Modular V-Type Liquid Air Cooler With Series Hydraulic Manifolds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air coolers for liquids require the installation of multiple units in parallel, leading to complex and expensive hydraulic connections.

Innovation Solution

An air cooler design with integrated hydraulic feeding units in each module, allowing for simple and economic series connection of multiple modules without altering existing hydraulic connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple coolers are mounted in parallel to increase heat elimination power, then heat elimination power is improved, but device complexity and hydraulic connection complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat elimination powerVSAvoidhydraulic connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooler is divided into multiple independent modules, each with its own hydraulic feeding unit. This segmentation allows modules to be connected in series through simple hydraulic connections, avoiding the complexity of parallel connections while maintaining increased heat elimination capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cooler modules are merged into a single integrated system with series hydraulic connections. The delivery manifold of one module connects to the return manifold of the next module, creating a unified hydraulic circuit that simplifies connections while achieving cumulative heat elimination power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If multiple coolers are mounted in parallel to increase heat elimination power, then heat elimination power is improved, but manufacturing cost worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat elimination powerVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooler is segmented into standardized modules that can be manufactured independently and assembled in series. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to building large parallel systems, while still achieving the required heat elimination power through series configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If multiple coolers are mounted in parallel to increase heat elimination power, then heat elimination power is improved, but spatial requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat elimination powerVSAvoidspatial requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of expanding horizontally with parallel mounting, the series module configuration allows vertical or linear arrangement of modules. This dimensional change reduces the footprint area while maintaining increased heat elimination power through the series connection of multiple modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables increased heat elimination power with simplified and cost-effective hydraulic connections between modules.

Implementation Method 1

two heat exchangers (10) of the finned pack type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

ventilation unit (12) comprising at least two fans (13) designed to feed a cooling air flow through the fins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4191184B1Air cooler for liquids
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 HIREF
  • EP4191184B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4191184B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An air cooler for liquids has at least two refrigeration modules (2, 3) mounted in series, each provided with two heat exchangers (10) extending in respective containing planes (P) arranged so as to form a V, with a ventilation unit (12) to generate an air flow through the heat exchangers (10) and with a hydraulic feeding unit (14) to feed a liquid to be cooled through the heat exchangers (10); the hydraulic feeding units (14) of the two refrigeration modules (2, 3) being provided with respective delivery manifolds (15) connected to one another to feed the liquid to be cooled to the relative heat exchangers (10) and with respective return manifolds (16) connected to one another to receive the liquid cooled by the relative heat exchangers (10).