core 11 for heat exchange.
[0069] When the outdoor temperature is similar to the machine room temperature, the dry switching point temperature is less than the outdoor wet bulb temperature and the spray switching point temperature. The unit operates in wet mode. At this time, the spray system 2 is running and the heat exchange system 1 is not running. The heat exchange core 11 is increased by spraying to meet the cooling demand.
[0070] When the outdoor temperature is significantly higher than the machine room temperature, the outdoor wet-bulb temperature is greater than or equal to the spray switching point temperature. The unit operates in mixed mode, where both spray system 2 and heat exchange system 1 are running. The cooling demand is met through heat exchange core 11 and compressor mode.
[0071] It should be noted that whether the heat exchange system 1 is running or not, its heat exchange core 11 is in use. That is, the above-mentioned running or not running of the heat exchange system 1 refers to the operation or non-operation of the compressor in compressor mode.
[0072] For all three operating modes of the unit mentioned above, it is necessary to determine whether the machine room has a humidification requirement, and then selectively activate the humidification system 3 according to the humidification requirement. However, regardless of the operating mode of the unit, it is also necessary to determine the amount of condensate produced by the heat exchange system 1. If the amount of condensate is too large, such that the humidification water consumption of the humidification system 3 is less than the amount of condensate when humidification is required, then the condensate needs to be drained from the humidification water storage tank 32 into the spray water storage tank 21. This ensures that the humidification water storage tank 32 meets the water needs of the humidifier 31 while preventing the humidification water storage tank 32 from overflowing. It can also serve as a reserve water for the spray water storage tank 21 to provide spray water for the spray system 2.
[0073] If the amount of condensate is too small, such that the humidification water consumption of the humidification system 3 is greater than the amount of condensate when humidification is required, water needs to be added to the humidification water storage tank 32 through the water inlet pipe 39 and the water supply pipe 4 to meet the humidification water consumption of the humidification system 3.
[0074] In addition, when there is no need for humidification in the computer room, the humidification water storage tank 32 is still connected to the water receiving part 24 to collect condensate. However, in order to avoid the humidification water storage tank 32 from overflowing, it can still drain water into the spray water storage tank 21 through the connecting pipe 5.
[0075] This application embodiment also provides a control method for the above-mentioned indirect evaporative cooling unit, including:
[0076] Obtain the amount of condensate from the heat exchange system 1 within a preset time, and determine the relationship between the amount of condensate and the amount of humidification water used by the humidification system 3.
[0077] Based on the aforementioned size relationship, the connection and disconnection control is performed between the humidification water storage tank 32 and the water supply pipe 4, and between the humidification water storage tank 32 and the spray water storage tank 21.
[0078] The humidification system 3 of the indirect evaporative cooling unit is operated and controlled based on humidification requirements.
[0079] In obtaining the condensate volume of heat exchange system 1 within a preset time, the amount of condensate produced by heat exchange system 1 can be predicted in advance. For example, when the computer room is in dry mode, the outdoor dry-bulb temperature is determined by the indoor return air temperature and humidity sensors and the outdoor temperature and humidity sensors. If it is lower than the computer room dew point temperature, it indicates that heat exchange system 1 will produce more condensate; otherwise, it will produce less condensate. When the computer room is in wet mode, the condition for determining the amount of condensate produced by heat exchange system 1 is whether the outdoor wet-bulb temperature is lower than the computer room dew point temperature. If it is lower, more condensate is produced; otherwise, less condensate is produced. Similarly, when the computer room is in mixed mode, due to the operation of the compressor, the condition for determining the amount of condensate produced by heat exchange system 1 is whether the evaporation temperature of evaporator 12 is lower than the computer room dew point temperature. If it is lower, more condensate is produced; otherwise, less condensate is produced.
[0080] In some embodiments, the amount of condensate produced by the heat exchange system 1 can also be determined by the amount of condensate entering the humidification storage tank 32 from the water receiving component 24; specifically, the amount of condensate produced by the heat exchange system 1 within a preset time is obtained, and the relationship between the amount of condensate and the amount of humidification water used by the humidification system 3 is determined, including:
[0081] The humidifying water storage tank 32 is connected to the water receiving part 24, and after a preset connection time, the amount of condensate water entering the humidifying water storage tank 32 from the water receiving part 24 is obtained.
[0082] The water level switch 37 detects whether the water level in the humidification storage tank 32 has reached the preset high level. If it has, it means that the condensate volume is greater than or equal to the humidification water volume. In this case, the condensate volume generated by the heat exchange system 1 can meet the humidification needs of the humidification system 3, and no external water replenishment is required. If there is too much condensate in the humidification storage tank 32, it can be drained into the spray storage tank 21 through the connecting pipe 5 to prevent the humidification storage tank 32 from overflowing. If it has not reached the preset high level, it means that the condensate volume is less than the humidification water volume. In this case, water is replenished to the humidification storage tank 32 through the water replenishment pipe 4 and the water replenishment inlet pipe 39 until the preset high level is reached.
[0083] If the computer room requires humidification, the humidification system 3 will start running after the water level in the humidification storage tank reaches the preset high level. The humidification storage tank 32 will supply water to the input end of the humidifier 31, and the humidifier 31 will start to humidify the computer room.
[0084] If there is no humidification requirement in the computer room, the humidification water consumption of humidification system 3 is zero. As condensate gradually flows into the humidification water storage tank 32, there will inevitably be a point in time when the condensate reaches the preset high level. When the condensate reaches the preset high level, the humidification water storage tank 32 is connected to the spray water storage tank 21, allowing the condensate and spray water storage tanks 21 to drain, preventing the humidification water storage tank 32 from overflowing. As the condensate flows into the spray water storage tank 21, it will reach the preset low level after a certain period of time. At this time, the humidification water storage tank 32 and the spray water storage tank 21 can be shut off to ensure that some condensate remains in the humidification water storage tank 32, so that when there is a humidification requirement next time, it can meet part of the water supply of humidification system 3.
[0085] In addition, when the unit itself has a dehumidification requirement, dehumidification can be carried out by turning on the compressor. The compressor mode uses dual electronic expansion valves, closes one of the expansion valves corresponding to the evaporator 12, reduces the heat exchange area of the evaporator 12, so that the evaporation temperature of the evaporator 12 is lower than the dew point temperature of the machine room, and dehumidifies the return air of the machine room.
[0086] It should be noted that the humidifier 31 mentioned above can also be a constant humidity device, enabling the unit to have both dehumidification and humidification functions. The humidification system 3 and the spray system 2 share a set of water supply / drainage system, eliminating the need to add water pipes, water pumps, and water treatment equipment to the humidification system 3, thus reducing the operating costs of the data center and reducing the waste of water and electricity. At the same time, the effective use of condensate generated by the heat exchange system 1 ensures that the unit can maintain the supply air humidity between 40% and 60% under different seasons and return air conditions, saving water and electricity resources and reducing the operating costs of the data center.
[0087] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.
[0088] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. An indirect evaporative cooling unit, characterized in that, include: Heat exchange system (1); The sprinkler system (2) includes a sprinkler water storage tank (21), which is connected to a water replenishment device for water supply; The humidification system (3) includes a humidification water storage tank (32), the inlet of which can be connected to the water replenishment device to replenish water into the humidification water storage tank (32); The heat exchange system (1) is provided with a water receiving device (24) on one side for collecting its condensate. The liquid inlet can also be connected to the water receiving device (24). The humidifying water storage tank (32) can be connected to the spray water storage tank (21) to replenish water into the spray water storage tank (21). The humidifying water storage tank (32) is located below the water receiving component (24). The liquid inlet includes a first inlet and a second inlet. The first inlet is connected to the water receiving component (24) through a condensate drain pipe (34). A first drain valve (35) is provided on the condensate drain pipe (34). The second inlet is connected to the water supply pipe (4) of the water supply device through a water supply inlet pipe (39). A humidifying water supply valve (33) is provided on the water supply inlet pipe (39). The humidification and water supply valve is a three-way valve. The first and second ends of the three-way valve are connected to the water supply inlet pipe, and the third end of the three-way valve is connected to the water receiving component.
2. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange system (1) includes a heat exchange core (11) and an evaporator (12) located on the air outlet side of the heat exchange core (11). The water receiving component (24) is located on the lower side of the heat exchange system (1) and is used to collect the condensate from the heat exchange core (11) and / or the evaporator (12).
3. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The humidification system (3) also includes a humidifier (31) located on the air outlet side of the evaporator (12). The input end of the humidifier (31) is connected to the liquid outlet of the humidification water tank (32) through a humidification pipe (38). A humidification water pump (36) is provided on the humidification pipe (38).
4. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spray system (2) also includes a spray outlet pipe (23) connected to the spray water storage tank (21). The spray outlet pipe (23) is equipped with a spray water pump (22) and a spray head (25). The spray head (25) sprays water toward the heat exchange core (11).
5. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray water storage tank (21) is located below the humidification water storage tank (32). The bottom of the humidification water storage tank (32) is provided with a connecting pipe (5) connected to the spray water storage tank (21), and a second drain valve (6) is provided on the connecting pipe (5).
6. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange system (1) also includes: The condenser (13) is located on the outdoor air outlet side of the heat exchange core (11), and the spray head (25) is located between the condenser (13) and the heat exchange core (11). An outdoor fan (14) is located on the air outlet side of the condenser (13) and is used to exhaust air to the outside. An indoor fan (15) is located on the air outlet side of the evaporator (12) and is used to exhaust air to the output end of the humidifier (31) and supply air to the room. The compressor is connected to the condenser (13) and the evaporator (12) to form a refrigerant circulation loop for the air conditioning system.
7. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heat exchange core (11) includes two symmetrically distributed rhomboid cores. The two rhomboid cores are inclined. The evaporator (12) is located on the downward inclined side of the rhomboid core, and the condenser (13) is located on the upward inclined side of the rhomboid core. The evaporator (12) and the condenser (13) are located on two adjacent surfaces of the rhomboid core.
8. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water receiving component (24) is located at the lowest corner of the rhomboid core and corresponds at least to the lowest side of the evaporator (12) in the vertical direction. The number of water receiving components (24) is consistent with the number of heat exchange cores (11) and corresponds one-to-one. The condensate of the heat exchange core (11) and the condensate of the evaporator (12) are collected at the lowest corner under the action of gravity.
9. A control method, characterized in that, Applied to the indirect evaporative cooling unit according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising: Obtain the amount of condensate from the heat exchange system (1) within a preset time, and determine the relationship between the amount of condensate and the amount of humidification water used by the humidification system (3). Based on the aforementioned size relationship, the on / off control is performed between the humidification water storage tank (32) and the water replenishment device, and between the humidification water storage tank (32) and the spray water storage tank (21); The humidification system (3) of the indirect evaporative cooling unit is operated and controlled based on the humidification requirements.
10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the condensate volume of the heat exchange system (1) within a preset time and determining the relationship between the condensate volume and the humidification water consumption of the humidification system (3) includes: The humidifying water storage tank (32) is connected to the water receiving part (24), and after the preset time of connection, the amount of condensate water entering the humidifying water storage tank (32) from the water receiving part (24) is obtained; If the amount of condensate reaches a preset high level in the humidification water storage tank (32), then the amount of condensate is greater than or equal to the amount of humidification water. If the amount of condensate in the humidification water tank (32) does not reach the preset high level, then the amount of condensate is less than the amount of humidification water.
11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The operation control of the humidification system (3) of the indirect evaporative cooling unit based on humidification requirements includes: When there is a humidification requirement, if the water level of the humidification storage tank (32) reaches the preset high level, the humidification system (3) is controlled to start operation; if the water level of the humidification storage tank (32) does not reach the preset high level, the humidification storage tank (32) and the water replenishment device are connected to each other so that the water replenishment device replenishes water to the humidification storage tank (32), and when the water level of the humidification storage tank (32) reaches the preset high level after water replenishment, the humidification system (3) is controlled to start operation.
12. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The operation control of the humidification system (3) of the indirect evaporative cooling unit based on humidification requirements also includes: When there is no need for humidification, if the water level of the humidification water storage tank (32) reaches a preset high level, the humidification water storage tank (32) and the spray water storage tank (21) are connected to each other so that the humidification water storage tank (32) replenishes water to the spray water storage tank (21).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Air conditioning system and control method thereof
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Indirect evaporative cooling system, air conditioning unit, water chilling unit and data center
CN218096356U