Indirect Evaporative Cooling Tower with Expanded Return Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchange systems, such as closed circuit fluid coolers and air heaters, face inefficiencies in heat transfer and energy consumption due to limited interaction between evaporative liquids and air, particularly in serpentine coil designs with standard return bends, which restricts both sensible and latent heat exchange capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an indirect heat exchange section with increased vertical spacing in serpentine coil return bends, combined with a direct heat exchange section, enhances heat transfer efficiency by allowing both evaporative liquids and air to interact effectively, and the implementation of a secondary evaporative liquid distribution system for optimized water usage and operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard return bends are used in serpentine coil designs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to limited interaction between evaporative liquids and air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the return bends by creating increased vertical spacing between tube runs. This dimensional change allows evaporative liquid to flow downward through the spacing, enabling both sensible and latent heat exchange, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific zones of increased vertical spacing at the return bends while maintaining standard coil structure elsewhere. This localized modification optimizes heat transfer at critical locations where evaporative liquid contacts the coils, without requiring complete redesign of the entire coil system
2Productivity
If increased vertical spacing is provided in serpentine coil return bends, then both sensible and latent heat exchange are improved, but the device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat exchanger into distinct functional zones: indirect heat exchange sections with serpentine coils, direct heat exchange sections with fill material in the vertical spacing, and spray distribution zones. This segmentation allows optimized heat transfer in each zone while managing overall height through functional distribution
3Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary evaporative liquid distribution system is implemented, then water usage is optimized and operation flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic spray distribution system with multiple spray sections that can be selectively activated based on operating conditions. The system transitions from static single-mode operation to dynamic multi-mode operation, allowing optimization of water usage and heat transfer based on ambient conditions and load requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary evaporative liquid distribution system provides multiple functions: it can operate independently for direct evaporative cooling, work in conjunction with the primary spray system for enhanced cooling, or remain inactive when ambient conditions are favorable. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing 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
This configuration improves heat rejection efficiency with reduced energy consumption, allowing for both sensible and latent heat exchange, and offers flexible operation modes that conserve water and optimize cooling performance across the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
an indirect heat exchange section, which provides both sensible and latent heat exchange with the evaporative liquid
Implementation Method 2
the indirect heat exchange section to provide both sensible and latent heat exchange with the evaporative liquid
Implementation Method 3
the indirect heat exchange section to provide both sensible and latent heat exchange with the evaporative liquid
Implementation Method 4
a direct heat exchange section, which usually is comprised of a fill section over which an evaporative liquid such as water is transferred
Implementation Method 5
evaporative liquid which is usually water, then exiting the indirect section to be collected in a sump and then pumped upwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section. The indirect evaporative heat exchange section includes a series of serpentine tubes, and an evaporative liquid is passed downwardly onto the indirect heat exchange section. The evaporative liquid is collected in a sump and then pumped upwardly to be distributed again across the indirect heat exchange section.An improved heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section including a series of serpentine tubes with run sections and return bend sections of both normal and increased height. A direct heat exchange section may be provided in the vertical spacing between run sections formed by the increased height return bends.