Roller-Screen Evaporative Cooling to Reduce Clogging and Water Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional evaporative cooling systems face challenges with geometric adjustment and clogging issues due to spray nozzles, leading to inefficient water distribution and reduced effectiveness in cooling systems like heat rejection devices.
Innovation Solution
An evaporative cooling device utilizing 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 by varying motor speed and using sensors for optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If spray nozzles are used to distribute water onto the condenser surface, then cooling effectiveness is improved through evaporative cooling, but geometric adjustment difficulty and clogging issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution method of water from spray nozzles to a porous medium system. Water is distributed through capillary action in a porous material rather than through pressurized spray nozzles, eliminating clogging issues and enabling geometric flexibility through different porous material configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spray nozzle system with a passive capillary action system. Instead of using mechanical pressure to force water through nozzles, the system uses capillary forces in a porous material to distribute water uniformly, eliminating the mechanical components that cause clogging and adjustment difficulties
2Area of stationary object
If multiple spray nozzles are implemented to cover all condenser surfaces, then water distribution coverage is improved, but over-spraying and water waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a porous material that distributes water locally through capillary action across the entire condenser surface. Each point on the porous material provides water locally without requiring multiple nozzles, achieving uniform coverage without over-spraying any particular area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a replaceable porous material element that can be easily replaced rather than maintaining and adjusting multiple spray nozzles. This disposable-like approach eliminates the complexity of multiple adjustable nozzles while providing complete surface coverage with controlled water distribution
3Temperature
If spray nozzles are used for water distribution, then evaporative cooling is achieved, but susceptibility to clogs and fouling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies porous materials as the water distribution medium. The porous structure naturally filters and distributes water through capillary action, preventing clogs by design rather than requiring clean nozzles. The porous material can be replaced when fouled, maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spray nozzle system with a passive porous material system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that are susceptible to clogging and fouling, using instead a material-based capillary action system that is inherently more reliable and maintenance-free
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 evaporation, reducing waste and clogging issues, enhancing cooling efficiency and reliability, especially in windy conditions and varying humidity levels.
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, a motor coupled to at least one roller and configured to drive the 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.