Closed-Loop Heat Exchanger Cooling for Fume Hood Lab Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems in laboratory settings, such as those using tap or chilled water, face issues like wasteful water usage, flooding risks, poor temperature control, and incompatibility with laboratory equipment, while circulating water baths are expensive, large, noisy, and unsuitable for fume hoods.
Innovation Solution
A compact, scalable, and movable heat exchanger system with a chilled fluid supply and a separate fluid circuit for controlled fluid flow, integrated with a pump and flow control mechanisms, allowing for efficient cooling of laboratory equipment within a fume hood without flooding risks and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If tap water or chilled water is used for cooling laboratory equipment, then cooling function is provided, but water consumption is excessive and wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles cooling water through a closed-loop heat exchanger system. Water that has been used for cooling is not discarded down the drain but is instead recovered and reused by being re-chilled in the heat exchanger, eliminating the need for continuous fresh water supply and discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic system with a pump to circulate cooling water through the heat exchanger and laboratory equipment. The closed-loop hydraulic system ensures water is continuously recirculated and reused, dramatically reducing water consumption compared to open drain systems.
2Reliability
If tap water or chilled water is used for cooling, then cooling is provided, but flooding risk increases in the lab
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a closed-loop system where cooling water is recovered and reused, the patent eliminates the need for continuous water supply and drainage connections in the laboratory. This removes the flooding hazard associated with open drain systems while maintaining reliable cooling function.
3Temperature
If building water cooling system is used, then cooling is provided, but water pressure is elevated and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into a closed-loop circulation system operated by a controllable pump. This separates the temperature control function (handled by the heat exchanger) from the pressure control function (handled by the pump), allowing precise control of both parameters independently to avoid high-pressure hazards.
4Temperature
If chilled water temperature is reduced for better cooling, then cooling efficiency improves, but equipment may rupture due to excessive cold
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature control mechanisms that monitor and regulate the cooling water temperature, preventing it from becoming excessively cold. This feedback control ensures optimal cooling efficiency is achieved without temperatures low enough to cause equipment rupture or damage.
5Reliability
If circulating water baths are used for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but device cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger system serves multiple cooling locations and devices simultaneously through a single centralized unit. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple expensive water baths, reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliable cooling function across all laboratory equipment.
6Productivity
If multiple water baths are used to meet high cooling demand, then cooling capacity increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal centralized heat exchanger system that can serve multiple cooling locations and devices simultaneously. This single multi-functional system provides high cooling capacity without the complexity of managing multiple separate water baths, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple cooling functions into a single integrated heat exchanger system with a common water circulation loop. By combining what would otherwise require multiple separate water baths into one unified system, the patent achieves high cooling capacity while reducing system complexity.
7Reliability
If water baths are permanently installed for cooling, then cooling function is stable, but flexibility and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into a modular heat exchanger unit that can be independently positioned and connected to various laboratory devices. This modular design provides both stable cooling function and the flexibility to relocate or reconfigure the system as needed.
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
The system provides efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly cooling with precise temperature and pressure control, minimizing water consumption and equipment damage, and allowing for easy relocation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger having a hot side and a cold side. The cold side is in fluid communication with a chilled fluid supply
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing coolant fluid to a device, the apparatus includes a heat exchanger having a hot side and a cold side. The cold side is in fluid communication with a chilled fluid supply and adapted to receive a first fluid from the chilled fluid supply in a first inlet and return the first fluid from the cold side to the chilled fluid supply. The cold side and the chilled fluid supply form a first fluid circuit. The apparatus further includes a second fluid circuit in fluid communication with the hot side, means for introducing a second fluid within the second fluid circuit and integral thereto, a pump integral to the second fluid circuit and adapted to transmit a second fluid within the second fluid circuit and means for controlling a rate of flow of the second fluid within the second fluid circuit. The device is within the second fluid circuit and the means for controlling the rate of flow operates in the absence of internal recirculation.