Cooling Tower Air Scrubbing for Distributed Particulate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are ineffective in efficiently and cost-effectively remediating particulate air pollution in large metropolitan areas due to the vast volume of polluted air and the high cost of building and maintaining large-scale remediation facilities, especially in densely populated urban areas where land is scarce.
Innovation Solution
An air scrubbing device is retrofitted to existing HVAC cooling towers, utilizing the exhaust fans to draw in polluted air through a venturi and nozzle assembly, with a water curtain for particulate matter filtration, and the treated air is exhausted back into the atmosphere, with the used water filtered and reused, allowing for widespread and cost-effective air pollution remediation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single gigantic remediation facility is built to treat vast volumes of polluted air, then air pollution remediation effectiveness is improved, but construction cost and land requirement worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the air pollution remediation system into numerous small distributed units (air scrubbers) that can be attached to existing buildings, rather than constructing one gigantic centralized facility. Each unit treats local air independently, collectively addressing the vast volume of polluted air through widespread distribution across the metropolitan area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point (centralized) remediation approach to a distributed spatial network of remediation units attached to buildings. This dimensional shift from centralized to distributed architecture allows treatment of vast air volumes without requiring one large facility, thereby reducing land requirements and construction costs while maintaining effectiveness.
2Productivity
If a single gigantic remediation facility is built to treat vast volumes of polluted air, then air pollution remediation effectiveness is improved, but land requirement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple small distributed air scrubber units attached to existing buildings, eliminating the need for one large facility that would require extensive land. Each building-mounted unit occupies minimal space while collectively treating vast volumes of air through their distributed arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes existing buildings as the foundation for air remediation, making the buildings serve dual functions: their original purpose plus air treatment. This eliminates the need for dedicated land for a new facility, as the remediation infrastructure is integrated into the existing urban fabric.
3Productivity
If industrial pollutant exhaust gases are routed through remediation means before release, then remediation effectiveness is improved, but applicability to particulate pollutants worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses water as an intermediary substance to capture and remove particulate matter from air streams. The water curtain or spray system acts as the mediating medium that facilitates particle removal through impaction and adhesion, making the system effective for particulate pollutants rather than just gaseous emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles using water sprays and curtains to capture particulate matter. High-velocity water jets and falling water sheets create mechanical forces that impinge on and capture particles from the air stream, providing an effective mechanism for particulate removal that differs from conventional gas treatment methods.
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 device significantly reduces particulate matter in urban areas by harnessing the exhaust air from cooling towers, improving air quality and potentially reducing electrical power consumption, thus addressing the challenges of air pollution in densely populated cities.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the exhaust fans to draw in polluted air through a venturi and nozzle assembly
Implementation Method 2
with a water curtain for particulate matter filtration
Implementation Method 3
with the used water filtered and reused
Data Source
AI summary
A system for large-scale, distributed remediation of particulate air pollution using existing building HVAC cooling towers is described herein. The system consists of a generator section which captures, redirects, and accelerates exhaust air from a cooling tower, a venturi inlet and nozzle, and at least one air scrubber stage. In another embodiment, a portion of the exhaust air from an HVAC cooling tower fan is used to draw atmospheric air directly into a scrubber unit that fits compactly at the top of the exhaust assembly of the cooling tower.