Cooling device and method with a spray of electrostatically charged droplets for a refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems face inefficiencies due to excess water runoff and coil saturation from moisture pads, leading to reduced cooling effectiveness and potential scale and corrosion issues, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An evaporative gas cooler system using electrostatically charged water droplets to enhance moisture pad coverage and retention, combined with a moisture sensing element for variable water supply control to minimize runoff and optimize water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water is delivered to moisture pads in conventional refrigeration systems, then cooling effect is provided, but water runoff and coil saturation occur reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical spray system with an electrostatic field-based water delivery system. Electrostatically charged droplets are generated and attracted to the moisture pads through electrostatic attraction, eliminating the need for mechanical spray nozzles and complex water delivery mechanisms. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing precise water control that prevents runoff and coil saturation while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of water delivery by electrostatically charging the droplets. This parameter change allows for precise control of water application, where the charged droplets are naturally attracted to and retained on the moisture pads without excessive runoff. The electrostatic charge parameter transforms the water delivery mechanism to achieve both effective cooling and prevention of water-related efficiency losses.
2Temperature
If excess water is applied to moisture pads, then cooling capacity is maintained, but runoff and corrosion issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system with a moisture sensor that continuously monitors the moisture content of the pads. The sensor signals the controller to adjust the water delivery rate, ensuring optimal water application without excess. This feedback mechanism prevents runoff and the associated harmful effects of corrosion and scale formation while maintaining adequate cooling capacity through precise water control.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical spray systems with electrostatically charged droplet delivery, the patent achieves precise water application control. The electrostatic attraction naturally limits water application to what is needed for effective cooling, preventing the excess water application that leads to runoff, corrosion, and scale formation in conventional systems.
3Power
If water spray system is used for cooling, then heat dissipation is achieved, but water consumption and runoff increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery method parameter from conventional mechanical spray to electrostatically charged droplets. This parameter change enables precise water application where charged droplets are attracted to and retained on the moisture pads, maximizing water utilization for heat dissipation while minimizing runoff and overall water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The substitution of mechanical spray systems with an electrostatic field-based delivery system resolves the water consumption issue. The electrostatically charged droplets are precisely delivered and retained on the moisture pads through electrostatic attraction, ensuring efficient water utilization for heat dissipation without the waste and runoff characteristic of mechanical spray systems.
4Temperature
If moisture pads are used for evaporative cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but coil saturation and water retention issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a moisture sensor and feedback control system to monitor and regulate moisture pad saturation levels. The sensor detects moisture content and signals the controller to adjust water delivery, preventing coil saturation while maintaining adequate moisture for effective evaporative cooling. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by balancing cooling effectiveness with coil performance protection.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical spray systems with electrostatically charged droplet delivery, the patent achieves controlled water application that prevents excessive saturation. The electrostatic attraction ensures water is delivered only where needed and in controlled amounts, maintaining effective evaporative cooling while preventing the coil saturation and water retention issues that plague conventional systems.
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 improves cooling efficiency by ensuring better water retention on moisture pads, reducing runoff, and preventing coil saturation, thereby enhancing the overall performance and longevity of refrigeration components.
Implementation Method 1
A nozzle array provides an atomized spray of electrostatically charged droplets to a moisture panel
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle array provides an atomized spray of electrostatically charged droplets to a moisture panel in an evaporative gas cooler
Data Source
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AI summary
An evaporative cooling device for a refrigeration system includes one or more heat exchanger coils, a first moisture panel, a second moisture panel, a first nozzle array, a second nozzle array, a moisture sensor, and a controller. The first moisture panel and the second moisture panel are separated by a distance and disposed external to the one or more heat exchanger coils. The first nozzle array is disposed external to the first moisture panel and the second nozzle array is disposed external to the second moisture panel. The first nozzle array and the second nozzle array are configured to provide an atomized spray of electrostatically charged droplets. The moisture sensor is configured to provide a signal representative of a moisture level. The controller is configured to receive the signal representative of the moisture level and control a supply of water.