Overlapping Gutter Water Collection for Evaporative Cooling Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Evaporative cooling towers and equipment face issues with uneven airflow distribution and high airflow resistance due to obstructions and turns in the airflow path, leading to increased fan energy consumption and reduced thermal capacity for a given footprint.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of overlapping gutter water collection systems and sloped panel water management systems that allow for improved airflow distribution and reduced resistance by collecting and cascading water, creating an extended rain zone for enhanced cooling, while also providing self-cleaning and easy maintenance features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid baffles or fan housings are arranged to shield mechanical and fan components from falling water droplets, then component protection is improved, but airflow resistance increases and thermal capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water collection function from traditional solid baffles and fan housings, creating a separate, dedicated water collection system. This allows the airflow path to remain open while water is collected through specific channels and gutters, resolving the contradiction between component protection and airflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The water collection system is segmented into multiple components: collection channels, gutters, and drainage paths. This segmentation allows water to be collected and removed from the airflow path without requiring solid barriers that would obstruct air flow, thereby maintaining thermal capacity while protecting components.
2Reliability
If the fan and heat exchanger are positioned side-by-side with separated sections for water management, then water management is improved, but airflow resistance increases and unit footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the water collection and airflow functions into a unified structure where collection channels and gutters are integrated with the heat exchanger and fan assembly. This integration allows water management to occur within the same space as the airflow path, eliminating the need for separate sections and reducing overall unit footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The water collection system utilizes vertical and diagonal dimensions through sloped collection channels and strategically positioned gutters. This dimensional approach allows water to be collected and drained without obstructing the horizontal airflow path, resolving the contradiction between water management and airflow efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If overlapping gutter water collection systems cover the complete footprint of the unit, then water collection capacity is improved, but airflow obstructions increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies water collection gutters and channels only in specific locations where water accumulation is most problematic, rather than covering the entire unit footprint. This localized approach collects sufficient water to prevent damage while minimizing obstructions to airflow and reducing overall system complexity.
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
These systems enhance airflow distribution, reduce fan energy consumption, and increase thermal performance by minimizing airflow resistance and obstructions, while ensuring easy access and maintenance, thus improving the overall efficiency and hygiene of evaporative cooling equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The system is made of single-piece gutter assemblies stacked side by side and overlapping, which typically only cover part of the footprint of the unit, which allows for fine balancing of the airflow resistance and greater control of the airflow paths through the units. By covering only part of the unit footprint, and by being sloped, the water collection systems create a water cascade from the water collection channels to the sump.
Implementation Method 2
The cascading water is mixed with air passing through which becomes an extended rain zone, which allows for additional cooling of the spray water resulting in higher unit thermal performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved water management systems which deflect or collect evaporative liquid exiting counterflow heat exchangers and improve airflow distribution are provided. Such heat exchangers include open cooling towers, closed circuit cooling towers, and evaporative condensers. The improved water management systems eliminate water splash out and the noise associated with water splashing. Further, when the fan assemblies are located below the evaporative heat exchanger, the improved water management systems keep the fans dry and prevent freezing in subzero climates.