System and method for providing air-cooling, and related power generation systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-cooling systems, particularly those using evaporative cooling techniques, are often complex and require a condenser, making them inefficient and costly for large power generation systems.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that uses an open-loop design with a cooling coil, evaporator, and absorber, eliminating the need for a condenser and incorporating a desiccant regeneration process to efficiently provide chilled air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If evaporative cooling techniques are used, then cooling efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to requiring a condenser and closed-loop design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the condenser component from the traditional evaporative cooling system. By removing this essential component, the system achieves simpler architecture while maintaining cooling functionality through an alternative open-loop design where water evaporates and the vapor is directly discharged without requiring condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural evaporation processes and ambient conditions to achieve cooling without requiring complex mechanical compression systems. The evaporator uses the inherent evaporative cooling effect, and the system self-regulates through the phase change process without needing active condensation equipment.
2Reliability
If a condenser is included in the cooling system, then water vapor can be condensed, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the condenser from the system architecture. Instead of condensing water vapor through expensive and complex condensation equipment, the system allows water vapor to be directly discharged into the environment after evaporation, eliminating the need for vapor recovery infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adopts a disposable approach to water vapor management by simply venting it to the atmosphere rather than investing in expensive vapor recovery and condensation systems. This accepts some water loss as a trade-off for significantly reduced system cost and complexity.
3Temperature
If vapor compression systems are used, then cooling capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical vapor compression systems with a passive evaporative cooling mechanism. Instead of using compressors and refrigerants that require significant electrical power, the system utilizes the natural evaporative cooling effect where water absorbs heat from the air as it transitions from liquid to vapor phase, providing cooling without mechanical energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor to achieve cooling. As water evaporates from the evaporator surface, it absorbs latent heat from the surrounding air, effectively cooling the air without requiring mechanical compression or expensive refrigerant cycles.
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 simplifies the cooling process, reduces costs, and enhances efficiency by eliminating the condenser and utilizing a desiccant regeneration process, effectively providing cooled air for power generation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling coil (12) configured to accept water and provide chilled water in response to a phase change occurring in an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator (18) in communication with the cooling coil (12) and configured to effect a phase change on the water
Implementation Method 3
an absorber (30) in communication with the evaporator (18) and configured to receive water vapor from the evaporator (18)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cooling system 10 for providing chilled air is disclosed, including a cooling coil 12; an evaporator 18 and absorber 30 contained within a vacuum chamber 20; and a desiccant 32 that absorbs water vapor from the cooling process. The system also includes an external heat source for treating the desiccant; along with a regenerator 46 to make the desiccant re-useable. At least one heat exchanger 52 is also included, along with a source of make-up water 28 in communication with the cooling coil. Related processes are also disclosed, along with a gas turbine engine that includes or is arranged in association with the cooling system.