EP4774139A1 - An evaporative cooling pad and an air treatment unit - Google Patents

An evaporative cooling pad and an air treatment unit

Info

Publication number
EP4774139A1
EP4774139A1 EP24764815.7A EP24764815A EP4774139A1 EP 4774139 A1 EP4774139 A1 EP 4774139A1 EP 24764815 A EP24764815 A EP 24764815A EP 4774139 A1 EP4774139 A1 EP 4774139A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cooling pad
panels
joining
cooling
evaporative
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24764815.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Juan Galindo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Munters Europe AB
Original Assignee
Munters Europe AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Munters Europe AB filed Critical Munters Europe AB
Publication of EP4774139A1 publication Critical patent/EP4774139A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
    • B32B3/28—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by a layer comprising a deformed thin sheet, i.e. the layer having its entire thickness deformed out of the plane, e.g. corrugated, crumpled
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
    • F24F5/0007—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning
    • F24F5/0035—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning using evaporation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/32—Packing elements in the form of grids or built-up elements for forming a unit or module inside the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
    • B32B15/04—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
    • B32B15/04—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B15/043—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
    • B32B15/18—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising iron or steel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
    • B32B15/20—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising aluminium or copper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B23/00—Layered products comprising a layer of cellulosic plastic substances, i.e. substances obtained by chemical modification of cellulose, e.g. cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, viscose
    • B32B23/04—Layered products comprising a layer of cellulosic plastic substances, i.e. substances obtained by chemical modification of cellulose, e.g. cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, viscose comprising such cellulosic plastic substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/36—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
    • B32B27/365—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters comprising polycarbonates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/022—Non-woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/024—Woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
    • B32B5/24—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/26—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/05—Interconnection of layers the layers not being connected over the whole surface, e.g. discontinuous connection or patterned connection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/08—Interconnection of layers by mechanical means
    • B32B7/09—Interconnection of layers by mechanical means by stitching, needling or sewing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
    • F24F6/02—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air
    • F24F6/04—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using stationary unheated wet elements
    • F24F6/043—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using stationary unheated wet elements with self-sucking action, e.g. wicks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D5/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, using the cooling effect of natural or forced evaporation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D5/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, using the cooling effect of natural or forced evaporation
    • F28D5/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, using the cooling effect of natural or forced evaporation in which the evaporating medium flows in a continuous film or trickles freely over the conduits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/32—Details relating to packing elements in the form of grids or built-up elements for forming a unit of module inside the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
    • B01J2219/322—Basic shape of the elements
    • B01J2219/32203—Sheets
    • B01J2219/3221—Corrugated sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/32—Details relating to packing elements in the form of grids or built-up elements for forming a unit of module inside the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
    • B01J2219/322—Basic shape of the elements
    • B01J2219/32203—Sheets
    • B01J2219/32275—Mounting or joining of the blocks or sheets within the column or vessel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/32—Details relating to packing elements in the form of grids or built-up elements for forming a unit of module inside the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
    • B01J2219/328—Manufacturing aspects
    • B01J2219/3288—Punching
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/728—Hydrophilic

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

An evaporative cooling pad (1) comprising: a stack of evaporative cooling panels (2a,2b,2c) forming an evaporative cooling media pack (3) characterized in that the panels (2a,2b,2c) are comprised of sheet material and are joined to each other at joining points (4,5) on their adjoining surfaces, wherein at least one joining point (4) between two adjoining panel surfaces (2a',2b") is displaced with respect to at least one joining point (5) between the next two adjoining evaporative panel surfaces (2b',2c"), and an air treatment unit (20) comprising the evaporative cooling pad (1).

Description

An evaporative cooling pad and an air treatment unit
Technical field
The present disclosure relates to an evaporative cooling pad and an air treatment unit including the evaporative cooling pad.
Background art
Air treatment units, such as evaporative air coolers and humidifiers, may be used to humidify and cool different types of spaces in buildings. An evaporative air treatment unit is a device that cools or humidifies air by evaporating a liquid cooling medium, typically water. It is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning systems, which use refrigerant chemicals to cool the air. Evaporative air coolers are often used in areas where air conditioning is not practical or too expensive, such as in dry regions, outdoor spaces, or in areas with frequent power outages. They are also considered environmentally friendly as they consume less energy than conventional air conditioning units and do not use harmful chemicals. Evaporative air coolers and humidifiers typically comprise cooling pads in the form of stacks of corrugated evaporative cooling panels with flutes forming passageways through the pad. US5143658 discloses an example of typical evaporative cooling pad.
There is an ongoing interest in improving pads for evaporative coolers and humidifiers to meet the continuously increasing demands on sustainability and cost reduction.
Summary
The present disclosure aims at providing an improved evaporative cooling pad and an air treatment unit comprising said cooling pad.
The basic principle behind evaporative air cooling is the process of evaporation of a liquid cooling medium, typically water. When water evaporates, it absorbs heat, and as a result, the surrounding air becomes cooler. An evaporative air treatment unit, or evaporative air cooler, uses this principle to cool the air by blowing it over a wet cooling pad or through a series of wet cooling pads. As the air passes over the wet pad, the water evaporates, which cools and humidifies the air. The cooled air can then be circulated into a space where cooling is desired. The temperature reduction provided by an evaporative air cooler depends on the dryness of the air, and the relative humidity of the environment. It is very effective for use in hot, dry climates, where the air is less humid. In more humid environments, the cooling effect may be less noticeable.
The cooling pad in an evaporative air cooler plays a critical role in the cooling process by providing a large surface area for the water to evaporate from and cooling the air as it passes through. The cooling pad is usually placed on the intake side of the cooler and is kept wet by a water pump or gravity feed system. Overall, the cooling pad used in air treatment is a critical component of an evaporative air cooler, and its performance can have a significant impact on the cooling efficiency of the device. In order to obtain effective cooling and humidification, it is desirable that the cooling pad is comprised of cooling panels having a corrugated surface, so as to increase the heat transfer between the air and the cooling liquid.
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved evaporative cooling pad, by means of which effective cooling and humidification of an air flow can be obtained and which can contribute to improved sustainability in the stages from manufacture to installation.
When cooling pads are shipped from a manufacturer to an installation site, they are typically wrapped in protective material and loaded in containers. A large part of the container space is taken up by air due to the corrugated shape of the cooling media sheets.
The present disclosure relates to an evaporative cooling pad comprising a stack of evaporative cooling panels forming an evaporative cooling media pack. The panels are comprised of sheet material and are joined to each other at joining points on their adjoining surfaces, wherein at least one joining point between two adjoining panel surfaces is displaced with respect to at least one joining point between the next two adjoining evaporative panel surfaces. The cooling pad can be in an expanded state or in a collapsed state. In the collapsed state, each panel is positioned in face to face contact with adjacent panels. In the expanded state, the panels are positioned at a distance from each other and are in contact only at the joining points. The sheet material of the panels is suitably a flexible sheet material. In the context of the present application, the term "flexible material" refers to materials that have an ability to bend or flex along its length or across its surface without breaking or tearing, and hangs or drapes when subjected to gravity. The flexible material allows the sheets to conform to each other when the pad is in a collapsed state so that the pad takes up only a small space when collapsed. Thereby, the evaporative cooling pad can be collapsed into a more compact configuration before being packed for shipping to an installation site, thus decreasing the volume to be shipped and reducing cost and energy consumption related to shipping. Upon installation in an air treatment unit, the panels can be drawn apart such they become positioned at a distance from each other and the evaporative cooling pad thus attains an expanded state. The displaced joining points allow the pad to be stretched to an expanded state during installation in an air treatment unit, such that there is a distance between adjacent panels, except at the joining points. The displaced joining points give the sheets an uneven shape with ridges and valleys when installed, thus improving air flow and heat transfer through the cooling pad. Advantageously, the surfaces of adjoining panels in an expanded state of the media pack, are in contact only at the joining points such that the panels have a substantially undulating shape or substantially zig-zag shape in said expanded state. A substantially undulating sheet has a surface that forms a series of smooth, wave-like curves, such that it rises and falls in a regular pattern, creating peaks and valleys. A substantially zig-zag shaped sheet forms a series of angular bends, with segments in alternating direction, creating a pattern of connected substantially straight lines. Thereby, passageways between the panels are formed in pad when it is in an expanded state distributed, which increases and improves contact between air and a liquid cooling medium passing through the cooling pad during operation and leads to improved heat transfer and humidification. Whether the panels get a substantially undulating shape or a substantially zig-zag shape when the pad has been expanded into the expanded state may depend on how far apart the panels are drawn or on how flimsy the flexible material is. Both shapes result in improved contact between air and cooling medium. A suitable flexibility may correspond to a bending modulus of 0.5-5 GPa, more preferably 1-4 GPa, obtained according to e.g. 150 5628:2019.
The surfaces of adjoining panels in a collapsed state of the media pack are suitably in contact with each other both at the joining points and in the areas between the joining points, which ensures that the pad will take up a very small space in a collapsed state. Further, the panels of the media pack are advantageously substantially flat in a collapsed state of the media pack, thereby allowing the pad to take up an even smaller space in a collapsed state, reducing cost and energy consumption related to shipping. By being made from sheet material having a suitable flexibility, the panels can thus be flat during transport, and attain a substantially undulating shape when the cooling pad has been expanded and installed in an air treatment unit.
The liquid cooling medium may be any suitable liquid. Typically, water is used as cooling medium since it is a reliable, cost effective and non-toxic alternative. In some applications, other liquids, such as liquid sorbent or glycol, may be used as an alternative to water for mass and energy transfer purposes. The joining points may preferably be distributed in a pattern, in which the joining points are arranged in rows, and wherein the pattern of joining points joining a first pair of adjoining panel surfaces is displaced with respect to the pattern of joining points joining the next pair of adjoining evaporative panel surfaces. Thereby, the passageways formed between sheets become evenly distributed, which further improves the heat transfer. The rows may preferably be arranged at an angle with respect to an edge of the sheet, said angle preferably being 25- 50°, more preferably 30°- 45°, to even further improve the heat transfer. The joining pattern may suitably comprise a plurality of rows, which are located at a first predetermined distance from each other, and the joining points in said rows are located at a second predetermined distance from each other, such that they are located along lines, which have an angle with respect to the edge of the sheet. The passageways are thereby formed in at least two directions, which further improves the contact between air and cooling medium (water) and hence the heat transfer. The angle of the line of joining points with respect to the edge of the sheet is preferably being 5-50°, more preferably 10°- 45°.
Preferably, a first surface of every second panel is joined to a second surface of the next panel via a first bonding pattern and a first surface of every other second panel is joined to a second surface of the next panel via a second bonding pattern, said first and second joining patterns preferably being the same, but displaced on every second media sheet. The passageways formed in the pad are thus evenly distributed and the pattern of passageways is the same throughout the pad thus improving heat transfer.
The number of panels included in a cooling pad can vary depending on the intended use of the pad. In general, cooling pads can range from a few sheets to multiple layers of media sheets. Most commonly, evaporative cooling pads used in air conditioning systems and industrial applications consist of multiple layers of media sheets. The number of sheets used can range from 4 to 12 or more, depending on the thickness and quality of the panels and the desired level of cooling efficiency. The number of panels used in a cooling pad will depend on factors such as the size of the pad, the type of cooling medium used, and the required cooling capacity. A larger pad with more sheets will generally provide greater cooling capacity.
The panels of the media pack are suitably designed to retain water and allow air to flow through them, which creates a cooling effect as the water evaporates. The panels of the media pack may suitably be comprised of flexible sheet material based on woven or non-woven textile, cellulose based material (e.g. wood based material, cotton based material), plastic or metallic sheet material. Suitable woven or non-woven textile materials may for example be made from synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, or polypropylene, which are highly durable and can withstand harsh environments. Cellulose based materials may be made from cellulose fibers or a mixture of cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers, and are cost-effective and highly absorbent and can hold a large amount of water, which makes them effective at cooling air. Plastic sheet material may be made from polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or polycarbonate (PC), which are lightweight durable materials that are relatively inexpensive. Metallic sheet material may be made from aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.
The sheet material may preferably be hydrophilic to improve wetting and spreading properties and may be comprised of hydrophilic material, such as cellulose based materials (e.g. wood/cotton based materials), or the sheet material may be surface treated with a hydrophilic surfactant. Examples of surfactants that can increase hydrophilicity of the panel material are nonionic surfactants, such as ethoxylated alcohols; anionic surfactants, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS); water-soluble polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG); or cationic surfactants, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or poly(diallyldimethyl-ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC).
The joining points joining the panels to each other may suitably be effected by adhesive, stitches, staples, spot welding, or semi-punched shape locking. Adhesive joining may be obtained by application of for example hotmelt adhesive that is applied in a molten state and solidifies as it cools, or contact adhesive that is applied to both surfaces and allowed to dry before the two surfaces are pressed together. Spot welding can be accomplished using ultrasonic welding.
The cooling pad may include a pair of mounting holders attached to opposite sides of the media pack, facilitates mounting of the cooling pad during installation. The mounting holders are preferably in form of a plate or frame comprised of rigid material. In the present context, a rigid material is a material that does not drape when subjected to gravity. Suitably, a first mounting holder of the pair of mounting holders is attached to the first sheet of the media pack, and a second mounting holder of the pair of mounting holders is attached to the last sheet of the media pack. During installation the mounting holders are drawn apart, and the media pack is stretched to an expanded state.
A method of manufacturing the above evaporative cooling pad is provided comprising the steps of providing a plurality of evaporative cooling media sheets panels, and joining each panel to an adjacent panel at joining points on their adjoining surfaces, so that at least one joining point between two adjoining media sheet panel surfaces is displaced with respect to at least one joining point between the next two adjoining evaporative media sheet panel surfaces. After having been joined to each other, the panels are preferably allowed to lie flat onto each other so that the cooling pad is in a collapsed state.
Further, a method of mounting the above evaporative cooling pad in an air treatment unit is provided comprising the steps of providing an evaporative cooling pad in a collapsed state, and expanding the cooling pad by pulling the panels of the evaporative cooling media pack apart so as to separate the panels from each other while allowing them to be connected at the joining points, such that the cooling pad is in an expanded state, preferably followed by the step of attaching the outermost panels to a cooling pad receiving frame.
The present disclosure also relates to an air treatment unit, comprising an evaporative cooling pad described above and a frame adapted to receive the cooling pad, the frame having an air inlet and an air outlet. The frame may include attachment devices, such as hooks, to hold the cooling pad in an expanded state. The air treatment unit, suitably comprises a liquid distributor arranged above the cooling pad and is adapted to distribute liquid over the surfaces of the evaporative cooling media sheets, and a fan adapted to draw air through the evaporative cooling media pack from the air inlet to the air outlet. A liquid receiving container arranged below the cooling pad. A liquid conduit may be arranged connecting the liquid receiving container with the liquid distributor and a pump adapted to pump liquid from the liquid receiving container to the liquid distributor may also be included.
The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.
However, it is to be noted that while the present disclosure is mainly related to cooling and humidifying of air, the pad of the present invention could as well be used in other applications where heat and mass transfer based on evaporation is involved, for example in chemical engineering processes. Hence, in such applications, the terms "cooling" and "humidification" as used in the context of the present disclosure may then be replaced by, or referred to as "heat transfer" and "mass transfer", respectively. Accordingly, in such applications the component herein referred to as a "cooling pad", may then rather be referred to as a "heat transfer pad" or a "mass transfer pad", etc. Hence, it is to be understood that the herein disclosed cooling pad and air treatment unit are not limited to the particular component parts of the device described since such device may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
Brief of the
The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and nonlimiting description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Figure l is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 2a and 2b illustrates schematically how the panels of a cooling pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be shaped when the cooling pad is installed in an air treatment unit.
Figure 3 illustrates schematically an example of how the joining points where the panels are joined to each other can be arranged.
Figure 4a is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air treatment unit in which the cooling pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be included.
Figure 4b is a schematic front view of the air treatment unit in Fig. 4a.
Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a method of manufacturing an evaporative cooling pad.
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a method of mounting an evaporative cooling pad in an air treatment unit.
Detailed description of example embodiments
The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in otherforms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person. Fig. 1 shows schematically a cooling pad 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a collapsed state. The cooling pad 1 comprises a stack of evaporative cooling panels 2a, 2b, 2c forming an evaporative cooling media pack 3. The panels 2a, 2b, 2c, which are comprised of sheet material are joined to each other at joining points 4, 5 on their adjoining surfaces, so that at least one joining point 4 between two adjoining panel surfaces 2a', 2b" is displaced with respect to at least one joining point 5 between the next two adjoining evaporative panel surfaces 2b', 2c". The surfaces 2a', 2b" of adjoining panels 2a, 2b in a collapsed state of the media pack 3 are in contact with each other both at the joining points 4, 5 and in the areas 6, 7 between the joining points 4, 5. And the panels 2a, 2b, 2c of the media pack 3 are suitably substantially flat in a collapsed state of the media pack 3.
In the example of Fig. 1, the cooling pad 1 comprises a pair of mounting holders 11a, lib attached to opposite sides of the media pack. A first mounting holder 11a of the pair of mounting holders is attached to the first sheet 2a of the media pack, and a second mounting holder lib of the pair of mounting holders is attached to the last sheet 2x of the media pack. The mounting holders may be a plate or frame comprised of rigid material.
As illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b, the surfaces 2a', 2b" of adjoining media sheets, are in contact only at the joining points 4, 5, when the media pack 3 is in an expanded state, such that the panels have a substantially undulating shape (Fig. 2a) or a substantially zig-zag shape (Fig. 2b) in the expanded state.
Fig. 3 illustrates how the joining points 4,5 can be distributed in a pattern. In this example, the joining points are arranged in rows 8a, 8b. The pattern of joining points 4, 5 joining a first pair of adjoining panel surfaces 2a', 2b" is displaced with respect to the pattern of joining points 4, 5 joining the next pair of adjoining evaporative panel surfaces 2b', 2c". The rows are preferably arranged at an angle al with respect to an edge 10 of the sheet 2a, 2b, 2c. In the illustrated example, the joining pattern comprises a plurality of rows 8a, 8b, which are located at a first predetermined distance DI from each other, and the joining points in the rows 8a, 8b are located at a second predetermined distance D2a, D2b from each other, such that they are located along lines 9a, 9b. The lines 9a, 9b have an angle a2 with respect to the edge 10 of the sheet 2a, 2b, 2c.
A first surface 2a' of every second panel 2a, 2c is joined to a second surface 2b" of the next panel 2b via a first bonding pattern, and a first surface 2c' of every other second panel 2b is joined to a second surface 2c" of the next panel 2c via a second bonding pattern. The first and second joining patterns are preferably the same, but are displaced on every second media sheet, as illustrated in Fig. 3.
Figs. 4a and 4b shows an example of an air treatment unit 20, comprising an evaporative cooling pad as described above. The air treatment unit 20 also includes a frame 30 adapted to receive the cooling pad 1, the frame having an air inlet 31 and an air outlet 32. The frame may include attachment devices (not shown), such as hooks, to hold the cooling pad in an expanded state. A liquid distributor 26 is arranged above the cooling pad 1 and is adapted to distribute liquid 24 over the surfaces of the evaporative cooling panels and a fan 25 is arranged to draw air 29 through the evaporative cooling media pack 3 from the air inlet 31 to the air outlet 32. A liquid receiving container 28 arranged below the cooling pad 1, and a liquid conduit connects the liquid receiving container 28 with the liquid distributor 26. A pump 22 is arranged to pump liquid from the liquid receiving container 28 to the liquid distributor 26.
Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a method 100 of manufacturing the evaporative cooling pad comprising the steps of providing 101 a plurality of evaporative cooling media sheets panels; joining 102 each panel to an adjacent panel at joining points on their adjoining surfaces, so that at least one joining point between two adjoining media sheet panel surfaces is displaced with respect to at least one joining point between the next two adjoining evaporative media sheet panel surfaces, and after having been joined to each other, allowing 103 the panels to lie flat onto each other so that the cooling pad is in a collapsed state.
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a method 200 of mounting the evaporative cooling pad in an air treatment unit comprising the steps of providing 201 an evaporative cooling pad in a collapsed state, and expanding 202 the cooling pad by pulling the panels of the evaporative cooling media pack apart so as to separate the panels from each other while allowing them to be connected at the joining points, such that the cooling pad is in an expanded state, preferably followed by attaching 203 the outermost panels to a cooling pad receiving frame.

Claims

1. An evaporative cooling pad (1) comprising: a stack of evaporative cooling panels (2a, 2b, 2c) forming an evaporative cooling media pack (3) characterized in that the panels (2a, 2b, 2c) are comprised of sheet material and are joined to each other at joining points (4,5) on their adjoining surfaces, wherein at least one joining point (4) between two adjoining panel surfaces (2a', 2b") is displaced with respect to at least one joining point (5) between the next two adjoining evaporative panel surfaces (2b', 2c"), wherein the cooling panels are comprised of flexible sheet material allowing the cooling pad to be in a collapsed state or in an expanded state.
2. The cooling pad of claim 1, wherein the surfaces (2a', 2b") of adjoining panels (2a, 2b) in a collapsed state of the media pack (3) are in contact with each other at the joining points (4,5) and in the areas (6,7) between the joining points (4,5).
3. The cooling pad of claim 1 or 2, wherein the panels (2a, 2b, 2c) of the media pack (3) are substantially flat in said collapsed state of the media pack (3).
4. The cooling pad of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the surfaces (2a', 2b") of adjoining panels in an expanded state of the media pack (3), are in contact only at the joining points (4,5) such that the panels have a substantially zig-zag shape or a substantially undulating shape in said expanded state.
5. The cooling pad of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the joining points (4,5) are distributed in a pattern, in which the joining points are arranged in rows (8a, 8b), and wherein the pattern of joining points (4,5) joining a first pair of adjoining panel surfaces (2a', 2b") is displaced with respect to the pattern of joining points (4,5) joining the next pair of adjoining evaporative panel surfaces (2b', 2c"), said rows preferably being arranged at an angle (al) with respect to an edge (10) of the sheet (2a, 2b, 2c), said angle preferably being 25-50°, more preferably 30°- 45°.
6. The cooling pad of claim 5, wherein the joining pattern comprises a plurality of rows (8a, 8b), which are located at a first predetermined distance (DI) from each other, and the joining points in said rows (8a, 8b) are located at a second predetermined distance (D2a,D2b) from each other, such that they are located along lines (9a, 9b), which have an angle (a2) with respect to the edge (10) of the sheet (2a, 2b, 2c), said angle preferably being 5-50°, more preferably 10-45°.
7. The cooling pad of claim 5 or 6, wherein a first surface (2a') of every second panel (2a, 2c) is joined to a second surface (2b") of the next panel (2b) via a first bonding pattern and a first surface (2c') of every other second panel (2b) is joined to a second surface (2c") of the next panel (2c) via a second bonding pattern, said first and second joining patterns preferably being the same, but displaced on every second media sheet.
8. The cooling pad of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sheets of the media pack are comprised of sheet material based on woven or non-woven textile, cellulose based material, plastic or metallic sheet material, said sheet preferably being comprised of hydrophilic material or surface treated with hydrophilic surfactant.
9. The cooling pad of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the joining points (5,6) join the sheets by adhesive, stitches, staples, spot welding, or semi-punched shape locking.
10. The cooling pad of any one of claims 1-9, further including a pair of mounting holders (11a, lib) attached to opposite sides of the media pack, said mounting holder preferably being a plate or frame comprised of stiff or rigid material.
11. The cooling pad of claim 10, wherein a first mounting holder (11a) of the pair of mounting holders is attached to the first sheet (2a) of the media pack, and a second mounting holder (lib) of the pair of mounting holders is attached to the last sheet (2x) of the media pack.
12. A method (100) of manufacturing the evaporative cooling pad (1) of any one of the preceding claims comprising the steps of:
- providing (101) a plurality of evaporative cooling media sheets panels (2a, 2b, 2c), said sheet panels being comprised of flexible sheet material;
- joining (102) each panel to an adjacent panel at joining points (4,5) on their adjoining surfaces, so that at least one joining point (4) between two adjoining media sheet panel surfaces (2a', 2b") is displaced with respect to at least one joining point (5) between the next two adjoining evaporative media sheet panel surfaces (2b', 2c").
13. The method of claim 12, wherein, after having been joined to each other, the flexible sheet panels are allowed (103) to lie flat onto each other so that the cooling pad is in a collapsed state.
14. A method (200) of mounting the evaporative cooling pad (1) of any one of claims 1- 11 in an air treatment unit comprising the steps of: - providing (201) an evaporative cooling pad (1) of any one of claims 1-11 in collapsed state;
- expanding (202) the cooling pad by pulling the panels of the evaporative cooling media pack apart so as to separate the panels from each other while allowing them to be connected at the joining points (4, 5), such that the cooling pad is in an expanded state.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of attaching (203) the outermost panels to a cooling pad receiving frame.
16. An air treatment unit (20), comprising an evaporative cooling pad (1) according to any one of claims 1-11 and a frame (30) adapted to receive the cooling pad (1), said frame having an air inlet (31) and an air outlet (32).
17. The air treatment unit of claim 16, further comprising a liquid distributor (26) arranged above the cooling pad (1) and adapted to distribute liquid (24) over the surfaces of the evaporative cooling panels and a fan (25) adapted to draw air (29) through the evaporative cooling media pack (3) from the air inlet (31) to the air outlet (32).
18. The air treatment unit of claim 17, further comprising a liquid receiving container (28) arranged below the cooling pad (1).
19. The air treatment unit of claim 18, further comprising a liquid conduit connecting the liquid receiving container (28) with the liquid distributor (26) and a pump (22) adapted to pump liquid from the liquid receiving container (28) to the liquid distributor (26).
EP24764815.7A 2023-09-04 2024-08-28 An evaporative cooling pad and an air treatment unit Pending EP4774139A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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SE2351037A SE548125C2 (en) 2023-09-04 2023-09-04 An evaporative cooling pad, an air treatment unit, and methods
PCT/EP2024/074039 WO2025051606A1 (en) 2023-09-04 2024-08-28 An evaporative cooling pad and an air treatment unit

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JPH1137518A (en) * 1997-07-18 1999-02-12 Matsushita Seiko Co Ltd Vaporizing humidifier
SE9802463D0 (en) * 1997-12-22 1998-07-08 Munters Ab Air treatment unit
KR200281756Y1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2002-07-13 이만희 Parallelogram filter structure for evaporation type humidifier
US9310141B2 (en) * 2011-06-22 2016-04-12 Gerald William Niebur Counter current heat exchange module
SE545234C2 (en) * 2021-05-26 2023-05-30 Munters Europe Ab An evaporative cooling pad for an air treatment unit

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