Indirect Hot Water Cooling Device for Steam Humidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steam humidifier designs rely on mixing municipal water to cool boiling water, which is restricted due to water scarcity, necessitating an alternative method to reduce water temperature without using potable water for cooling.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop chilled water supply system using a heat exchanger submerged in a water bath, with a separate cleanable tank and removable coils, to cool hot water from the humidifier, allowing for efficient temperature reduction without direct water mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If municipal water is mixed with hot water to cool it, then the water temperature is reduced to acceptable levels, but potable water is wasted which is restricted due to water scarcity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary device between the hot water from the humidifier tank and the cooling water source. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from the hot water to the cooling water without allowing the two water streams to mix, thereby achieving temperature reduction while preventing potable water waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into separate functional components: a heat exchanger unit with internal cooling coils, a dedicated cooling water supply line, and a discharge mechanism. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be performed by non-potable water while preserving potable water for its intended用途.
2Loss of substance
If a heat exchanger with cooling coils is used to cool hot water, then temperature reduction is achieved without mixing potable water, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a cooling device, provides a pathway for water flow, and includes integrated baffles for flow control. The cooling coils are positioned to maximize heat transfer while the same structure facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling coils are nested within the heat exchanger housing, which itself is integrated into the humidifier tank structure. This nested arrangement allows the cooling function to be added without requiring separate external equipment, thereby managing device complexity through compact integration.
3Device complexity
If the humidifier tank is cooled by ambient air, then no additional cooling mechanism is needed, but the cooling process is extremely slow and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic cooling system where cooling water is pumped through coils in the heat exchanger. This fluid-based heat transfer mechanism provides rapid and controlled cooling compared to ambient air cooling, reducing the cooling time from hours to minutes while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
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
Effectively cools hot water from 212°F to 140°F using a closed-loop system, providing a cleanable and efficient solution for steam humidifier maintenance while conserving potable water.
Implementation Method 1
A recirculating source of chilled water is supplied to a heat exchanger mounted in the separate tank. The hot water from the humidifier is passed through the heat exchanger, thereby cooling the hot water.
Implementation Method 2
The chilled water flows inside tubing formed into a helical cylinder (heat exchanger) that is constantly submersed in a water bath tank, providing a cleanable and efficient solution for steam humidifier maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
An indirect hot water cooling device for a steam humidifier. The steam humidifier has a body of hot water and a drain valve for draining the body of hot water. The device includes a reservoir separate from the steam humidifier and receiving hot water from the steam humidifier drain valve; a connection from the steam humidifier drain valve to the reservoir; a re-circulating source of chilled water; a connection from the re-circulating source of chilled water to the reservoir; and a drain outlet from the reservoir. A method of draining a steam humidifier includes the steps of: draining the hot water in the humidifier to a separate reservoir; supplying re-circulating chilled water to the separate reservoir; and draining cooled water from the separate reservoir.