Air Handler Unit with Direct Mist Injection for Enhanced Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems experience slowed heat transfer processes due to indirect heat transfer from air to metal coils, leading to decreased performance and output.
Innovation Solution
An air handling unit (AHU) system that incorporates a misting system to spray high-pressure, cold water mist directly into the air flow, facilitating direct heat transfer between mist droplets and air before reaching the outlet, with the misting system generating 1.9×10^9 to 1.9×10^12 mist droplets from 1 liter of water and controlling droplet size and spread based on air flow quantity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If indirect heat transfer through metal coils is used, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the heat transfer efficiency is low and performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of water by converting it into fine mist droplets (10-1000 micrometers in diameter) through high-pressure nozzles. This parameter change transforms the heat transfer mechanism from indirect coil-based transfer to direct evaporative cooling, dramatically improving heat transfer efficiency while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermal conduction system (metal coils) with a fluid dynamics-based system (high-pressure mist injection). The mechanical heat transfer through solid metal surfaces is substituted with convective and evaporative heat transfer through liquid droplets, achieving superior efficiency without complex mechanical components
2Productivity
If high pressure cold water mist is sprayed directly into air flow, then heat transfer efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional misting system components
Solution Approach 1:
The high-pressure pump and nozzle assembly serves multiple functions: it atomizes water into fine droplets, distributes the mist uniformly across the air flow path, and provides sufficient spray pressure for effective evaporation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by employing a high-pressure pump (operating at 500-3000 PSI) to force water through precision nozzles. This hydraulic system efficiently converts mechanical energy into droplet kinetic energy and spray pressure, achieving effective mist distribution without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances heat transfer efficiency and performance by allowing direct heat exchange between air and mist droplets, improving cooling efficiency and output compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The misting system is configured to spray high pressure, cold water mist that includes mist droplets into a portion of the enclosure upstream from the at least one outlet whereupon heat transfer occurs directly between the mist droplets and air prior to the air reaching the outlet
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer occurs directly between the mist droplets and air
Data Source
AI summary
An air handling unit (AHU) system is provided and includes an AHU. The AHU includes an enclosure formed to define an inlet and at least one outlet downstream from the inlet, an air supply system to drive an air flow through the enclosure from the inlet to the outlet and a misting system operably coupled to the AHU. The misting system is configured to spray high pressure, cold water mist that includes mist droplets into a portion of the enclosure upstream from the at least one outlet whereupon heat transfer occurs directly between the mist droplets and air prior to the air reaching the outlet.