Evaporative Condenser Header Row Stacking for Even Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evaporative condensers face inefficiencies in heat exchange due to uneven fluid distribution, particularly in header rows far from the inlet, leading to suboptimal utilization of heat exchange potential.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple header rows stacked orthogonally with fluid inlets on both ends of each header, baffle plates to manage fluid flow, and staggered baffle configurations to ensure even fluid distribution and improved heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a three-dimensional structure with stacked header rows is used to increase heat exchange area, then the heat exchange area is improved, but the fluid distribution becomes uneven and heat exchange efficiency deteriorates in header rows far from the inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is divided into multiple independent header rows (first, second, third header rows) stacked in the third direction, with each header row containing separate headers (e.g., 1-1 header and 1-2 header in the first header row) connected by connecting tubes. This segmentation allows fluid to be distributed to multiple headers simultaneously, improving fluid distribution uniformity across the heat exchange area while maintaining adequate heat exchange area.
2Productivity
If multiple header rows are stacked to improve heat exchange capacity, then the heat exchange capacity is improved, but the fluid flow smoothness deteriorates in header rows far from the inlet
Solution Approach 1:
Header rows are stacked in the third direction (vertical dimension) rather than extending fluid paths in the first direction only. This dimensional change allows fluid to be distributed to multiple headers at the same vertical level through connecting tubes, improving fluid flow smoothness to locations far from the inlet while increasing overall heat exchange capacity through the stacked configuration.
3Device complexity
If the number of header rows is reduced toward the rear to simplify structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient fluid utilization
Solution Approach 1:
Each header row is equipped with dedicated fluid inlets (e.g., first fluid inlet and second fluid inlet on opposite ends of the 1-1 header) and baffle plates positioned at specific locations to control fluid flow locally. This local quality approach ensures that each header row receives adequate fluid supply and maintains appropriate fluid levels, improving heat exchange efficiency in rear header rows without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
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
Enhances heat exchange efficiency by ensuring even fluid distribution and maintaining high-temperature fluid flow across all header rows, reducing pressure loss and improving overall condensation performance.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporative condenser uses a combination of water cooling and air cooling, and is configured to spray water onto the tube through which the cooling fluid passes and to flow air supplied from the blower to the surface of the tube, and to cool the cooling fluid by discharging water vapor from the surface of the tube
Implementation Method 2
flow air supplied from the blower to the surface of the tube, and to cool the cooling fluid by discharging water vapor from the surface of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A condenser includes first to third header rows, including a first header extending in a first direction and having a flow path therein, a second header extending in the first direction and having a flow path therein, and a plurality of connecting tubes extending in a second direction between the first and second headers and connecting flow paths of the first and second headers. The first to third header rows are stacked in a third direction, the first to third directions are orthogonal to each other, the 1-1 header and the 2-1 header are configured to communicate with each other, the 1-2 header, the 2-2 header and the 3-2 header are configured to communicate with each other, and at least one of the 1-1 header and the 2-1 header is provided with a plurality of fluid inlets connected to a fluid supply unit.