Multiple-Effect Evaporative Condenser to Reduce Piping and Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems using cooling towers and condensers face inefficiencies due to temperature gradients within the cooling tower, inconsistent heat exchange performance, and the need for extensive piping, which increases energy consumption and maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-effect evaporative condenser system with a plurality of heat exchanging pipes and fill material units that facilitate multi-staged heat exchange between cooling water and refrigerant, optimizing heat rejection and reducing the need for extensive piping by enhancing heat exchange surface areas and air temperature gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional cooling tower and condenser system is used, then heat exchange between cooling water and refrigerant is achieved, but extensive piping is required which increases energy consumption and maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling tower and condenser into a single integrated unit where the condenser is positioned inside the cooling tower housing. This combination eliminates the need for extensive external piping between separate cooling tower and condenser components, thereby reducing energy consumption for water circulation and simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining heat exchange functionality.
2Productivity
If cooling water temperature is lowered to improve condenser performance, then refrigerant cooling efficiency increases, but heat exchange performance in the cooling tower becomes inconsistent due to temperature gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the cooling tower condenser system. The condenser is positioned in the upper portion where warmer cooling water flows, while the fill material is located in the lower portion. This spatial differentiation allows the condenser to operate with warmer water for efficient heat rejection, while the fill material cools the water through evaporation, ensuring consistent heat exchange performance throughout the system.
3Reliability
If cooling water flows through extensive piping to connect the cooling tower and condenser, then heat exchange is achieved, but maintenance complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the condenser inside the cooling tower housing, the patent eliminates the need for long external piping connections between separate cooling tower and condenser units. This merger simplifies the system structure, reduces the number of pipe joints and connections that require maintenance, and lowers energy consumption associated with pumping water through extensive piping, while still achieving effective heat exchange between cooling water and refrigerant.
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 efficient heat exchange and refrigerant cooling, reducing energy consumption and maintenance complexity by optimizing heat transfer and eliminating the need for lengthy piping, thereby improving overall air conditioning system performance.
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
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
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
Implementation Method 5
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
Data Source
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.