Modular Free Cooling System for Load-Adaptive Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling towers consume excess energy due to constant operation regardless of load fluctuations, such as outside air temperature and air conditioning settings.
Innovation Solution
A free cooling system comprising multiple outdoor units with heat medium circuits, controllers, and communication units, where the number of operational units is adjusted based on load, with temperature detection and dynamic control of heat medium pump frequency to maintain target temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cooling tower operates at constant capacity determined by maximum load, then it can meet peak cooling demands, but it consumes excessive energy when load is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling function into multiple independent outdoor units (1A, 1B, 1C) that can operate independently. Each unit has its own heat medium circuit and can be controlled separately, allowing the system to activate only the necessary number of units based on current load requirements rather than operating all units at full capacity continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating outdoor units based on real-time load conditions. The controller monitors cooling demands and automatically starts or stops specific outdoor units, making the system flexible and adaptive to varying load conditions rather than maintaining a fixed operating state.
2Power
If multiple outdoor units are operated simultaneously, then cooling capacity is increased, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from temperature sensors and load detection devices to monitor system performance and external conditions. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically determines which outdoor units should be activated and adjusts their operation accordingly, simplifying the control process despite having multiple units available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own operation without requiring complex external control. The controller autonomously decides which outdoor units to activate based on detected load conditions, and the units self-regulate their heat medium pump operations, reducing the need for complex centralized control mechanisms.
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 fine control of energy usage according to load demands, resulting in energy savings by optimizing the operation of free cooling outdoor units.
Implementation Method 1
a heat medium circuit, configured by connecting a heat medium pump, a first heat exchanger, and a heat source side of a second heat exchanger by pipes, a heat medium circulating through the heat medium circuit
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger, and a heat source side of a second heat exchanger by pipes, a heat medium circulating through the heat medium circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
A free cooling system includes a plurality of free cooling outdoor units each including a heat medium circuit, a controller, and a communication unit, the heat medium circuit being configured by connecting a heat medium pump, a first heat exchanger, and a heat source side of a second heat exchanger by pipes, a heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit, the controller configured to control the heat medium pump, and the communication units performing communication with each other, wherein the plurality of free cooling outdoor units are coupled with each other by a load pipe that allows a load heat medium to flow to or flow out from a load side of each second heat exchanger.