A method for cooling an equipment by means of a water transported through a piping system in the equipment, as well as such a device

Abstract

A method for cooling an equipment by means of a water transported through a piping system in the equipment, wherein the water enters the piping system at a first temperature, is heated up in the piping system by heat exchange with heat generating activities in the equipment and leaves the piping system at a second temperature being higher than the first temperature. The water is being cooled down to the first temperature by a device.

Description

[0001] A method for cooling an equipment by means of a water transported through a piping system in the equipment, as well as such a device

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a method for cooling an equipment by means of a water transported through a piping system in the equipment, wherein the water enters the piping system at a first temperature, is heated up in the piping system by heat exchange with heat generating activities in the equipment and leaves the piping system at a second temperature being higher than the first temperature, which water is being cooled down to the first temperature by a device.

[0004] The invention also relates to such a device.

[0005] In the patent application the word “equipment” should be understood as a building, house, a factory or a large installation located at premises and other locations.

[0006] In the patent application the word “piping system” should be understood as a system through which a water can be transported to be in heat exchange with heat generating activities in the equipment.

[0007] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] There are several known methods to cool down an equipment by means of a fluid transported through a piping system in the equipment. Equipment designed for high-tech and industrial applications like pharmaceutical facilities, electrolyser facilities, microelectronics production facilities, data centres and microelectronics production, commonly use closed-loop fluid systems for cooling. Subsequently, water is used as a heat exchange medium to remove the heat from the fluid. These systems circulate the water to remove heat, pump it outside, and use evaporative cooling to lower the fluid temperature. If the fluid is water, for the evaporative cooling, other water, not forming part of the closed-loop water systems is beingused. To distinguish between the water in the closed-loop system and the water to cool the water in the closed-loop system, the latest is called the “additional water source”. This additional water source evaporates and is turned into steam being released into the atmosphere through cooling towers. While effective, this approach relies heavily on such an additional water source, a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce in many regions. This technique also requires low ambient temperatures and low relative humidity to achieve the desired cooling rates of the additional water source.

[0009] In high-temperature climates and areas of high water-stress, the ability to chill the additional water source for closed-loop water cooling cycles is severely difficult. Current solutions, such as evaporative cooling towers, waste an extensive amount of an additional water source via evaporation to the atmosphere and in some cases cannot achieve the necessary cooling duty required due to the high ambient temperatures. Therefore, in warmer climates there is a need to consider alternative techniques to achieve the desired cooling requirements. Certain applications, such as microchip production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and data centres, not only need to reject heat from their cooling additional water source, but also demand pure or ultra-pure water, further intensifying the need for efficient water management.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] At least one of the objects of the invention is to provide a method to cool equipment in a manner that requires less resources and avoids the spilling of water.

[0012] This objective is accomplished with the method according to the invention in that the device is hybrid cooling and distillation device comprising:

[0013] - at least one heat pump receiving water leaving the equipment,

[0014] - at least one flash vessel receiving water leaving the at least one heat pump, which water belongs to a different flow of water as the water leaving the equipment or is the same flow of water as the water leaving the equipment, which water isbeing separated by the at least one flash vessel into steam forming the first part of the water whilst the remaining water forms a second part of the water.

[0015] - at least a distillation system receiving steam from the at least one flash vessel, which steam is being used to separate a flow of feed water into purified water and brine,

[0016] - whereby the second part of the water leaving the at least one flash vessel and at least a part of condensed steam and / or at least a part of the purified water leaving the at least one distillation system are combined into a combined stream of water, which combined stream of water enters the at least one heat pump.

[0017] By the method of the invention heat retrieved from the water leaving the equipment is being used in the device to heat up water before it will enter into the at least one flash vessel. This water entering the flash vessel belongs to a different flow of water as the water leaving the equipment or is the same flow of water as the water leaving the equipment,

[0018] By a first version of the invention, the water in the equipment will be used to heat up separate stream of water, which water will be heated and partly converted into steam in the at least one flash vessel to be used in a distillation system to separate feed water into purified water and brine. By this method the water leaving the piping system of the equipment is being immediately cooled down.

[0019] By a second version of the method according to the invention the water leaving the equipment is heated and partly converted into steam in the at least one flash vessel to be used in a distillation system to separate feed water into purified water and brine.

[0020] The both the first and second versions of the method according to the invention heat pumps, flash vessels and distillation systems are being used to leverage waste heat from the equipment being at the second temperature to make distillate or purified ultra-pure water for high-tech and industrial processes whilstsimultaneously rejecting the waste heat and returning the cooled water to the equipment.

[0021] By the second version part of the water leaving the piping system will be used in the distillation system, this part must be reintroduced into the piping system and / or be replenished to maintain the amount in the piping system of the equipment constant. If the part of the water used in the distillation system can be fully reintroduced into the piping system, the piping system is a real closed-loop system. If the part of the water used in the distillation system is mixed with the purified part of the feed water, and be replenished, the system is not closed.

[0022] The purified water can, for example be used in greenhouses with optional remineralisation to adjust the minerals content of the water for growing of vegetation.

[0023] The piping system can be a vacuum and heat pump aided piping system. The at least one distillation system is a single distillation system or a multiple effect distillation system (MED). Here below, the at least one distillation system is called MED although also a single distillation system can be used.

[0024] The invention provides a method to control the coolant temperature using for example a MED and an adsorption system / chiller and simultaneously control the purified water output. A user has the flexibility to adjust and control the method depending on the preferences. The invention can also be seen as proving a distillation system with the additional benefit of achieving cooling of an equipment.

[0025] It is of course possible that not all the water being at the first temperature or lower is reintroduced into the piping system but that part of it is being stored and / or used elsewhere. In such a case, the amount of this part needs to be replenished in the piping system. The water being at a reduced temperature can for example be used as follows: in the Middle East where in the summer ambient temperatures of over 50 degrees Celsius with a humidity of 100% it is impossible to condense the steam in at the last (few) effects of the MED. The method can beused to generate cooling water to “cool” the last few effects of an existing MED device.

[0026] Normally the water re-entering the building has a desired first temperature or lower, and this first temperature might change during the day.

[0027] The method will lower the total energy consumption of the plant comprising the equipment and the device according to the invention. It can also produce ultra-pure or demineralised water, instead of consuming water.

[0028] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the water leaving the equipment is being cooled down by the at least one heat pump to the first temperature and returned to the piping system in the equipment in a closed loop system, whilst the water leaving the at least one heat pump has being heated up in the at least one heat pump by heat transfer with the water in the closed loop system.

[0029] This water can then subsequently be fed to the at least one flash vessel and / or a MED.

[0030] Hereabove, this method is called the first embodiment of the method according to the invention. As commonly known a heat pump comprises a condenser (hot side) and evaporator (cold side).

[0031] This first version is suitable for situations whereby

[0032] Ts— Tf ED,min AEnP.crit

[0033] whereby:

[0034] Tsis the temperature of the water leaving the equipment, being lower than 30-45 degrees Celsius.

[0035] TMED,minis the minimum required operating temperature of the MED system, defined as the bottom brine temperature (i.e. the temperature of the brine at the end of the MED), below which stable evaporation and effective heat transfer cannot be maintained, being in the range of 40-60 degrees Celsius. This is the minimum MED driving temperature).ATHP.crit is the critical temperature lift across a heat pump, defined as the maximum temperature difference between the heat pump condenser (hot side) and evaporator (cold side) beyond which the coefficient of performance (COP) decreases and heat pump operation becomes thermodynamically inefficient. ATHp.crit being in the range of 20-30 degrees Celsius. This is a practical heat-pump lift limit (before COP drops significantly or collapse).

[0036] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the water leaving the equipment is being heated up by the at least one heat pump to a third temperature being higher than the second temperature before entering the at least one flash vessel, whilst the combined stream of water is being cooled down by the at least one heat pump to the first temperature and returned to the piping system in the equipment.

[0037] In high temperature climates and areas of high water-stress, the ability to chill water for closed-loop water cooling cycles is severely limited or difficult. Current solutions, such as evaporative cooling towers, waste an extensive amount of water via evaporation to the atmosphere and, in some cases cannot achieve the necessary cooling duty required due to the high ambient temperatures.

[0038] Hereabove, this is called the second version of the method according to the invention. This second version is suitable for two different situations.

[0039] By the first situation:

[0040] Ts= Tf ED,min

[0041] or

[0042] Ts+ ATCOO1 > Tf ED,min

[0043] whereby

[0044] Tsis the temperature of the water leaving the equipment, being in the range of about 45-70 degrees Celsius,

[0045] ATcooi is the cooling temperature delta required by the equipment, defined as the temperature difference between the temperature Tsof the water leaving the equipment and the temperature of the cooled stream of water returned to the equipment.By the second situation:

[0046] Ts> Tf ED,min 3" AT1OSS

[0047] whereby

[0048] Tsis the temperature of the water leaving the equipment, being higher than 65-75 degrees Celsius’

[0049] ATioss is the temperature loss within the device, accounting for flashing losses, pressure drops, heat exchanger approach temperatures and auxiliary process equipment.

[0050] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that steam leaving the at least one flash vessel is fed through a vapour compression device before entering the at least one distillation system.

[0051] The vapour compression can either be thermal or mechanical.

[0052] Such vapour compression device might be needed if the temperature of the steam leaving the at least one flash vessel is too low to operate the first effect of the MED.

[0053] It is also possible to use a vapour compression device between an outlet of the MED and an inlet of the MED, to upgrade steam leaving the MED to make it usable as steam to drive a MED.

[0054] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that steam leaving the at least one distillation system is fed through at least one condenser to condense before being combined with the purified water.

[0055] In the condenser heat steam is transformed into liquid and its temperature is being reduced.

[0056] The invention also relates to devices for performing these methods, therefore solving the same problems and comprising the same components as described above.

[0057] By the method according to the invention the water leaving the piping system of the equipment can be heated to a third temperature being higher than the second temperature, whereafter a first part of the water is converted into steam and at least a part of the remaining second part of the water is cooled down to thefirst temperature or lower to be reintroduced into the piping system, whereby the steam is being used in a distillation system to separate feed water into purified water and brine, which steam:

[0058] - after being used in the distillation system is being condensed and cooled down to the first temperature or lower and reintroduced into the piping system or - is in the distillation system mixed with the purified part of the feed water, whereby an amount of new water being substantially equal to the amount of the first part of the water is introduced at the first temperature or lower into the piping system.

[0059] By the method according to the invention the water can be heated to the third temperature by heat exchange with a hot side of a heat pump.

[0060] A heat pump is an effective device to heat up and / or cool down a stream of water.

[0061] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that at least a part of the second part of the water is cooled down by heat exchange with a cold side of the heat pump and in the flash vessel.

[0062] Since each heat pump has a hot and cold side, the same heat pump being used for heating up the water leaving the equipment, can be used to cool down at least a part of the second part of the water. In practice all the water that has left the equipment at the first temperature and is not converted into steam is being cooled down by the heat pump.

[0063] By the method according to the invention the water being at the third temperature can be separated in a flash vessel into steam forming the first part of the water whilst the remaining water forms the second part of the water.

[0064] A flash vessel is a relatively simple device to evaporate under a vacuum part of the water into steam to be used in the distillation system. The flash vessel could have an internal structure to prolong the residence time of the water going and increase the surface area wherefrom water can evaporate. Since the water is already at the third temperature, evaporation in the flash vessel is easier.By the method according to the invention the second part of the water can be separated in an auxiliary flash vessel into steam forming a third part of the water whilst the remaining water forms a fourth part of the water, whereafter a third part of the water is converted into steam and at least a part of the remaining fourth part of the water is cooled down to the first temperature or lower to be reintroduced into the piping system, whereby the steam is being used in a distillation system to purify feed water into purified water, which steam:

[0065] - after being used in the distillation system is being condensed and cooled down to the first temperature or lower and reintroduced into the piping system or - is in the distillation system mixed with the feed water, whereby an amount of new water being substantially equal to the amount of the third part of the water is introduced at the first temperature or lower into the piping system.

[0066] The temperature of the second part of the water leaving the flash vessel is normally high enough to be used in an auxiliary flash vessel to that the third part can also be converted into steam to be used in the distillation system. In this manner the waste heat in the second part of the water can be used.

[0067] By the method according to the invention the second part of the water leaving the flash vessel at a fourth temperature can be heated by heat exchange with a hot side of an auxiliary heat pump to a fifth temperature.

[0068] By heating the second part of the water leaving the flash vessel more steam or with less effort can be created in the auxiliary flash vessel.

[0069] This steam can also be fed into the n-th effect of a MED downstream in the distillation system, depending on the temperature. In this manner the second part can be further cooled down and simultaneously produce more purified water. The purified water is ultra-pure.

[0070] By the method according to the invention the fourth part of the water can be cooled down by heat exchange with a cold side of the auxiliary heat pump and with a cold side of the heat pump.

[0071] In this manner the heat in the fourth part of the water is transferred to the auxiliary heat pump and subsequently to the heat pump.By the method according to the invention the third part of the water being converted into steam can be guided through a vapour compressor before being used in the distillation system.

[0072] The steam is upgraded to a higher temperature by guiding it through the vapour compressor.

[0073] The vapour compressor boosts the purified water production by upgrading the steam from the flash vessel and / or auxiliary flash vessel and at the outlet of the distillation system and recycling it back to the entrance of the distillation system. The vapour compressor reduces the overall energy consumption of the device while also maximising the water recovery ratio. The water recovery ratio is the purified water flowrate recovered divided by the total feed flowrate to the distillation system.

[0074] The vapour compression can either be thermal or mechanical.

[0075] By the method according to the invention the distillation system comprises a multi-stage effect distillation (MED) system.

[0076] Such systems are well known in the art as water desalination systems.

[0077] The method allows a modular approach and increasing cooling capacity when required, for example by adding extra effects or using larger effects in the MED.

[0078] By the method according to the invention the steam, purified water and brine leaving the distillation system can be guided through an adsorption effect system.

[0079] By using an adsorption effect system, a better control of the output temperature can be obtained. An adsorption effect system also called adsorption chiller placed after the distillation system like a multi-stage effect distillation (MED) system serves to recover and utilize low-grade waste heat from the MED process, improving overall system efficiency.

[0080] By the method according to the invention the water leaving the cold side of the heat pump can be guided through a chiller to further cool down the water to the first temperature or lower.Such a chiller is needed if the temperature of the water leaving the cold side of the heat pump is not yet at the desired first temperature or lower or if it is more efficient to use the cold side of the heat pump in combination with a chiller.

[0081] By the method according to the invention a hot side of at least one additional auxiliary heat pump can be used to further increase the temperature of a water part like the second part, whilst a cold side of the at least one additional auxiliary heat pump is being used to further decrease the temperature of a water part like the fourth part.

[0082] A heat pump can only increase or decrease the temperature of an incoming water by a certain degree, depending amongst others on the efficiency of said heat pump and the amount of energy needed. The efficiency of the distillation system depends amongst others on the amount and temperature of the steam. By adding additional auxiliary heat pumps the efficiency of the method and the device can be optimized.

[0083] The invention also relates to a device for cooling an equipment by means of a water transported through a piping system in the equipment, wherein the water enters the piping system at a first temperature or lower and leaves the piping system at a second temperature being higher than the first temperature, wherein the device comprises a heat pump to heat water leaving the piping system at a hot side of the heat pump to a third temperature being higher than the second temperature, whereafter a first part of the water is converted into steam in a flash vessel and at least a part of the remaining second part of the water is cooled down to the first temperature or lower at a cold side of the heat pump to be reintroduced into the piping system, whereby the steam is being used in a distillation system to purify feed water into purified water and brine, which steam:

[0084] - after being used in the distillation system is being condensed and cooled down to the first temperature or lower and reintroduced into the piping system or - is in the distillation system mixed with the feed water, whereby an amount of new water being substantially equal to the amount of the first part of the water is introduced at the first temperature or lower into the piping system.The device according to the invention leverages waste heat from the equipment being at the second temperature to make purified ultra-pure water for high-tech and industrial processes whilst simultaneously rejecting the waste heat and returning the cooled water to the equipment.

[0085] The invention also relates to other devices to implement the method according to the invention.

[0086] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] The method and device according to the invention will further be explained with reference to the drawings, wherein,

[0088] figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0089] figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0090] figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0091] . figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0092] figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0093] figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0094] figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0095] figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an eight embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0096] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0097] The figures 1-8 show different schematic diagrams of eight different embodiments of a device according to the invention.

[0098] The main difference between the first three embodiments is that by the first embodiment as shown in figure 1 a heat pump is being used, that by the second embodiment as shown in figure 2 a heat pump as well as an auxiliary heat pump is being used, that by the third embodiment as shown in figure 3 a heat pump, an auxiliary heat pump as well as an additional auxiliary heat pump is being used.

[0099] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment showing an equipment 1 comprising a piping system (not shown) having at least one inlet tube 2 and one outlet tube 3. The device 4 according to the invention comprises a heat pump 5, a flash vessel 6, an auxiliary flash vessel 7, a distillation system 8, a vapour compressor 9, an adsorption effect system 10, and a chiller 11 as well as several tubes interconnecting these devices in a manner as described here below.

[0100] The heat pump 5 comprises a condenser 12, an expansion valve 13, an evaporator 14 and a compressor 15 through which a heat transfer medium called refrigerant is being transported in a known manner. The side of the heat pump 5 near the condenser 12 is a hot side, whilst the side of the heat pump 5 near the evaporator 14 is a cold side. Cold and hot meaning that the temperature at the cold side is much lower than at the hot side. Near the cold side and the hot side heat exchangers 16, 17 are located.

[0101] Through the piping system in the equipment 1 a fluid like water, an aqueous solution or MEG, PEG, and other industrial and commercially available heat exchange waters are being transported. In the below described embodiment the fluid is water. At the inlet tube 2 the water has a first temperature Ti of 10-30 degrees Celsius, depending on the specific equipment. For example, cooling of a building a temperature range of 15-30 degrees Celsius, for electrolysers application 30-40 degrees Celsius, for data centra 10-25 degrees Celsius may be required. The water is heated up in the piping system in the equipment 1 by heat exchange withheat generating activities in the equipment 1 and leaves the piping system through outlet tube 3 at a second temperature T2 being higher than the first temperature Ti. The second temperature T2 is, for example, 50-60 degrees Celsius.

[0102] The outlet tube 3 extends through the heat exchanger 17 located at the hot side of the heat pump 5 and is connected to an inlet 18 of the flash vessel 6. The water in the outlet tube 3 is being heated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 17 to a third temperature T3 being higher than the second temperature T2. The third temperature T3 is, for example, over 70 degrees Celsius.

[0103] In the flash vessel 6 the water is partly converted into steam forming a first part of the water, which steam leaves the flash vessel 6 through tube 19 at a temperature of above 65 degrees Celsius at sub atmospheric pressure.

[0104] The remaining second part of the water being at a fourth temperature T4 of about 55-70 degrees Celsius leaves the flash vessel 6 through tube 20. The tube 20 is connected to an inlet 21 of the auxiliary flash vessel 7. In the auxiliary flash vessel 7 the water is partly converted into steam forming a third part of the water, which steam leaves the auxiliary flash vessel 7 through tube 22 at a temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius.

[0105] The remaining fourth part of the second part of water being at a temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius leaves the auxiliary flash vessel 7 through tube 23. The tube 23 extends through the heat exchanger 16 located at the cold side of the heat pump 5 and is connected to the chiller 11. The fourth part of the water in the tube 23 is being cooled down by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 16 to a temperature, for example, of 10-40 degrees Celsius. In the chiller 11 the fourth part of the water is further cooled down to the first temperature Ti. The chiller 11 is connected via tube 2 to the piping system.

[0106] The steam, forming the first part of the water, is transported through tube 19 to connector 25 and through connector 25 and a tube 26 to an inlet 27 of the distillation system 8. The steam in tube 26 has a temperature of, for example, 65-75 degrees Celsius at sub atmospheric pressure. The distillation system 8 comprises a multi-stage effect distillation (MED) system 8.Feed water is transported through a tube 28 to an inlet 29 of the distillation system 8. An outlet of the multi-stage effect distillation (MED) system is connected to the adsorption effect system 10. The adsorption effect system 10 is drawn in dotted lines to indicate that it forms an optional device that can also be left out.

[0107] In the multi-stage effect distillation (MED) system steam passes through multiple effects, whereby each effect operates at progressively lower pressures and temperatures than the subsequent effect. In each stage, the steam passes through tubes onto which feed water is sprayed and distilled to produce purified water. A concentrated brine solution is collected at the bottom of each effect and fed forward to the end of the multi-stage effect distillation (MED) system, taking advantage of additional flashing and increasing the overall system efficiency.

[0108] The exact working of a multi-stage effect distillation (MED) system is known and will not further be explained. In the multi-stage effect distillation (MED) system the steam, forming the first part of the water, is being used to separate the feed water into purified water and brine.

[0109] The purified water leaves the distillation system 8 and the adsorption effect system 10 through tube 30. In the diagram tube 30 is connected to the equipment 1 meaning that the purified water will be used in the equipment 1. However, it is also possible to use a part or all the purified water for other purposes and in other equipment.

[0110] The brine leaves the distillation system 8 and the adsorption effect system 10 through tube 31.

[0111] At the end of the distillation system 8 and the adsorption effect system 10 the remaining steam is transported through tube 32 to a connector 33 and through connector 33 and a tube 34 to an inlet 35 of the mechanical or thermal vapor compression 9. An outlet 36 of the vapor compression 9 is connected by tube 37 to the connector 25 in which the steam from the tubes 19, 37 are combined. The temperatures are subject to the actual use case for example the geographical location, the application where the feed water comes from and the temperaturetherefore, the temperature of the first effect of the MED etc. A person skilled in thermal desalination or a chemical engineer with thermal separation or distillation experience will be able to set up the device 4.

[0112] The steam forming the first part of the water is transported through tube 22 to the connector 33 in which the steam from the tubes 22, 32 are combined. The steam leaving the distillation system 8 and the adsorption effect system 10 is subsequently guided through the vapor compression 9 and guided back via the connector 25 to the inlet 27 of the distillation system 8.

[0113] It is important to keep the amount of water in the piping system in the equipment 1 the same.

[0114] The first part of the water is being converted into steam in the flash vessel 6. The steam after being used in the distillation system can be condensed and cooled down to the first temperature and reintroduced into the piping system. This is possible if the first part of the water is in a closed-loop system and is not being mixed with the feed water. The water can be any cooling liquid and does not to be water. The amount of water in the system remains always the same.

[0115] It is also possible that in the distillation system 8 the steam is mixed with the feed water, whereby an amount of new water being substantially equal to the amount of the first part of the water is introduced at the first temperature into the piping system to replenish the first part. In this manner the amount of water in the piping system in the equipment 1 also remains the same. An additional heat exchanger may be used for the new water to introduce the new water at a desired temperature.

[0116] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of a device 44 according to the invention. The device 44 shows an equipment 1 comprising a piping system (not shown) having at least one inlet tube 2 and one outlet tube 3. The device 44 according to the invention comprises a heat pump 5, a flash vessel 6, an auxiliary flash vessel 7, a distillation system 8, a vapour compressor 9, an adsorption effect system 10, and a chiller 11, an auxiliary heat pump 45 as well as several tubes interconnecting these devices in a manner as described here below.The devices 44 and 4 comprise several identical parts as can be seen in the drawings. Only the relevant new and additional parts are described here below.

[0117] The auxiliary heat pump 45 can be the same as the heat pump 5. The auxiliary heat pump 45 comprises a heat exchanger 46 located at the cold side of the auxiliary heat pump 45 as well as a heat exchanger 47 located at the hot side of the auxiliary heat pump 45.

[0118] The tube 20 extending from the flash vessel 6 to the auxiliary flash vessel 7 is guided through the heat exchanger 47 located at the hot side of the auxiliary heat pump 45. The second part of the water leaving the flash vessel 6 at the fourth temperature T4 is being heated in the heat exchanger 47 to a fifth temperature T5 between for example 55-70 degrees Celsius.

[0119] The tube 23 extending from the auxiliary flash vessel 7 to the heat exchanger 16 is guided through the heat exchanger 46 located at the cold side of the auxiliary heat pump 45. The fourth part of the water leaving the auxiliary flash vessel 7 at for example 40 degrees Celsius is cooled down by heat exchanger 46 to for example 35 degrees Celsius and is subsequently down by heat exchanger 16 of the heat pump 5 to for example 25-30 degrees Celsius.

[0120] The difference between the device 44 and the device 4 is that device 44 comprises additionally the auxiliary heat pump 45, whereby the tubes 20, 23 extend through the heat exchangers 47, 46 respectively.

[0121] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment showing an equipment 1 comprising a piping system (not shown) having at least one inlet tube 2 and one outlet tube 3. The device 54 according to the invention comprises a heat pump 5, a flash vessel 6, an auxiliary flash vessel 7, a distillation system 8, a vapour compressor 9, an adsorption effect system 10, and a chiller 11, an auxiliary heat pump 45, additional auxiliary heat pump 55 as well as several tubes interconnecting these devices in a manner as described here below. The devices 54, 44 and 4 comprise several identical parts as can be seen in the drawings. Only the relevant new and additional parts are described here below.The additional auxiliary heat pump 55 can be the same as the heat pump 5 and auxiliary heat pump 45. The auxiliary heat pump 55 comprises a heat exchanger 56 located at the cold side of the auxiliary heat pump 55 and connected via a tube to an outlet of the heat exchanger 46. The auxiliary heat pump 55 comprises a heat exchanger 57 located at the hot side of the auxiliary heat pump 55 and connected via a tube to the inlet of heat exchanger 47.

[0122] The tube 20 extending from the flash vessel 6 to the auxiliary flash vessel 7 is guided through the heat exchanger 57 of the additional auxiliary heat pump 55 and subsequently through the heat exchanger 47 of the auxiliary heat pump 45.

[0123] The tube 23 extending from the auxiliary flash vessel 7 to the heat exchanger 16 is guided through the heat exchanger 46 of the auxiliary heat pump 45 and subsequently through the heat exchanger 56 of the additional auxiliary heat pump 55. The difference between the device 54 and the device 44 is that device 54 comprises additionally the additional auxiliary heat pump 55, whereby the tubes 20, 23 extend through the heat exchangers 57, 47 respectively.

[0124] The figures 4-8 show other embodiments of the devices 64, 74, 84, 94, 104 according to the invention. The same reference numbers are being used as for the devices 4, 44, 54.

[0125] The figures 4 and 5 show devices 64, 74 being suitable for the first version as described above whereby

[0126] Ts≥ TMED,min+ ΔTloss

[0127] and

[0128] Tsis the temperature of the water leaving the equipment, being lower than 30-45°C.

[0129] Tsis called T2 by the first three embodiments.

[0130] The water leaving the equipment 1 is transported through a heat pump system 65 along the cool side (evaporator 14) thereof, whereby the water is beingcooled and subsequently directly transported back to equipment 1 in a closed loop system 66.

[0131] In the figures 4-8 the heat pump system 65 as shown comprises three serial heat pumps 5. The number of heat pumps 5 can be less or more, depending on the possible and desired heating and / or cooling capacity. It is also possible to use the heat pumps in parallel.

[0132] Along the hot side (condenser 12) of the heat pump system 65 a separate stream of water is transported, which water is transported along the hot side 12 of the heat pump system 65, whereby the water is being heated and subsequently inserted into a flash vessel 6. The working of such a flash vessel is commonly known.

[0133] In the fourth embodiment the temperature ranges are for example as follows:

[0134] Tj is in the range of degrees 15-35 Celsius

[0135] T2being Tsis in the range of 30-45 degrees Celsius

[0136] T3is in the range of 45-65 degrees Celsius

[0137] T6is in the range of 40-60 degrees Celsius

[0138] T7is in the range of 65-75 degrees Celsius

[0139] whereby

[0140] T6is the temperature of the steam leaving the flash vessel 6,

[0141] T7is the temperature of the steam before entering the MED 8.

[0142] By the fourth embodiment as shown in figure 4 steam generated in the flash vessel 6 is transported through a mechanical vapor compressor 9 (MVC) to heat up the steam before the steam enters the distillation system 8 being an MED. A flow of feed water is transported through a tube 28 to an inlet 29 of the MED.

[0143] At the outlet of the MED steam is transported through a condenser 67. Such a condenser 67 will only be used if the steam needs converted into liquid. If this is not desired, no condenser will be needed.

[0144] Via tube 31 the brine is being discarded.The purified water is transported through tube 68 and combined with the water from the condenser 67 in connector 69. A desired amount of water is transported through tube 70 a connector 71, to which connector 71 also a water outlet of the flash vessel 6 is connected. An outlet of the connector 71 is connected to a tube 72 for transporting the which combined stream of water to entrance of the hot side of the heat pump system 65 to be heated up again by the water in the closed loop system 66.

[0145] The remaining part of the purified water is transported through tube 30 either back to the equipment to be used for other purposes as cooling or to other facilities.

[0146] The fifth embodiment as shown in figure 5 differs from the fourth embodiment as shown in figure 4 in that it does not comprise a mechanical vapor compressor 9. This is possible if the steam leaving the flash vessel has the desired temperature and pressure to be entered directly into the MED.

[0147] In the fifth embodiment the temperature ranges are for example as follows: T1is in the range of degrees 15-35 Celsius

[0148] T2being Tsis in the range of 30-45 degrees Celsius

[0149] T3is in the range of 70-85 degrees Celsius

[0150] T6is in the range of 65-75 degrees Celsius

[0151] T7is in the range of 65-75 degrees Celsius

[0152] Summarized, figure 4 shows an isolated loop configuration for a cooling solution for low-grade waste heat in water from the equipment. The waste heat from the waste heat source being the equipment is cooled to the desired supply temperature using the evaporator side of a desired number of heat pumps attached in series or parallel as required. The chilled water is supplied to the equipment, and the returned water containing the waste heat is sent back to the evaporator in a closed loop. Analysis shows that it is most energy efficient to keep the heating and cooling loops isolated for very low temperature waste heat sources as the greater the quantity of heat removed by the heat pump(s) the larger the power consumption needed. The flash vessel loop retains and recycles the heat thatmaintains it at the optimum temperature, and the flash vessel condensate is upgraded to a few degrees above the flash vessel temperature. This configuration allows flexibility in choosing the temperature and flowrate of the flash vessel loop based on the available heat and temperatures.

[0153] The flash vessel is operated at a pressure where flashing would occur at the required temperature and an MVC is used to upgrade the steam from the flash vessel a pressure which is required for the MED containing a desired number of effects. If possible, it can also be only one effect. A customized solution with a lesser number of effects may be offered based on the cooling and water needs of the user. The MED may be operated in a straight- through or total recycle configuration based on the water demand as well as the available steam. The MVC is optional and may be skipped if the heat pumps are able to operate at high (65-75 °C) temperatures as needed by the MED. This configuration is shown in Figure 5.

[0154] Figures 6 and 7 show devices 84, 94 being suitable for the first situation of the second version of the method as described above, whereby

[0155] Ts= Tf ED,min

[0156] or

[0157] Ts"t" ATCOO1 > Tf ED,min

[0158] and

[0159] Tsis in the range of about 45-65 degrees Celsius.

[0160] The water leaving the equipment 1 is transported through a heat pump system 65 along the hot side 12 thereof, whereby the water is being heated and subsequently inserted into a flash vessel 6.

[0161] Steam generated in the flash vessel 6 is transported through a mechanical vapor compressor 9 (MVC) to heat up the steam before the steam enters the MED. A flow of feed water is transported through a tube 28 to an inlet 29 of the MED.

[0162] At the outlet of the MED steam is transported through a condenser 67. Such a condenser 67 will only be used if the steam needs to be converted into liquid. If this is not desired, no condenser will be needed.The purified water is transported through tube 68 and combined with the water from the condenser 67 in connector 69. A desired amount of water is transported through tube 70 a connector 71, to which connector 71 also a water outlet of the flash vessel 6 is connected. An outlet of the connector 71 is connected to a tube 72 for transporting the which combined stream of water to entrance of the cold side of the heat pump system 65 to be cooled down again by the water leaving the equipment.

[0163] The device 94 differs from the device 84 in that it comprises a high temperature flash vessel 6’ and a low temperature flash vessel 6” instead of a single flash vessel 6. Liquid leaving the high temperature flash vessel 6’ is transported via tube 73 to the low temperature flash vessel 6”. Steam leaving the low temperature flash vessel 6” is guided through MVC 9 before the steam is combined with the steam generated in the high temperature flash vessel 6’. The steam generated by both flash vessels 6’, 6” is subsequently transported to the MED.

[0164] In the sixth embodiment the temperature ranges are for example as follows: T1is in the range of degrees 15-35 Celsius

[0165] T2being Tsis in the range of 45-65 degrees Celsius

[0166] T3is in the range of 45-65 degrees Celsius

[0167] T6is in the range of 40-60 degrees Celsius

[0168] T7is in the range of 65-75 degrees Celsius

[0169] In the seventh embodiment the temperature ranges are for example as follows:

[0170] T1is in the range of degrees 15-35 Celsius

[0171] T2being Tsis in the range of 45-65 degrees Celsius

[0172] T3is in the range of 70-85 degrees Celsius

[0173] T6is in the range of 65-75 degrees Celsius

[0174] T7is in the range of 40-60 degrees Celsius

[0175] Summarized, the devices 84, 94 show the least energy intensive configuration for this range of waste heat temperatures. The waste heat supplied from the equipment is upgraded to as high a temperature as possible using thecondenser side of a desired number of heat pumps in series. The flash vessel is operated a few degrees below it. The steam from the flash vessel is upgraded to the pressure required by the MED if not already achieved by the flash vessel. An MVC is utilized for this purpose. Once again, the MED configuration (straight through or total recycle, number of effects, recycle ratio, maximum and minimum pressure at which the MED is operated, etc) may be customized according to the client’s need and available steam.

[0176] The condensate from the flash vessel is mixed with a make-up quantity to compensate for the water lost to steam and cooled down to the desired chilled water supply temperature using the evaporator side (cold side) of the heat pump system 65. This chilled water is supplied to the facility.

[0177] One or two flash vessels may be opted for based on the COP of the available heat pump system 65. If the COP is low a design with a low temperature flash vessel and an MVC is more favourable but if the COP is higher a single flash vessel at the highest possible flash vessel temperature is most favourable.

[0178] Figure 8 show an eight embodiment of the device according to the invention 104 being suitable for the second situation of the second version of the method as described above, whereby:

[0179] Ts> Tf ED,min 3" TT|,lSS

[0180] and

[0181] Ts ishigher than 65-75°C.

[0182] The device 104 differs from the devices 84, 94 in that only a high temperature flash vessel 6 is being used and no MVC 9 is needed. The steam from the single flash vessel 6 is directed guided to the MED.

[0183] In the eight embodiment the temperature ranges are for example as follows: T1is in the range of degrees 15-35 Celsius

[0184] T2being Tsis in the range of 65-75 degrees Celsius

[0185] T3is in the range of 70-85 degrees Celsius

[0186] T6is in the range of 65-75 degrees Celsius

[0187] T7is in the range of 65-75 degrees CelsiusSummarized, for this temperature range a straight-through or full recycle configuration may be used even without any need for a heat pump. However, a desired number of heat pumps 5 may be used in series or parallel if a chilled water return temperature of < 38 °C is needed. This configuration is shown in Figure 8.

[0188] The above-described devices are suitable for users who are seeking a cooling solution and their focus is not on water production. For these clients the solution focuses on minimized additional energy inputs e.g. electric power consumption and minimum water consumption.

[0189] Cooling can be further optimized by reducing the size of the MED.

[0190] Decreasing the length of the MED chain reduces the initial temperature requirement of the motive steam into the MED system. This means that the heat pump(s) consume less energy as they do not have to upcycle the waste heat to as high a temperature. However, this setup means that the Gained Output Ratio (GOR) of the MED system will decrease and thus the water production and efficiency of the system. This is not significant if the client’s primary focus is low-energy cooling and not water production.

[0191] Cooling can also be optimized by using absorption heat pumps in combination with mechanical heat pumps. Absorption heat pumps can utilize hot water > 65 °C to operate. Even though the COP of these heat pumps is low, its usage is favourable for the purpose of dumping excessive waste heat. The specific configuration depends on the waste heat temperature as laid out in the previous section and temperatures are subjective to individual process needs. Absorption heat pumps may also be used to replace several of the mechanical heat pumps.

[0192] The devices 64, 74, 84, 94, 104 all comprises heat pumps flash vessels, a MED, a tube 31 to discard the brine and a tube 30 to transport purified to a desired location.

[0193] The method and devices according to the invention represent an innovative approach to addressing the challenges of cooling water systems in high-temperature, water-scarce regions. The method and device according to the invention not only rejects heat from the cooling water of the equipment 1 but alsotransforms the heat, using it to drive the distillation system 8 to convert feed water into ultra-pure water being critical resource for high-tech and industrial applications.

[0194] By leveraging both the evaporator 14 and condenser 12 within the heat pump 5 for dual cooling and heating functions, the device 4 simultaneously generates steam to drive the distillation system 8 and chills the water. This integrated approach effectively doubles the efficiency of the heat pumps, making it extremely advantageous compared to the conventional method.

[0195] The method and device 4 according to the invention offer multiple benefits: conserving freshwater resources by eliminating the need for freshwater for cooling, enhancing energy efficiency and the circularity of the device 4, and fostering sustainability in industries operating under environmental constraints such as high temperature and water-scarce regions. The solution challenges current conventional water and energy management, paving the way for a more sustainable future in high-tech and industrial environments.

[0196] In some embodiments it might be possible to leave out the chiller 11 and / or the vapour compressor 9 and or the adsorption effect system 10.

[0197] An advanced flash tank with a complex internal structure can be used to prolong the residence time of the water and create more steam. Alternatively, this can also be replaced by a heat exchanger. On the hot side, warm water, and on the cold side water with colder temperatures can be fed to create a slight vacuum to create steam.

[0198] An insulated hot water tank can be used to store the purified water. Water from the insulated tank can be drawn to feed the heat exchanger to directly generated steam or heat water to subsequently flash evaporate.

[0199] It is also possible to add other storage tanks in the devices 4, 44, 54 to store the water at a certain temperature, for example because less water at that temperature is needed at that specific moment. Such water will be available at other moments during the day. For example, less cold water might be needed during the night and more during the day. More renewable energy, like solarenergy, will be available in daytime so that if might be energy wise be efficient to store hot water during the night and cool it in during daytime. Depending on the situation several storage tanks for water at low temperature and of high temperature can be used.

[0200] It would be useful to place this insulated hot water tank in directly after the stream of purified water and allowing a part to be fed back to the cooling system and a part to be tapped for usage (for example for processes that the equipment requires or other applications, such as consumption after the optional remineralisation step). The part going back the cooling system can optionally be first fed to an adsorption chiller or a heat pump to further lower the temperature. This depends on the needs of the user.

[0201] Alternatively, lower temperature water can also be introduced elsewhere in the device, for example as a liquid steam in the n-th effect and generate more steam. Which subsequently can be fed into a (mechanical) vapour compressor to further boost the purified water output.

[0202] Water being at the first temperature can also be partly fed further downstream in the distillation system or chiller depending on the needs / requirements of the user.

[0203] The fourth part of the water can first be cooled down by heat exchange with the cold side of the auxiliary heat pump and subsequently with the cold side of the heat pump. However, it is also possible that the fourth part of the water is first being cooled down by heat exchange with the cold side of the heat pump and subsequently with the cold side of the auxiliary heat pump.

[0204] In the enclosed embodiments all heat pumps comprise an evaporator and a condenser, whereby an operating water is being used, whereby the phase of the water is subsequently changed from liquid into vapour and back. However, also other kinds of heat exchangers can be used whereby the phase of the operating water does not change.Additional auxiliary heat pumps and associated heat exchangers may be added to more effectively control the first temperature Ti of the equipment 1 through heat exchanger 5.

[0205] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0206] 1 equipment

[0207] 2 inlet tube

[0208] 3 outlet tube

[0209] 4 device

[0210] 5 heat pump

[0211] 6 flash vessel

[0212] 7 auxiliary flash vessel

[0213] 8 distillation system

[0214] 9 vapour compressor

[0215] 10 adsorption effect system

[0216] 11 chiller

[0217] 12 condenser

[0218] 13 expansion valve

[0219] 14 evaporator

[0220] 15 compressor

[0221] 16 heat exchanger

[0222] 17 heat exchanger

[0223] 19 tube

[0224] 20 tube

[0225] 21 inlet

[0226] 22 tube

[0227] 23 tube

[0228] 25 connector27 inlet

[0229] 28 tube

[0230] 29 inlet

[0231] 30 tube

[0232] 31 tube

[0233] 32 tube

[0234] 33 connector

[0235] 34 tube

[0236] 35 inlet

[0237] 36 outlet

[0238] 37 tube

[0239] 44 device

[0240] 45 auxiliary heat pump 46 heat exchanger 47 heat exchanger

[0241] 54 device

[0242] 55 auxiliary heat pump 56 heat exchanger

[0243] 57 heat exchanger 64 device

[0244] 65 heat pump system 66 closed loop system 67 condenser

[0245] 68 tube

[0246] 69 connector

[0247] 70 tube

[0248] 71 connector

[0249] 72 tube

[0250] 73 tube

[0251] 74 devicedevice

[0252] device

[0253] device

[0254] first temperature second temperature third temperature fourth temperature fifth temperature temperature

[0255] temperature

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for cooling an equipment (1) by means of water transported through a piping system in the equipment (1), wherein the water enters the piping system at a first temperature (T1), is heated up in the piping system by heat exchange with heat generating activities in the equipment (1) and leaves the piping system at a second temperature (T2) being higher than the first temperature (Ti), which water is being cooled down to the first temperature (Ti) by a device, characterized in that the device is hybrid cooling and distillation device comprising:- at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) receiving water leaving the equipment, - at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7) receiving water leaving the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55), which water belongs to a different flow of water as the water leaving the equipment (1) or is the same flow of water as the water leaving the equipment (1), which water is being separated by the at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7) into steam forming the first part of the fluid whilst the remaining water forms a second part of the water.- at least a distillation system (8) receiving steam from the at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7), which steam is being used to separate a flow of feed water into purified water and brine,- whereby the second part of the water leaving the at least one flash vessel vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7) and at least a part of condensed steam and / or at least a part of the purified water leaving the at least one distillation system (8) are combined into a combined stream of water, which combined stream of water enters the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55).

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the water leaving the equipment (1) is being cooled down by the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) to the first temperature (Ti) and returned to the piping system in the equipment (1) in a closed loop system (66), whilst the water leaving the at least one heat pump (5, 45,55) has being heated up in the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) by heat transfer with the water in the closed loop system (66).

3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the water leaving the equipment (1) is being heated up by the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) to a third temperature (T3) being higher than the second temperature (T2) before entering the at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7), whilst the combined stream of water is being cooled down by the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) to the first temperature (T1) and returned to the piping system in the equipment (1).

4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that steam leaving the at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7) is fed through a vapour compression device (9) before entering the at least one distillation system (8).

5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that steam leaving the at least one distillation system (8) is fed through at least one condenser (12, 67) to condense before being combined with the purified water.

6. A device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) for cooling an equipment (1) by means of water transported through a piping system in the equipment (1), wherein the water enters the piping system at a first temperature (T1), is heated up in the piping system by heat exchange with heat generating activities in the equipment (1) and leaves the piping system at a second temperature (T2) being higher than the first temperature (T1), which water is being cooled down to the first temperature (T1) by the device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104), characterized in that the device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) is hybrid cooling and distillation device comprises:- at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) receiving water leaving the equipment (1), - at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7) receiving water leaving the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55), which water belongs to a different flow of water as the water leaving the equipment (1) or is the same flow of water as the water leaving theequipment (1), which water is being separated by the at least one flash vessel (5, 45, 55) into steam forming the first part of the fluid whilst the remaining water forms a second part of the water.- at least a distillation system (8) receiving steam from the at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7), in which at least one distillation system (8) the steam is being used to separate a flow of feed water into purified water and brine,- means for combining the second part of the water leaving the at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7) and at least a part of condensed steam and / or the purified water leaving the at least one distillation system (8) into a stream of combined water, which stream of combined water enters the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55).

7. A device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) according to claim 6, characterized in that the piping system in the equipment (1) is a closed loop system (66), whereby the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) is being used to cool down the water leaving the equipment (1) to the first temperature (Ti) and return it to the closed loop piping system (66) in the equipment (1), whereby the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) is being used to heat up the water leaving the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) by heat transfer with the water in the closed loop system (66).

8. A device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) according to claim 6, characterized in that the water leaving the equipment (1) is being heated up by the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) to a third temperature (T3) being higher than the second temperature (T2) before entering the at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7), whilst the combined stream of water is being cooled down by the at least one heat pump (5, 45, 55) to the first temperature (T1) and returned to the piping system in the equipment (1).

9. A device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) comprises amechanical vapour compression device (MVC) (9) through which steam leaving the at least one flash vessel (6, 6’, 6”, 7) is fed through before entering the at least one distillation system (8).

10. A device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) according to one of the preceding claims 6-9, characterized in that the device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) comprises at least one condenser (12, 67), through which steam leaving the at least one distillation system (8) is fed through before being combined with the purified water.

11. A device (4, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104) according to one of the preceding claims 6-10, characterized in that at least one distillation system (8) is a single distillation system (8) or a multiple effect distillation system (MED) (8).

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