Multiple-Effect Evaporative Condenser for Reduced Piping Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems using cooling towers and condensers face inefficiencies due to temperature inconsistencies in heat exchange, extensive piping requirements, and reduced performance caused by energy wastage in long piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-effect evaporative condenser system with multiple heat exchanging units and highly efficient heat exchanging pipes, featuring inner and outer fins for enhanced surface area, allowing for multi-staged heat exchange between cooling water and refrigerant, reducing the need for extensive piping and improving heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional cooling towers and condensers are used with extensive piping, then the system can cool refrigerant, but energy is wasted in long piping systems and performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling tower and condenser into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate extensive piping systems. The condenser is positioned directly within the cooling tower structure, allowing cooling water to flow directly from the fill material to the condenser without traveling through long external pipes, thereby reducing energy waste and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate water collection basin and distribution system within the integrated structure that efficiently transfers cooling water from the fill material to the condenser. This internal water circulation mechanism acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for long external piping while maintaining effective heat exchange.
2Temperature
If cooling water temperature is lowered to improve condenser performance, then refrigerant cooling is enhanced, but heat exchange effectiveness in the cooling tower is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different thermal zones within the integrated system. The upper portion (fill material) operates at higher temperatures for effective evaporative cooling, while the lower portion (condenser) receives progressively cooler water. This local quality variation allows each zone to operate at its optimal temperature for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heat exchange process into multiple stages through the use of multiple heat exchanging units arranged vertically. Cooling water flows sequentially through different sections, progressively cooling down as it moves from the fill material through intermediate collection basins to the condenser, allowing each segment to perform its specific thermal function effectively.
3Productivity
If multiple heat exchanging units with multi-staged heat exchange are implemented, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple heat exchanging units vertically within the cooling tower structure, utilizing the vertical dimension to create multi-staged heat exchange. This vertical stacking allows progressive cooling of water through different levels while maintaining a compact footprint, improving heat transfer efficiency without proportionally increasing horizontal space requirements.
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 system achieves improved heat exchange performance, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes material waste by optimizing heat transfer and reducing the length and complexity of piping needed, leading to a more efficient and effective cooling process.
Implementation Method 1
Vaporous refrigerant (coming from a compressor of the central air conditioning system) having an elevated temperature enters the condenser 1002P and is arranged to perform heat exchange with the cooling water 924P coming from the cooling tower 1001P. After the heat exchange process, the vaporous refrigerant will be cooled down and transformed into liquid state.
Implementation Method 2
While in the condenser 1002P, the cooling water 924P absorbs heat from the vaporous refrigerant and the temperature of the cooling water 924P thereby increases.
Implementation Method 3
The cooling water 924P collected in the top water collection basin 925P is guided (by gravity) to flow into the receiving cavity and in physical contact with the fill material 926P to form a water film. Ambient air is sucked into the receiving cavity through the air inlet 929P and is arranged to perform heat exchange with the cooling water 924P passing through the fill material 926P.
Implementation Method 4
Ambient air is sucked into the receiving cavity through the air inlet 929P and is arranged to perform heat exchange with the cooling water 924P passing through the fill material 926P.
Implementation Method 5
After the heat exchange process, the vaporous refrigerant will be cooled down and transformed into liquid state.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioning system includes a multiple effect evaporative condenser, at least one compressor, at least one heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and at least one multiple-effect evaporative condensers. The multiple effect evaporative condenser and the heat exchanger utilize a highly efficient heat exchanging pipe for performing heat exchange between water and refrigerant.