Ventilation module for an air-refrigeration tower comprising a free wheel for external air suction and air blowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-cooling towers face inefficiencies in air intake and discharge due to the external positioning of the freewheel, which increases the system's bulkiness and exposes it to bad weather, while also failing to effectively attenuate noise pollution.

Innovation Solution

The freewheel is integrated within the ventilation module, allowing for simultaneous suction and discharge on the same side, with partitioned suction and discharge passages that direct air flows efficiently and protect the freewheel from external stresses, and include additional air intake through a side grille to enhance air pressure and reduce noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the freewheel is positioned externally in a separate housing, then the air intake and discharge passages can be clearly separated, but the system becomes bulkier and the freewheel is exposed to external elements and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external elementsVSAvoidsystem bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the previously separate freewheel housing and ventilation module into a single integrated structure. The freewheel is now positioned inside the ventilation module housing, combining the protection function and air handling function into one compact unit, thereby reducing overall system bulkiness while maintaining protection from external elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The freewheel is nested within the ventilation module housing, with the air intake and discharge passages arranged concentrically or adjacently within the same housing space. This nesting arrangement allows the freewheel to be protected from external elements while maintaining clear separation of air flows within the compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the freewheel is positioned externally, then air intake and discharge can be separated, but noise attenuation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise pollutionVSAvoidsystem bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the freewheel housing with the ventilation module, the patent creates a more effective noise attenuation system. The ventilation module housing serves dual purposes: it protects the freewheel from external elements and acts as a noise barrier, containing the noise generated by the freewheel within the integrated structure rather than allowing it to propagate externally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If air intake and discharge are performed on opposite sides of the freewheel, then the air flows are well separated, but space within the ventilation module is inefficiently utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidairflow configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a traditional opposite-side arrangement (one-dimensional separation) to a same-side arrangement with vertically stacked intake and discharge passages. This dimensional reorganization allows both air flows to be clearly separated while utilizing the vertical space within the ventilation module more efficiently, thereby improving space utilization without compromising airflow separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration results in a more compact, efficient, and quieter air-cooling tower with optimized internal air circulation and protection from external weather, while saving space and reducing noise pollution.

Implementation Method 1

The air is therefore conveyed under pressure to the rest of the system. Such a freewheel in a ventilation module allows for both intake and exhaust from the same side of the freewheel, resulting in substantially parallel air supply and exhaust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the free wheel drawing in outside air along the direction of the axis of rotation of said free wheel and expelling the air in the same axis, and optionally in radial bypass to the axis of rotation of said free wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3469267B1Ventilation module for an air-refrigeration tower comprising a free wheel for external air suction and air blowing
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 SOC JACIR SA
  • EP3469267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3469267B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3469267B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a ventilation module (4) intended for an aero-refrigeration tower (1) and comprising a free wheel (10) for drawing in outside air and for outputting the air into the upper portion of the ventilation module (4). The free wheel (10) has one face referred to as the rear face and one face referred to as the front face, said free wheel (10) draws in the outside air in the direction of the axis of rotation of said free wheel (10) via the front face and outputs the air radially with respect to the axis of rotation of said free wheel (10), the ventilation module (4) having, passing through it, a passage (11) for drawing in outside air and a passage (12) for outputting air, said air output passage (12) directing the flow of air to the front of the plane formed by the front face. The invention also relates to an aero-refrigeration tower and to a method for drawing in and outputting air in such a ventilation module.