Dual-Loop Cooling Water Control to Prevent Cooling Tower White Smoke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling towers generate white smoke during winter due to temperature differences between cooling water and atmospheric air, causing visual pollution and disrupting sunshine, while existing solutions reduce cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus with a first and second cooling unit, where the second unit circulates and mixes cooling water based on temperature differences with open air to prevent white smoke formation, maintaining a temperature difference of less than 12°C to minimize vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling water temperature is reduced to prevent white smoke, then visual pollution is reduced, but cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling water circulation system is divided into multiple independent circulation paths with separate temperature control. The first cooling water circulates through the cooling tower at lower temperature to prevent white smoke, while the second cooling water circulates through the heat exchanger at higher temperature to maintain cooling efficiency for the freezer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cooling system are assigned different temperature characteristics. The cooling tower section operates at lower temperature (preventing white smoke) while the freezer cooling section operates at higher temperature (maintaining cooling efficiency). This is achieved through separate circulation loops with independent temperature control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling water temperature is reduced to prevent white smoke, then visual pollution is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cooling function into two independent loops: one dedicated to white smoke prevention (cooling tower) and another to process cooling (freezer). This allows each loop to operate at optimal temperatures for its specific function, avoiding the energy waste of cooling all water to low temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter differently for different circulation paths. The first cooling water temperature is controlled to prevent white smoke, while the second cooling water temperature is controlled to optimize cooling efficiency, thereby optimizing overall energy consumption.
3Productivity
If single cooling circulation is used to maintain cooling efficiency, then cooling performance is improved, but white smoke is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The single cooling circulation is segmented into two independent circulations: first cooling water for white smoke prevention and second cooling water for cooling efficiency. Both circulations work simultaneously but independently, resolving the conflict between preventing white smoke and maintaining cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system achieves multi-functionality by making the first cooling water serve the dual purpose of cooling the second cooling water (through the heat exchanger) while also being cooled by the cooling tower. This allows the system to simultaneously prevent white smoke and maintain cooling efficiency.
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 solution effectively reduces white smoke generation while maintaining high cooling efficiency by optimizing the circulation and mixing of cooling water based on temperature differences, addressing the visual pollution and efficiency concerns.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooling unit configured to cool first cooling water supplied to the freezer in open air
Implementation Method 2
a second cooling unit configured to cool second cooling water supplied to the first cooling unit
Data Source
AI summary
Cooling apparatuses and a system including the same may be provided. The cooling apparatus including a freezer, a first cooling unit configured to cool a first cooling water supplied to the freezer in open air, and a second cooling unit configured to cool a second cooling water supplied to the first cooling unit may be provided. According to a temperature difference between the open air and the first cooling water, the second cooling unit may circulate the second cooling water separately with respect to the first cooling water or mix the second cooling water into the first cooling water.