Cooling Tower Blowdown Control Using Flow-Rate Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art systems for adjusting water parameters in cooling tower hydraulic circuits are prone to errors due to malfunctioning solenoid valves and flow rate issues, leading to potential damage and high maintenance costs, as they require precise timing for discharge operations and lack reliable automatic control for chemical product dosing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sensors (F1, F2, F3) to detect flow rates and inhibit discharge operations if below threshold values, allowing automatic adjustment of discharge time and chemical product dispensing, reducing manual intervention and maintaining hydraulic circuit integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If prior art systems use solenoid valves for discharge operations with preset timing, then discharge operations can be automated, but errors occur when actual outflow does not correspond to discharge signals due to malfunction, deposits, or valve problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual flow rate through sensors (F1, F2, F3) and compares it with the expected flow rate during discharge operations. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to detect discrepancies between the discharge signal and actual outflow, enabling corrective actions to maintain reliability while preserving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical timing mechanisms and solenoid valve positioning with electronic control and flow rate sensing. The control unit uses electronic signals to monitor and adjust discharge operations based on actual flow conditions, substituting mechanical precision requirements with electronic detection and control.
2Extent of automation
If prior art systems interrupt all dosages during discharge interruption, then discharge operations can be controlled, but chemical product dosing for pH and chlorine adjustment is also interrupted causing parameter deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the dosing operations from the discharge operations, allowing independent control of each function. Chemical dosing pumps can continue operating during discharge interruptions based on their own control logic and parameters, while discharge operations are independently managed, preventing cascading interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts dosing operations based on real-time conditions. During discharge interruptions, the control unit modifies dosing parameters or continues dosing at adjusted rates to maintain chemical parameters, making the dosing system adaptive rather than rigidly coupled to discharge timing.
3Ease of operation
If prior art systems use centralized electronic control with preset discharge durations, then control operations can be simplified, but anomalies are not detected until after damage occurs requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
Flow rate sensors provide continuous feedback to the control unit during discharge operations. The system compares actual flow rates with expected values and can detect anomalies such as blocked valves or insufficient flow in real-time, triggering alarms or corrective actions before damage occurs, while maintaining simple automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the automated control system and the actual discharge operations. It monitors flow conditions, interprets sensor data, and mediates between the simplified control interface and the complex physical processes, enabling both ease of operation and reliable damage detection.
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 significantly reduces errors in discharge operations, ensures optimal water parameters, and minimizes maintenance costs by automatically controlling dispensing devices and maintaining chemical product concentrations, thus preventing damage and environmental risks.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a flow rate of liquid flowing between an inlet mouth and a discharge mouth of the collection tank
Implementation Method 2
checking a condition of activation of a discharge solenoid valve positioned downstream of the collection tank
Implementation Method 3
transfer energy to a gaseous phase thus reducing its own temperature. In fact, water cooling is obtained favoring the evaporation of a small amount of the water itself
Implementation Method 4
ventilation system is also provided which generates an air flow in the water fall zone so as to allow the liquid phase, during the fall, to transfer energy to a gaseous phase
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjusting method to adjust the liquid discharge operation from a collection tank of a cooling tower, comprising the steps of: checking an activation signal of a discharge solenoid valve (EV) of the tank; detecting a flow value of the liquid flowing between an inlet mouth and a discharge mouth of the collection tank to allow a discharge operation of the liquid contained in the tank, wherein said discharge operation is allowed in correspondence of a detection of a flow rate value of the liquid flowing between an inlet mouth and a discharge mouth of the collection tank at least equal to a reference threshold value and wherein said discharge operation is inhibited in correspondence of a detection of the liquid flow rate value that is null or lower than said reference threshold value.