System and method for removing condensate from a cooling unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condensate removal systems in cooling units, particularly in data centers, face challenges with implementation due to the need for drain pipes and trenches, which limit portability and increase installation complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a drain pan, condensate pump, water tank, plunger pump, and atomizing nozzles that collect and atomize condensate within the exhaust air ducts of the cooling unit, eliminating the need for drain pipes by spraying atomized water into exhaust air, with a controller managing the system's operation based on water level and pressure switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gravity drainage system or drain pump system is used to remove condensate, then condensate removal function is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requirement of drain pipes and trenches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the drain pipe system from the condensate removal process. Instead of using traditional drain pipes and trenches to convey condensate, the invention uses a spray nozzle system that atomizes condensate and directs it into the exhaust air stream, completely removing the need for drain piping infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by utilizing the exhaust air stream as a carrier to transport atomized condensate. The spray nozzle system converts liquid condensate into fine droplets that are entrained and carried away by the exhaust air flow, replacing the need for gravitational or pumped liquid flow through pipes
2Adaptability or versatility
If drain pipes and trenches are installed for condensate removal, then condensate can be conveyed to discharge location, but portability of cooling unit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the fixed drain pipe infrastructure that limits portability. By using a self-contained spray nozzle system that utilizes the unit's own exhaust air stream, the cooling unit can be relocated without requiring installation or modification of external drain piping and trench systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the cooling unit's own exhaust air stream to transport the condensate, making the system self-sufficient and independent of external infrastructure. This self-service capability enables the unit to be deployed in locations without access to drain pipes or trenches, significantly improving portability and adaptability
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
Enables efficient condensate removal without the need for drain pipes or trenches, enhancing portability and reducing installation complexity and costs, while maintaining effective condensate management within data centers.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one atomizing nozzle is configured to atomize water from the plunger pump
Implementation Method 2
a condensate pump configured to pump condensate from the drain pan
Implementation Method 3
The plunger pump may be configured to pressurize the water to 40 to 60 bar
Implementation Method 4
condensate collected in the drain pan flows in the drain line by the effect of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removing condensate from a cooling unit (10) includes a drain pan (44) to collect condensate generated by the cooling unit (10), a condensate pump (52) configured to pump condensate from the drain pan (44), and a water tank (54) in fluid communication with the condensate pump (52). The water tank (54) is configured to store condensate in the form of water delivered to the water tank (54) by the condensate pump (52). The system further includes a plunger pump (60) in fluid communication with the water tank (54). The plunger pump (60) is configured to pump water from the water tank (54). The system further includes at least one atomizing nozzle (62) in fluid communication with the plunger pump (60). The at least one atomizing nozzle (62) is configured to atomize water from the plunger pump (60).