Water sprinkling device and foreign matter removal method
The sprinkler device addresses the issue of foreign matter clogging by using water to capture and remove contaminants from heat exchanger intake air, improving operational efficiency and longevity.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024035792
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing dust filters for heat exchangers become clogged or allow foreign matter to adhere to fins, leading to rapid loss of function.
A sprinkler device that sprinkles water into the intake air passage of a heat exchanger to capture and remove foreign matter using water droplets, enhancing removal efficiency.
Effectively removes foreign matter from intake air, reducing clogging and extending the operational time of the heat exchanger.
Smart Images

Figure 2025136877000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water sprinkler device and a method for removing foreign matter. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a construction machine in which a dust filter for removing foreign matter from intake air is provided upstream of a heat exchanger for cooling the engine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-148025 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, depending on the amount and condition of foreign matter, the dust filter may become clogged or foreign matter may adhere to the fins of the heat exchanger, causing the heat exchanger to lose its function in a short period of time. Therefore, in such cases, the dust filter alone cannot effectively remove the foreign matter.
[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a sprinkler device that can effectively remove foreign matter from the intake air to a heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] In one embodiment, A sprinkler device is provided that includes a sprinkler unit that sprinkles water into an intake air introduction passage that is arranged on the intake side of a heat exchanger. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, foreign matter in intake air to a heat exchanger can be effectively removed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a sprinkler device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a view of the sprinkler device of the present embodiment as viewed in the X direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a water spray unit. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a bottom view (viewed in the Z direction) showing the configuration of the sprinkler unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a sound absorbing section is provided in an intake air introduction passage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Figure 1 is an oblique view showing the configuration of the sprinkler device of this embodiment, Figure 2 is a view of the sprinkler device of this embodiment viewed in the X direction, Figure 3 is an oblique view showing the configuration of the sprinkler section, and Figure 3A is a bottom view (viewed in the Z direction) showing the configuration of the sprinkler section.
[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sprinkler device of this embodiment includes a component 10 that functions as a hood, and a sprinkler unit 20. The component 10 forms an intake air introduction passage 11 that is arranged on the intake side of an open-type cooling tower 100 that serves as a heat exchanger. That is, the component 10 is formed in a U-shape that surrounds the intake air introduction passage 11 when viewed in the intake direction (X direction). The sprinkler unit 20 can be attached to the component 10 above the intake air introduction passage 11.
[0011] The component 10 has a first component 10A that can be attached to the open-type cooling tower 100, and a second component 10B that can be attached to the first component 10A so as to be slidable along the air intake direction. By sliding the second component 10B relative to the first component 10A, the length of the entire component 10 in the air intake direction can be adjusted. Therefore, the length of the component 10 can be optimized depending on the installation space at the site, etc.
[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 3A, sprinkler unit 20 has a rectangular plate shape, and has a space formed therein that can hold water. A plurality of sprinkler nozzles 21 that communicate with the internal space are formed on the bottom surface of sprinkler unit 20. Furthermore, sprinkler unit 20 is connectable to hose 22, and water is introduced into the interior via hose 22, and the water is sprinkled or sprayed via sprinkler nozzles 21 due to the water pressure.
[0013] As shown in Figure 3A, sprinkler nozzles 21 formed on the bottom surface of sprinkler unit 20 are arranged at different positions relative to the air intake direction (X direction) and at different positions relative to the direction perpendicular to the air intake direction. By arranging sprinkler nozzles 21 in this manner, it is possible to spray water over a wide area in both the air intake direction of air intake introduction path 11 and the direction perpendicular to the air intake direction. In other words, the effect of removing foreign matter can be improved.
[0014] 2, second component 10B is provided with support part 12 that can support sprinkler part 20 above intake air introduction passage 11, and sprinkler part 20 can be attached to and detached from second component 10B by support part 12. Sprinkler part 20 can be attached and detached to second component 10B (support part 12) by sliding sprinkler part 20 in the intake direction.
[0015] Moreover, the component 10 is detachable from the open-type cooling tower 100. That is, the first component 10A is detachable from an intake port (not shown) of the open-type cooling tower 100.
[0016] Furthermore, the second component 10B is detachable from the first component 10A, and by sliding the second component 10B in the intake direction relative to the first component 10A, the length of the entire component 10 in the intake direction can be changed.
[0017] Next, a method for removing foreign matter using the sprinkler system of this embodiment will be described.
[0018] When the fan of the open-type cooling tower 100 is operated with the component 10 without the sprinkler unit 20 attached to the open-type cooling tower 100, atmospheric air is supplied to the open-type cooling tower 100 via the intake air introduction path 11. That is, the intake air to the open-type cooling tower 100 flows into the intake air introduction path 11 via the opening of the second component 10B (the opening on the front side in FIG. 1 ). The intake air passes sequentially through the second component 10B and the first component 10A and is drawn into the intake port of the open-type cooling tower 100. At this time, some of the foreign matter contained in the intake air to the open-type cooling tower 100, for example, foreign matter with a relatively large diameter, falls to the ground in the intake air introduction path 11 due to its own weight before reaching the intake port of the open-type cooling tower 100. The remaining foreign matter is drawn into the intake port of the open-type cooling tower 100 together with the air, some of which is captured by a filter and some of which enters the interior of the open-type cooling tower 100.
[0019] On the other hand, when component 10 is attached to open-type cooling tower 100 and sprinkler unit 20 is attached to second component 10B, and water is supplied to sprinkler unit 20 via hose 22, water is sprayed from sprinkler unit 20 into intake air introduction passage 11. At this time, water droplets 5 (FIG. 2) are released from sprinkler nozzle 21 into intake air introduction passage 11. When the fan of open-type cooling tower 100 is operated in this state, air is supplied to open-type cooling tower 100 through intake air introduction passage 11. In this case, as described above, foreign matter with a relatively large diameter contained in the air falls to the ground in intake air introduction passage 11 before reaching the intake port of open-type cooling tower 100. Similarly to foreign matter, water droplets 5 also move along the flow of intake air toward the intake port of open-type cooling tower 100, but all or most of water droplets 5 fall to the ground in intake air introduction passage 11 before reaching the intake port of open-type cooling tower 100. At this time, some of the foreign matter with a relatively small diameter that would not fall to the ground by its own weight alone is captured by the water droplets 5 and falls to the ground together with the water droplets 5. Therefore, it is possible to allow more foreign matter to fall to the ground compared to the case where water is not sprayed from the spray unit 20. This makes it possible to suppress foreign matter being sucked in from the intake port of the open-type cooling tower 100. Note that by ensuring a sufficient width in the height direction (Z direction) of the intake air introduction path 11, the foreign matter removal effect by spraying water can be enhanced.
[0020] As described above, according to this embodiment, foreign matter that would not fall by its own weight alone can be captured by the water droplets 5, thereby effectively removing foreign matter from the intake air to the open-type cooling tower 100. This reduces the amount of foreign matter that is sucked into the open-type cooling tower 100. This effectively extends the time that the open-type cooling tower 100 can continue to function.
[0021] Even when water spraying is not performed, extending the length of the intake air introduction passage 11 in the intake direction allows more foreign matter to fall within the intake air introduction passage 11 by its own weight. Furthermore, increasing the cross-sectional area of the intake air introduction passage 11 (the area of the surface perpendicular to the intake direction) can suppress the intake air velocity, which is expected to have the same effect as extending the length of the intake air introduction passage 11 in the intake direction. However, there are cases where it is not possible to provide space for the length and cross-sectional area of the intake air introduction passage 11. Furthermore, small-diameter foreign matter that cannot be expected to fall by its own weight cannot be removed from the intake air. However, according to this embodiment, even when the space for the intake air introduction passage 11 is limited, foreign matter can be effectively removed from the intake air by capturing it with water droplets 5. Furthermore, even foreign matter that cannot be expected to be removed by its own weight alone can be removed to some extent by the water droplets 5. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the water spray unit 20 is provided at the top of the intake air introduction passage 11, but the location of the water spray unit 20 is not limited thereto. For example, sprinkler unit 20 may be attached along the inner surface of second component 10B facing intake air introduction passage 11 (either or both of the left and right inner surfaces in FIG. 2).
[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which a sound absorbing part is provided as an example of a soundproofing part in the intake air introduction path.
[0023] 4, a sound absorbing section 40 that absorbs sound by converting sound into heat is provided inside the intake air introduction passage 11. By attaching the sound absorbing section 40 along the side surface of the component 10C, it is possible to obtain a sound absorbing effect inside the intake air introduction passage 11 without obstructing the flow of intake air inside the intake air introduction passage 11. This makes it possible to suppress noise propagating from the open-type cooling tower 100 to the outside through the intake air introduction passage 11, such as noise from a fan or compressor.
[0024] The sound absorbing section 40 may have any configuration, and may be made of a known sound absorbing material (such as glass wool), for example. The sound absorbing section 40 may also have any configuration for supporting the sound absorbing material, and for example, the sound absorbing material may be supported by a metal plate or mesh member with a large number of holes formed therein that allow sound to pass through.
[0025] 4, sound absorbing section 40 is provided only on the side of component 10C so as not to interfere with sprinkler section 20 provided on the top surface of component 10C. However, in areas where sprinkler section 20 is not provided, such as areas with a structure like first component 10A, sound absorbing sections may also be provided on the top surface of component 10C, just like on the side surfaces. This can further enhance the sound absorption effect.
[0026] 1 to 4, an open-type cooling tower 100 is shown as an example of a heat exchanger, but the configuration and use of the heat exchanger are arbitrary, including a closed-type cooling tower. The present invention is also applicable to, for example, heat exchangers used in air conditioning systems and turbines, and other heat exchangers for cooling various heat sources, such as engines installed in construction machinery.
[0027] In the above-described embodiment, the components 10 and 10C function as a U-shaped hood when viewed in the intake direction, but the shape of the component is arbitrary. For example, a component having a shape that is closed on the front side of the X axis in FIG. 1 and an open bottom, or a cylindrical component having a rectangular cross section and a bottom, may be provided.
[0028] In addition, in an example where a cylindrical structure having a rectangular cross section and a bottom surface is provided, a device may be provided to remove foreign matter that has fallen into the intake air introduction path 11 due to its own weight or water droplets 5 from the intake air introduction path 11.
[0029] The type of foreign matter can also be any type, but the present invention can be applied to the removal of volcanic ash, for example. In the unlikely event of a volcanic eruption and ashfall, the ash can get into outdoor units and cooling towers, blocking heat dissipation fins and damaging fan motors. If the outdoor units and cooling towers of air conditioning systems stop functioning, production factories and data centers will be unable to operate, causing significant damage.
[0030] However, according to this embodiment, the volcanic ash is captured by the water droplets 5, thereby effectively removing the volcanic ash that would otherwise be sucked into the open-type cooling tower 100. This reduces the amount of volcanic ash that is sucked into the open-type cooling tower 100, and significantly extends the time that the open-type cooling tower 100 can continue to function.
[0031] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the component 10 is detachable from the open-type cooling tower 100, and the sprinkler unit 20 is detachable from the component 10. Therefore, for example, under normal circumstances, only the component 10 is used, and when ashfall occurs or there is a possibility of ashfall, the sprinkler unit 20 can be attached and sprinkler water can be sprayed. In this way, by making the sprinkler unit 20 detachable, it becomes possible to take low-cost and effective measures against ashfall, which can cause severe damage despite the unknown possibility of its occurrence. Furthermore, ashfall can be dealt with quickly.
[0032] The present invention can also be widely applied to foreign matter such as dust particles, sand particles, etc. For example, the present invention may be applied to heat exchangers of construction machinery and other facilities as a measure against sand particles generated at construction sites.
[0033] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of components of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]
[0034] 10 Constructs 10A First Component 10B Second construct 20 Watering section 21 Watering nozzle 22 Hose 100 Open cooling tower
Claims
1. A sprinkler device including a sprinkler unit that sprinkles water into an intake air introduction passage arranged on the intake side of a heat exchanger.
2. a component that forms the intake air introduction passage, The structure includes a soundproofing portion that reduces propagating sound, The sprinkler device according to claim 1 , wherein the sprinkler unit is attachable to the component within the intake air introduction passage.
3. The sprinkler system according to claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the structure is detachable from the heat exchanger.
4. The sprinkler system according to claim 2, wherein the length of the component in the intake air introduction passage in the intake direction is variable.
5. The sprinkler device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sprinkler section has a plurality of sprinkler nozzles arranged at different positions relative to the intake direction and / or a plurality of sprinkler nozzles arranged at different positions relative to a direction perpendicular to the intake direction.
6. A foreign matter removal method that removes foreign matter from intake air by spraying water into the intake air introduction passage located on the intake side of the heat exchanger.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Construction machine
JP2021148025A