Hazardous location cooling system and method for use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed-loop enclosure cooling systems require purging of hazardous air to ensure safety in hazardous environments, which is not necessary for systems with non-sparking and non-arcing components.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop cooling system with non-sparking and non-arcing components, including a housing with separate ambient and enclosure side areas, utilizing a vapor-compression refrigeration system and digital controller, which allows for safe operation in hazardous locations without the need for purging, and features a compact design suitable for various enclosure sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional closed-loop cooling systems are used in hazardous environments, then cooling function is provided, but purging of hazardous air is required which increases system complexity and operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the purging system requirement entirely by extracting the ignition hazard from the system through the use of non-sparking, non-arcing components. This eliminates the need for complex purging infrastructure while maintaining safety in hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical components that could create sparks or arcs with non-sparking alternatives such as explosion-proof motors and intrinsically safe electrical components. This substitution eliminates the need for purging systems while maintaining cooling functionality.
2Device complexity
If non-sparking and non-arcing components are used, then purging of hazardous air is not required, but component selection and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of electrical components by selecting those rated for hazardous locations (Class I, Division 1 or 2). This parameter change allows components to operate safely without purging while maintaining standard manufacturing processes through proper component selection and sealing practices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed enclosure cooling is implemented, then enclosure integrity is maintained protecting from dust and contaminants, but heat removal from the enclosure becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into distinct functional zones: an enclosure side compartment for heat removal and an ambient side compartment for heat rejection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain enclosure integrity while effectively transferring heat from the sealed enclosure to the external environment through controlled thermal exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary heat exchange mechanism where the cooling system acts as a mediator between the sealed enclosure and the external environment. Heat is extracted from the enclosure through the evaporator and rejected to the ambient through the condenser, allowing thermal management without compromising enclosure sealing.
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 effectively cools electronic equipment in hazardous environments without releasing ignition sources, maintaining enclosure integrity and reducing downtime due to air-borne dust and contaminants, while allowing for remote monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a vapor-compression refrigeration system
Implementation Method 2
Heat and moisture are removed as the heated enclosure air passes through an evaporator coil
Implementation Method 3
condensing coils, and an ambient air intake and outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a cooling unit, including: a housing configured to attach to an enclosure opening in a sealed manner, where the enclosure houses heat generating electrical equipment; the housing including: a first ambient side area including a compressor, condensing coils, and an ambient air intake and outlet; a first enclosure side area situated above the first ambient side area and including an electrical box that includes one or more relays and a digital controller; a second enclosure side area extending along the rear side of the housing and communicating with the first enclosure side area, including an impeller, an enclosure air intake, an enclosure air return, and evaporator coils in fluid communication with the condenser coils; and a second ambient side area including an impeller and one or more hot air exhausts; where all components of the cooling unit are non-sparking and non-arcing; and where the first and second ambient side areas are sealed off from the first and second enclosure side areas. Other embodiments are described and claimed.