Evaporative cooling device and control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional evaporative cooling systems for heat rejection devices face challenges such as geometric adjustment difficulties, clogging, and fouling of spray nozzles, leading to inefficient water distribution and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An evaporative cooling device comprising a screen looped around rollers, driven by a motor, which draws water from a basin and evaporates it as air passes through, providing a controlled and efficient cooling mechanism for heat rejection devices, with sensors and controllers to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spray nozzles are used for evaporative cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the nozzles are susceptible to clogging and fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic spray nozzles from the system entirely and replaces them with a water distribution system that uses channels and wicks to deliver water directly to the condenser coils, eliminating the clogging and fouling issues associated with nozzles while maintaining evaporative cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water distribution channels and wicks as intermediary components between the water source and the condenser coils. These intermediaries deliver water in a controlled manner without requiring spray nozzles, thus preventing clogging and fouling while still enabling effective evaporative cooling
2Area of stationary object
If multiple spray nozzles are implemented to cover all condenser surfaces, then cooling coverage is improved, but water distribution becomes uneven with over-spraying in some sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements water distribution channels and wicks that are positioned in direct contact with or adjacent to specific sections of the condenser coils. This localized delivery system ensures water is applied precisely where needed on the condenser surfaces, achieving uniform cooling coverage without over-spraying and water waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spray nozzle system with a passive water distribution system using channels and capillary wicks. This substitution eliminates the need for pressurized spray mechanisms and provides controlled, uniform water distribution across the condenser surfaces without the inefficiencies of spray-based systems
3Productivity
If spray nozzles are used for water distribution, then evaporative cooling is achieved, but the nozzles require frequent maintenance due to clogs and fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes spray nozzles from the water distribution system and replaces them with simple channels and wicks that are inherently resistant to clogging and fouling. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the need for frequent maintenance while preserving the evaporative cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive water distribution components (channels and wicks) that are resistant to degradation from water deposits. These components require minimal maintenance and can be easily replaced if needed, significantly reducing the maintenance burden compared to spray nozzle systems
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 device achieves precise control over water distribution, reduces waste, and enhances cooling efficiency by utilizing water's latent heat of vaporization, while minimizing clogging and fouling issues, and is adaptable to varying ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
As the liquid is drawn into an airstream feeding a heat rejection device, the liquid may evaporate, cooling the air
Implementation Method 2
The key to water's power in cooling comes from its phase change from a liquid to a vapor, wherein it absorbs a great amount of 'heat of vaporization.' This type of heat is referred to as 'latent' heat
Implementation Method 3
a screen looped around a plurality of rollers, driven by a motor coupled to at least one roller
Data Source
AI summary
An evaporative cooling device may be provided. The device may comprise a plurality of rollers, a screen looped around the plurality of rollers, a motor coupled to at least one roller and configured to drive the at least one roller, a basin configured to hold a liquid within an interior of the basin, and wherein at least one roller is at least partially within the interior of the basin. The screen may travel into the basin and capture an amount of the liquid. As the liquid is drawn into an airstream feeding a heat rejection device, the liquid may evaporate, cooling the air. The cooled air may provide a more efficient heat rejection device.