Modular Outdoor Cooling Tower Units for Efficient Area Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor cooling systems face challenges due to moving air currents, thermal transfer, and lack of containment, making it difficult to efficiently cool areas.
Innovation Solution
Modular cooling units with a cooling tower and air distribution system that can be connected in various configurations, including shared bases and air distribution systems, equipped with control systems and electronics packages, and integrated water treatment modules, to provide efficient and customizable cooling solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If outdoor cooling systems are implemented, then cooling coverage is provided, but efficiency is reduced due to moving air currents, thermal transfer, and lack of containment
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple modular cooling units that can be independently deployed and configured. Each unit contains its own cooling tower, air distribution system, and control system, allowing for segmented deployment that adapts to specific outdoor areas while maintaining containment effectiveness in each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cooling units can be connected through a shared air distribution system and common base infrastructure, merging their cooling outputs to create larger contained cooling zones. This combination approach amplifies the containment effect while improving overall energy efficiency through shared components.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cooling units are deployed to cover larger areas, then cooling coverage increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that allow them to function both independently and in interconnected configurations. The air distribution system can operate as individual units or merge into a network, providing multi-functionality that scales from small to large coverage areas without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows smaller cooling units to be nested within or connected to larger system configurations. Units can be hierarchically organized where individual units maintain independence while being integrated into broader cooling networks, enabling scalable deployment that manages complexity through structured nesting.
3Loss of energy
If modular cooling units with shared infrastructure are used, then energy efficiency improves, but adaptability to different configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic connectivity where cooling units can be connected or disconnected from shared infrastructure based on operational needs. The air distribution system allows units to dynamically switch between independent operation and networked configuration, providing adaptability while maintaining energy efficiency through on-demand connection to shared resources.
Solution Approach 2:
Control systems monitor operational conditions and automatically adjust the configuration of cooling units and their connection to shared infrastructure. When energy efficiency gains are detected through networked operation, units are connected to shared systems; when independence is more beneficial, units operate autonomously, with feedback loops managing the transitions.
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 modular cooling units effectively generate cooled areas by efficiently managing air and water flow, providing energy-efficient and customizable cooling solutions for outdoor spaces, enhancing comfort and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
cooling tower...arranged as a cooling wall
Implementation Method 2
cooling tower...cool water to circulate through the air distribution system
Implementation Method 3
air distribution system...dispense the cooled air...generate a cooled area
Implementation Method 4
thermal transfer...challenges due to moving air currents, thermal transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Cooling systems are provided. The cooling systems include a plurality of cooling units. Each cooling unit has a base having a housing with control components, a cooling tower attached to the base at a first end of the cooling tower, with an inner flow path and an exterior surface, and an air distribution system attached to the cooling tower at a second end. The air distribution system includes an air distribution chamber between first and second enclosures, cool and warm air dispensers are configured in the first enclosure, and a cover is disposed on an exterior of the enclosures. The control components are configured to convey air through the base, the cooling tower, and the air distribution system to dispense air through the air dispensers. At least two of the cooling units of the plurality of cooling units are arranged in a linear arrangement.