KR102380746B1 - Cooling tower with reduced noise and refrigeration cycle apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A cooling tower is disclosed. The cooling tower comprises: a case; a filling material disposed inside the case; a sprinkler disposed above the filling material to spray water to the filling material; an air inlet formed on a side wall of the case to allow air outside the case to be introduced into the case to come in contact with the water sprayed from the sprinkler; and an air outlet formed in an upper end of the case to discharge the air passing the filling material to the outside of the case.

Description

Cooling tower with reduced noise and refrigeration cycle device including same {COOLING TOWER WITH REDUCED NOISE AND REFRIGERATION CYCLE APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present disclosure relates to a cooling tower and a refrigeration cycle device including the same, and more particularly, to a cooling tower with improved noise reduction and heat exchange efficiency, and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

In general, a refrigerator or a heat exchanger used in an air conditioner or a refrigeration cycle device accompanies waste heat, and in order to remove this waste heat, the waste heat must be discharged to the atmosphere using a cooling medium. The cooling method of the cooling tower includes a method of cooling the fluid by forced convection of air in the atmosphere having a lower temperature than that of the fluid to be cooled, and a method of using latent heat of evaporation due to contact between cooling water and air.

A typical cooling tower includes a counter flow type cooling tower in which the flow direction of air and the flow direction of cooling water are opposite to each other, and a cross flow type cooling tower in which the flow direction of air and the flow direction of cooling water are perpendicular to each other; There is a hybrid cooling tower that combines two methods.

Regardless of the direction of the air, the cooling water of the cooling tower falls from top to bottom, and noise may occur as the cooling water falls to the bottom of the case, and the cooling water may splash out of the case. Recently, there is a demand to minimize the noise of the cooling water falling and the splashing of the cooling water to the outside of the case.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooling tower with reduced noise and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooling tower in which splashing of cooling water to the outside of the case is minimized and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

A cooling tower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a case, a filler disposed in the case, a sprinkler disposed on the filler to spray water to the filler, and air from the outside of the case is introduced into the case and an air inlet formed on the sidewall of the case to be in contact with the water sprayed from the water dispenser and an air outlet formed at the top of the case so that air passing through the filler is discharged to the outside of the case, the filler comprising: A first filler disposed above the air inlet and a second filler disposed below the first filler, adjacent to the air inlet so that air passing through the air inlet flows through the second filler to the first filler It may include a second filler and a third filler disposed under the first filler to reduce noise generated by the water sprayed from the sprinkler falling on the bottom of the case and passing through the first filler.

The third filler may be disposed at a lower end of the second filler.

The case may include a first fixing protrusion protruding from a side wall of the case toward the inside of the case to fix the second filler to the inside of the case.

and a water collection box disposed at a lower portion of the case so that water sprayed from the water dispenser and passed through the first filler can be collected, wherein the water collection box includes a second fixing that protrudes upward to fix the third filler. protrusions may be included.

The second filler may be inclined downward toward the inside of the case to facilitate the introduction of air into the case through the air inlet.

The second filler and the third filler are disposed on the water collecting box, and the third filler is a drain hole formed through the water sprayed from the water dispenser and passed through the first filler to easily flow into the water collecting box. may include

Further comprising a water collecting box disposed at the lower part of the case to collect water sprayed from the water dispenser and passing through the filler, and a noise sensor configured in the case to sense the sound level of water when it falls into the water collecting box. can do.

It may further include a water level sensor configured to sense a water level in the water collecting box.

The cooling tower may include: a control unit configured to receive a sensing value from the noise sensor and the water level sensor; and a communication module communicating with the user terminal, wherein the control unit outputs the noise sensing value and a warning phrase when it is determined that the noise sensing value sensed through the noise sensor is greater than a preset reference noise value transmits an output signal to the user terminal through the communication module to do so, and when it is determined that the coolant level sensed value sensed through the water level sensor is greater than a preset reference water level value, the user terminal displays the cooling water level sensing value and a warning message may transmit an output signal to the user terminal via the communication module to output

The filler may extend in a vertical direction, and a lower surface thereof may be seated on the bottom of the case.

The filler may include a first filler that corresponds to a counter-flow filler and forms an upper end of the filler, and a second filler that corresponds to a cross-flow filler and forms a lower end of the filler.

A cooling tower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a case, a water sprinkler disposed on an upper portion of the case, and a sidewall of the case so that air from the outside of the case flows into the case and comes into contact with water sprayed from the water dispenser. an air inlet, an air outlet formed at an upper end of the case so that air inside the case is discharged to the outside of the case, a water collecting box provided in the lower part of the case to collect the water sprayed from the water dispenser, and the water dispenser and a filler disposed between the water sprinkler and the water collection box to increase the contact area and contact time between the water sprayed in the case and the air in the case, wherein the filler comprises a first filler disposed above the air inlet; , disposed below the first filler, the second filler inclined downward toward the inside of the case and the water sprayed from the water dispenser to reduce the noise generated by falling into the water collecting box under the second filler It may include a third filler disposed.

The second filler and the third filler are disposed on the water collecting box, and the case is a first fixing that protrudes from the sidewall of the case toward the inside of the case so as to fix the second filler to the inside of the case. It includes a protrusion, and the water collecting box may include a second fixing protrusion protruding upward to fix the third filler.

In the refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expander, and a cooling tower through which cooling water passing through the condenser is introduced and discharged according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling tower includes: a case; A cooling water inlet provided at an upper portion of the case so that the cooling water flows in, a cooling water outlet provided at a lower portion of the case to discharge the water sprayed into the cooling tower, and the cooling water introduced through the cooling water inlet is sprayed into the case an air inlet formed on the side wall of the case so that air flows into the case and comes into contact with the water sprayed from the water dispenser, and an air outlet formed at the top of the case so that air inside the case is discharged; and and a filler disposed under the water dispenser to widen an area in which the sprayed water and the air are in contact, wherein the filler includes a first filler disposed above the air inlet, and the air passing through the air inlet is 2, adjacent to the side wall to flow through the second filler to the first filler, the second filler including an annular shape and water sprayed from the water dispenser to reduce noise generated by falling to the bottom of the case, the first filler It may include a third filler disposed under the.

The second filler may be inclined downward toward the inside of the case to facilitate the introduction of air into the case through the air inlet.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooling tower with increased heat exchange efficiency through a plurality of fillers and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooling tower in which noise is reduced through a plurality of fillers and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooling tower in which splashing of cooling water to the outside of the case is minimized through a plurality of fillers and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

1 is a view showing a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 to 3 are views showing a cooling tower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment;
5 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment;
6 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment;
7 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment.
8 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment.
9 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment.
10 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment.
11 is a perspective view illustrating a filler in a cooling tower according to an embodiment.
12 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment.
13 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment.

The configuration shown in the embodiments and drawings described in this specification is only a preferred example of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings of the present specification at the time of filing of the present application.

In addition, the same reference numerals or reference numerals in each drawing of the present specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

In addition, the terminology used herein is used to describe the embodiments, and is not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or a combination thereof described in the specification exists, and one or more other features It does not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, terms including an ordinal number, such as "first", "second", etc. used herein may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms, and the terms are It is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. The term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

On the other hand, the terms "front", "rear", "left" and "right" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component is not limited by these terms.

A cooling tower to which the present disclosure can be applied is not limited and may be applied to various cooling towers.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a view showing a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the refrigeration cycle device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a compressor 10 , an evaporator 40 , a condenser 20 , and an expander 30 .

The compressor 10 may compress the refrigerant and then send it to the condenser 20 . The refrigerant flowing into the condenser 20 may radiate heat to the outside of the refrigeration cycle device 1 . The refrigerant passing through the condenser 20 may flow through the expander 30 to the evaporator 40 . The evaporator 40 may absorb heat. The refrigerant passing through the evaporator 40 may flow back to the compressor 10 .

At this time, as the refrigeration cycle device 1 is continuously operated, waste heat may be accumulated in the refrigeration cycle device 1 . The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may further include a cooling tower 100 to remove waste heat. The cooling tower 100 may be connected to the condenser 20 . The cooling tower 100 and the condenser 20 may treat waste heat using water as a cooling medium. For example, after exchanging heat with the refrigerant and the cooling water in the condenser 20 , the cooling water may be cooled again in the cooling tower 100 .

2 to 3 are views showing a cooling tower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment;

2 to 4 , the cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment includes a case 110 , a fan assembly 120 , a water dispenser 130 , an eliminator 140 , and a filler 150 . ), a water collecting box 160 , and a cooling water outlet 170 may be included.

The case 110 may form the exterior of the cooling tower 100 . Case 110 may include a cylindrical shape and/or annular shape. However, the shape of the case 110 is not limited to the above example, and may include a rectangular shape or the like. The water dispenser 130 , the eliminator 140 , the filler 150 , the water collection box 160 , and the like may be accommodated in the case 110 . The case 110 may be formed of F.R.P resin (Fiber Reinforced Plastics). However, the material of the case 110 is not limited thereto.

The case 110 may include an air inlet 111 , an air outlet 112 and a louver 116 .

The air inlet 111 may allow air to be introduced into the inside of the case 110 from the outside of the case 110 . The air inlet 111 may be formed through the wall of the case 110 . For example, the air inlet 111 may be formed in the sidewall 110a of the case 110 .

The air outlet 112 may allow the air inside the case 110 to be discharged to the outside of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed at the upper end of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed as an opening. The fan assembly 120 may be disposed at the air outlet 112 .

The louver 116 may be formed on the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . The louver 116 may be formed on the side of the air inlet 111 to equalize the incoming air and remove droplets. In addition, the louver 116 can minimize the inflow of foreign substances in the air into the case 110 . The louver 116 may include a mesh shape.

The case 110 may further include a ladder 113 and a lower support structure 114 . The ladder 113 may be installed on the upper side of the case 110 . The ladder 113 may allow the user to check the fan assembly 120 or the inside of the cooling tower 100 . The lower support structure 114 may be positioned under the case 110 to support the case 110 . The lower support structure 114 may be provided in plurality.

The case 110 may further include a filler support 115 . The filler support 115 may allow the filler 150 to be described later to be supported inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be installed inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be positioned under the filler 150 .

The fan assembly 120 may blow air. The fan assembly 120 may form an airflow. The fan assembly 120 may include a fan 121 and a motor 122 . The fan 121 and the motor 122 may be disposed on the case 110 . For example, the fan 121 and the motor 122 may be located at the air outlet 112 . The motor 122 may provide power to drive the fan 121 . The fan 121 may form an airflow so that air flows into and out of the case 110 . However, the position of the fan 121 is not limited to the above example.

The water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the case 110 . The water dispenser 130 may be located at an upper portion in the case 110 . For example, the water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the air inside the filler 150 and/or the case 110 .

The water dispenser 130 may include a nozzle hanger 131 , a nozzle pipe 132 , a nozzle 135 , and a cooling water pipe 133 . The nozzle hanger 131 may mount and support the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 . The nozzle hanger 131 may be provided on the upper side of the water dispenser 130 . In the nozzle pipe 132 , the cooling water pipe 133 may receive cooling water from the cooling water inlet 134 and deliver it to the nozzle 135 . The nozzle pipe 132 and/or the coolant pipe 133 may be formed of PVC.

The cooling water pipe 133 may be connected to a refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ) to supply cooling water into the case 110 . The cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 133 may be injected into the case 110 through the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 in turn. The nozzle 135 may inject cooling water into the case 110 . A plurality of nozzles 135 may be provided, and unlike the drawing, only one nozzle 135 may be provided.

The coolant may be introduced into the case 110 through the coolant inlet 134 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant inlet 134 may be 37 degrees.

Since coolant flows from top to bottom and air flows from bottom to top, coolant and air can flow in opposite directions.

The eliminator (ELIMINATOR) 140 may remove water droplets scattered by being carried in an air stream. The eliminator 140 may minimize water droplets in the air passing through the air outlet 112 . In addition, the eliminator 140 may collect foreign substances in the air. The eliminator 140 is a component conventionally used in the cooling tower 100 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The eliminator 140 may be provided above the nozzle 135 . The eliminator 140 may be supported in the case 110 by the support protrusion 110b protruding from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . The support protrusion 110b may protrude from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 toward the inside of the case 110 .

The filler 150 may increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between the cooling water and the air. The filler 150 may be a heat transfer medium. The filler 150 may be porous. For example, the filler 150 may include a mesh shape. The filler 150 may include PP (polypropylene, polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride), and wood material.

The filler 150 may include a shape corresponding to the case 110 . For example, the filler 150 may include a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the filler 150 is not limited to the above example.

The filler 150 is disposed under the water sprinkler 130 so that the cooling water may stay. The filler 150 may be disposed on the air inlet 111 . The filler 150 may be supported by the filler support 115 . The filler 150 may be referred to as a filter.

The water collection box 160 may collect the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 . The water collection box 160 may be disposed below the case 110 . The water collecting box 160 may be provided separately from the case 110 , but may be a component included in the case 110 . For example, the water collection box 160 may be integrally formed under the case 110 . Cooling water may be collected in the water collecting space 160a formed inside the water collecting box 160 .

The cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the outside of the case 110 through the cooling water outlet 170 . The cooling water outlet 170 may be provided at the lower end of the case 110 . The coolant may flow out of the case 110 through the coolant outlet 170 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant outlet 170 may be 32 degrees. The cooling water passing through the cooling water outlet 170 may flow back to the refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ).

5 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment; Meanwhile, the cooling tower shown in FIG. 5 may include at least one of the configurations of the cooling tower shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 as long as it does not conflict with the contents to be described later. The description of the cooling tower illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4 may also be applied to the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 5 as long as it does not conflict with the description below.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment includes a case 110 , a fan assembly 120 , a water dispenser 130 , an eliminator 140 , a filler 150 , It may include a water collecting box 160 and a cooling water outlet 170 .

The case 110 may form the exterior of the cooling tower 100 . Case 110 may include a cylindrical shape and/or annular shape. However, the shape of the case 110 is not limited to the above example, and may include a rectangular shape or the like. The water dispenser 130 , the eliminator 140 , the filler 150 , the water collection box 160 , and the like may be accommodated in the case 110 . The case 110 may be formed of F.R.P resin. However, the material of the case 110 is not limited thereto.

The case 110 may include an air inlet 111 , an air outlet 112 and a louver 116 .

The air inlet 111 may allow air to be introduced into the inside of the case 110 from the outside of the case 110 . The air inlet 111 may be formed through the wall of the case 110 . For example, the air inlet 111 may be formed in the sidewall 110a of the case 110 .

The air outlet 112 may allow the air inside the case 110 to be discharged to the outside of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed at the upper end of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed as an opening. The fan assembly 120 may be disposed at the air outlet 112 .

The louver 116 may be formed on the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . The louver 116 may be formed on the side of the air inlet 111 to equalize the incoming air and remove droplets. In addition, the louver 116 can minimize the inflow of foreign substances in the air into the case 110 . The louver 116 may include a mesh shape.

The case 110 may further include a ladder 113 and a lower support structure 114 . The ladder 113 may be installed on the upper side of the case 110 . The ladder 113 may allow the user to check the fan assembly 120 or the inside of the cooling tower 100 . The lower support structure 114 may be positioned under the case 110 to support the case 110 . The lower support structure 114 may be provided in plurality.

The case 110 may further include a filler support 115 . The filler support 115 may allow the filler 150 to be described later to be supported inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be installed inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be positioned under the filler 150 .

The fan assembly 120 may blow air. The fan assembly 120 may form an airflow. The fan assembly 120 may include a fan 121 and a motor 122 . The fan 121 and the motor 122 may be disposed on the case 110 . For example, the fan 121 and the motor 122 may be located at the air outlet 112 . The motor 122 may provide power to drive the fan 121 . The fan 121 may form an airflow so that air flows into and out of the case 110 . However, the position of the fan 121 is not limited to the above example.

The water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the case 110 . The water dispenser 130 may be located at an upper portion in the case 110 . For example, the water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the air inside the filler 150 and/or the case 110 .

The water dispenser 130 may include a nozzle hanger 131 , a nozzle pipe 132 , a nozzle 135 , and a cooling water pipe 133 . The nozzle hanger 131 may mount and support the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 . The nozzle hanger 131 may be provided on the upper side of the water dispenser 130 . In the nozzle pipe 132 , the cooling water pipe 133 may receive cooling water from the cooling water inlet 134 and deliver it to the nozzle 135 . The nozzle pipe 132 and/or the coolant pipe 133 may be formed of PVC.

The cooling water pipe 133 may be connected to a refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ) to supply cooling water into the case 110 . The cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 133 may be injected into the case 110 through the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 in turn. The nozzle 135 may inject cooling water into the case 110 . A plurality of nozzles 135 may be provided, and unlike the drawing, only one nozzle 135 may be provided.

The coolant may be introduced into the case 110 through the coolant inlet 134 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant inlet 134 may be 37 degrees.

Since coolant flows from top to bottom and air flows from bottom to top, coolant and air can flow in opposite directions.

The filler 150 may increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between the cooling water and the air. The filler 150 may be a heat transfer medium. The filler 150 may be porous. For example, the filler 150 may include a mesh shape. The filler 150 may include PP (polypropylene, polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride), and wood material.

The filler 150 may include a shape corresponding to the case 110 . For example, the filler 150 may include a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the filler 150 is not limited to the above example.

The cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment may include an eliminator 140 and a filler 150 . The eliminator 140 and the filler 150 may be disposed adjacent to the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . For example, the filler 150 may be disposed to contact the air inlet 111 and/or the louver 116 . The filler 150 may allow direct heat exchange between the air introduced into the case 110 through the air inlet 111 and the cooling water. Since the air passing through the filler 150 flows in the horizontal direction and the cooling water flows in the vertical direction, it can be seen that the directions in which the air and the cooling water flow are orthogonal to each other. The filler 150 may be referred to as a filter.

The eliminator (ELIMINATOR) 140 may remove water droplets scattered by being carried in an air stream. The eliminator 140 may minimize water droplets in the air passing through the air outlet 112 . In addition, the eliminator 140 may collect foreign substances in the air. The eliminator 140 is a component conventionally used in the cooling tower 100 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The eliminator 140 may be disposed on a flow path through which the air flows to remove water droplets from the air containing the cooling water in the air passing through the filler 150 . For example, the eliminator 140 may be disposed adjacent to the filler 150 such that the air that has passed through the air inlet 111 and the filler 150 then passes through the eliminator 140 .

The water collection box 160 may collect the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 . The water collection box 160 may be disposed below the case 110 . The water collecting box 160 may be provided separately from the case 110 , but may be a component included in the case 110 . For example, the water collection box 160 may be integrally formed under the case 110 . Cooling water may be collected in the water collecting space 160a formed inside the water collecting box 160 .

The cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the outside of the case 110 through the cooling water outlet 170 . The cooling water outlet 170 may be provided at the lower end of the case 110 . The coolant may flow out of the case 110 through the coolant outlet 170 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant outlet 170 may be 32 degrees. The cooling water passing through the cooling water outlet 170 may flow back to the refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ).

6 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment; On the other hand, the cooling tower shown in FIG. 6 may include at least one of the configuration of the cooling tower shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and/or the configuration of the cooling tower shown in FIG. 5 unless it conflicts with the contents to be described later. The description of the cooling tower illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4 and/or the description of the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 5 may also be applied to the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 6 unless they conflict with the description below.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment includes a case 110 , a fan assembly 120 , a water dispenser 130 , an eliminator 140 , a filler 150 , and It may include a water collecting box 160 and a cooling water outlet 170 .

The case 110 may form the exterior of the cooling tower 100 . Case 110 may include a cylindrical shape and/or annular shape. However, the shape of the case 110 is not limited to the above example, and may include a rectangular shape or the like. The water dispenser 130 , the eliminator 140 , the filler 150 , the water collection box 160 , and the like may be accommodated in the case 110 . The case 110 may be formed of F.R.P resin. However, the material of the case 110 is not limited thereto.

The case 110 may include an air inlet 111 , an air outlet 112 and a louver 116 .

The air inlet 111 may allow air to be introduced into the inside of the case 110 from the outside of the case 110 . The air inlet 111 may be formed through the wall of the case 110 . For example, the air inlet 111 may be formed in the sidewall 110a of the case 110 .

The air outlet 112 may allow the air inside the case 110 to be discharged to the outside of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed at the upper end of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed as an opening. The fan assembly 120 may be disposed at the air outlet 112 .

The case 110 may further include a filler support 115 . The filler support 115 may allow the filler 150 to be described later to be supported inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be installed inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be positioned under the filler 150 .

The fan assembly 120 may blow air. The fan assembly 120 may form an airflow. The fan assembly 120 may include a fan 121 and a motor 122 . The fan 121 and the motor 122 may be disposed on the case 110 . For example, the fan 121 and the motor 122 may be located at the air outlet 112 . The motor 122 may provide power to drive the fan 121 . The fan 121 may form an airflow so that air flows into and out of the case 110 . However, the position of the fan 121 is not limited to the above example.

The water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the case 110 . The water dispenser 130 may be located at an upper portion in the case 110 . For example, the water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the air inside the filler 150 and/or the case 110 .

The cooling water pipe 133 may be connected to a refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ) to supply cooling water into the case 110 . The cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 133 may be injected into the case 110 through the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 in turn. The nozzle 135 may inject cooling water into the case 110 . A plurality of nozzles 135 may be provided, and unlike the drawing, only one nozzle 135 may be provided.

The coolant may be introduced into the case 110 through the coolant inlet 134 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant inlet 134 may be 37 degrees.

Since coolant flows from top to bottom and air flows from bottom to top, coolant and air can flow in opposite directions.

The eliminator (ELIMINATOR) 140 may remove water droplets scattered by being carried in an air stream. The eliminator 140 may minimize water droplets in the air passing through the air outlet 112 . In addition, the eliminator 140 may collect foreign substances in the air. The eliminator 140 is a component conventionally used in the cooling tower 100 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The eliminator 140 may be provided above the nozzle 135 . The eliminator 140 may be supported in the case 110 by the support protrusion 110b protruding from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . The support protrusion 110b may protrude from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 toward the inside of the case 110 .

The filler 150 may increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between the cooling water and the air. The filler 150 may be a heat transfer medium. The filler 150 may be porous. For example, the filler 150 may include a mesh shape. The filler 150 may include PP (polypropylene, polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride), and wood material.

The water collection box 160 may collect the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 . The water collection box 160 may be disposed below the case 110 . The water collecting box 160 may be provided separately from the case 110 , but may be a component included in the case 110 . For example, the water collection box 160 may be integrally formed under the case 110 . Cooling water may be collected in the water collecting space 160a formed inside the water collecting box 160 .

The cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the outside of the case 110 through the cooling water outlet 170 . The cooling water outlet 170 may be provided at the lower end of the case 110 . The coolant may flow out of the case 110 through the coolant outlet 170 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant outlet 170 may be 32 degrees. The cooling water passing through the cooling water outlet 170 may flow back to the refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ).

In the cooling tower according to an embodiment, the filler 150 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of fillers 150 may include a first filler 151 , a second filler 152 , and a third filler 153 .

The first filler 151 may be disposed between the water sprinkler 130 and the air inlet 111 in the vertical direction to increase heat exchange efficiency.

The second filler 152 may be disposed below the first filler 151 . The second filler 152 may be disposed adjacent to the air inlet 111 so that air passing through the air inlet 111 flows to the first filler 151 through the second filler 152 . The second filler 152 may cover the air inlet 111 .

The third filler 153 is to be disposed under the first filler 151 so as to reduce noise generated by the water sprayed from the water dispenser 130 passing through the first filler 151 falling on the floor of the case 110 . can The third filler 153 may be disposed at the lower end of the second filler 152 . The second filler 152 and the third filler 153 may be respectively formed or integrally formed.

The first filler 151 and/or the third filler 153 may correspond to a counter-flow filler, and the second filler 152 may correspond to a cross-flow filler. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second filler 152 may guide the air introduced in the horizontal direction along the air inlet 111 in the vertical direction toward the first filler 151, and the first filler 151 is the second filler 152. The air guided by the can be guided upward.

The filler 150 may include a shape corresponding to the case 110 . For example, the filler 150 may include a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the filler 150 is not limited to the above example.

The coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 and passed through the first filler 151 may bounce off the bottom of the case 110 and flow to the outside through the air inlet 111 or the louver 116, and the second filler 152 and Splashing of the coolant to the outside of the case 110 through the third filler 153 may be minimized. In addition, since the coolant stays in the second filler 152 and the third filler 153 , more smooth heat exchange with the air passing through the second filler 152 and the third filler 153 may be achieved. Accordingly, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling tower 100 and the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the same can be increased.

In addition, since the third filler 153 is formed of a porous resin material, the third filler than when the cooling water falling from the first filler 151 collides with the floor of the case 110 or the water collecting box 160 in which the flat surface is formed. In case of colliding with (153), the noise generated may be much smaller. In addition, since the third filler 153 is closer to the first filler 151 than the bottom of the case 110 or the water collection box 160, the cooling water falling from the third filler 153 is the case 110 floor or the water collection box ( In the case of falling to the third filler 153 than in the case of falling to 160), the falling distance may be shorter, and thus the noise generated may be much smaller.

The cooling water passing through the third filler 153 may flow to the water collecting box 160 , and the cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the condenser 20 through the cooling water pipe 133 . Meanwhile, since the cooling water falling from the third filler 153 is adjacent to the bottom of the case 110 or the water collecting box 160, the falling distance is relatively short, so that there may be little noise generated.

A plurality of filler supports 115 may also be provided. The plurality of filler supports 115 may include a first support 115 and a second support 115 . The first support 115a is disposed under the first filler 151 to support the first filler 151, and the second support 115b includes the second filler 152 and the third filler 153. It may be disposed under the third filler 153 to support the.

The cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment may include sensors 181 and 182 . A plurality of sensors may be provided. The plurality of sensors 181 and 182 may include a noise sensor 181 and a water collection sensor 182 .

The noise sensor 181 may sense noise caused by the cooling water falling into the water collecting box 160 . The noise sensor 181 may be disposed in the case 110 . For example, the noise sensor 181 may be located at the lower end of the case 110 . However, the position of the noise sensor 181 is not limited to the above example.

The water collection sensor 182 may sense the amount of coolant in the water collection box 160 . The water collection sensor 182 may be disposed adjacent to the water collection box 160 . For example, the water collection sensor 182 may be located at the bottom of the water collection box 160 . However, the location of the water collection sensor 182 is not limited to the above example.

7 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment. The cooling tower shown in FIG. 7 may include at least one of the configurations of the cooling tower shown in FIG. 6 unless it conflicts with the following description. The description of the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 6 may also be applied to the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 7 as long as it does not conflict with the description below.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment includes a case 110 , a fan assembly 120 , a water dispenser 130 , an eliminator 140 , a filler 150 , It may include a water collecting box 160 and a cooling water outlet 170 .

The case 110 may form the exterior of the cooling tower 100 . Case 110 may include a cylindrical shape and/or annular shape. However, the shape of the case 110 is not limited to the above example, and may include a rectangular shape or the like. The water dispenser 130 , the eliminator 140 , the filler 150 , the water collection box 160 , and the like may be accommodated in the case 110 . The case 110 may be formed of F.R.P resin. However, the material of the case 110 is not limited thereto.

The case 110 may include an air inlet 111 , an air outlet 112 and a louver 116 .

The air inlet 111 may allow air to be introduced into the inside of the case 110 from the outside of the case 110 . The air inlet 111 may be formed through the wall of the case 110 . For example, the air inlet 111 may be formed in the sidewall 110a of the case 110 .

The air outlet 112 may allow the air inside the case 110 to be discharged to the outside of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed at the upper end of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed as an opening. The fan assembly 120 may be disposed at the air outlet 112 .

The case 110 may further include a filler support 115 . The filler support 115 may allow the filler 150 to be described later to be supported inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be installed inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be positioned under the filler 150 .

The fan assembly 120 may blow air. The fan assembly 120 may form an airflow. The fan assembly 120 may include a fan 121 and a motor 122 . The fan 121 and the motor 122 may be disposed on the case 110 . For example, the fan 121 and the motor 122 may be located at the air outlet 112 . The motor 122 may provide power to drive the fan 121 . The fan 121 may form an airflow so that air flows into and out of the case 110 . However, the position of the fan 121 is not limited to the above example.

The water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the case 110 . The water dispenser 130 may be located at an upper portion in the case 110 . For example, the water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the air inside the filler 150 and/or the case 110 .

The cooling water pipe 133 may be connected to a refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ) to supply cooling water into the case 110 . The cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 133 may be injected into the case 110 through the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 in turn. The nozzle 135 may inject cooling water into the case 110 . A plurality of nozzles 135 may be provided, and unlike the drawing, only one nozzle 135 may be provided.

The coolant may be introduced into the case 110 through the coolant inlet 134 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant inlet 134 may be 37 degrees.

Since coolant flows from top to bottom and air flows from bottom to top, coolant and air can flow in opposite directions.

The eliminator (ELIMINATOR) 140 may remove water droplets scattered by being carried in an air stream. The eliminator 140 may minimize water droplets in the air passing through the air outlet 112 . In addition, the eliminator 140 may collect foreign substances in the air. The eliminator 140 is a component conventionally used in the cooling tower 100 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The eliminator 140 may be provided above the nozzle 135 . The eliminator 140 may be supported in the case 110 by the support protrusion 110b protruding from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . The support protrusion 110b may protrude from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 toward the inside of the case 110 .

The filler 150 may increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between the cooling water and the air. The filler 150 may be a heat transfer medium. The filler 150 may be porous. For example, the filler 150 may include a mesh shape. The filler 150 may include PP (polypropylene, polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride), and wood material.

The water collection box 160 may collect the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 . The water collection box 160 may be disposed below the case 110 . The water collecting box 160 may be provided separately from the case 110 , but may be a component included in the case 110 . For example, the water collection box 160 may be integrally formed under the case 110 . Cooling water may be collected in the water collecting space 160a formed inside the water collecting box 160 .

The cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the outside of the case 110 through the cooling water outlet 170 . The cooling water outlet 170 may be provided at the lower end of the case 110 . The coolant may flow out of the case 110 through the coolant outlet 170 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant outlet 170 may be 32 degrees. The cooling water passing through the cooling water outlet 170 may flow back to the refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ).

The cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment may include sensors 181 and 182 . A plurality of sensors may be provided. The plurality of sensors 181 and 182 may include a noise sensor 181 and a water collection sensor 182 .

The noise sensor 181 may sense noise caused by the cooling water falling into the water collecting box 160 . The noise sensor 181 may be disposed in the case 110 . For example, the noise sensor 181 may be located at the lower end of the case 110 . However, the position of the noise sensor 181 is not limited to the above example.

The water collection sensor 182 may sense the amount of coolant in the water collection box 160 . The water collection sensor 182 may be disposed adjacent to the water collection box 160 . For example, the water collection sensor 182 may be located at the bottom of the water collection box 160 . However, the location of the water collection sensor 182 is not limited to the above example.

The case 110 may include a fixing protrusion 110c. The fixing protrusion 110c may protrude from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 to fix the filler 150 inside the case 110 . For example, the fixing protrusion 110c may protrude toward the inside of the case 110 to fix the second filler 152 in the case 110 . The fixing protrusion 110c may be formed to correspond to the fixing groove 152a of the second filler 152 . The fixing protrusion 110c may be the first fixing protrusion 110c.

The second filler 152 may further include a fixing groove 152a. The fixing groove 152a may be depressed from the outer surface of the second filler 152 . The fixing groove 152a may be formed to correspond to the fixing protrusion 110c of the case 110 . The fixing groove 152a may be the first fixing groove 152a.

Since the second filler 152 can be stably disposed in the case 110 through the first fixing protrusion 110c and the first fixing groove 152a, the cooling tower 100 and the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the same of heat exchange efficiency can be increased.

8 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment. The cooling tower shown in FIG. 8 may include at least one of the configurations of the cooling tower shown in FIG. 7 unless it conflicts with the following description. The description of the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 7 may also be applied to the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 8 as long as it does not conflict with the description below.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the second filler 152 may include an inclined portion 152b. For example, the second filler 152 may be inclined. The inclined portion 152b may be inclined downward toward the inside of the case 110 . For example, the second filler 152 may be further away from the air inlet 111 toward the bottom. The inclined portion 152b may have a top-gwang-ha-gyu (上廣下峽) shape.

Through this, air passing through the air inlet 111 through the gap between the air inlet 111 and the inclined portion 152b can be introduced more smoothly, and heat exchange between the cooling water and the air can be made better due to the smooth air inflow. there is. Accordingly, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling tower 100 and the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the same can be increased.

In addition, the support 115 may include an inclined support 115c. The inclined support 115c may support the inclined portion 152b.

9 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment. The cooling tower shown in FIG. 9 may include at least one of the configurations of the cooling tower shown in FIG. 8 unless it conflicts with the content to be described later. The description of the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 8 may also be applied to the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 9 as long as it does not conflict with the description below.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the third filler 153 may include a drain hole 153a. The drain hole 153a may allow the coolant passing through the third filler 153 to more easily flow into the water collecting box 160 . The drain hole 153a may be formed through the third filler 153 . Specifically, the cooling water that falls after passing through the first filler 151 may first collide with the third filler 153 to be decelerated and/or stopped, and at least some of the coolant seated in the third filler 153 is It may flow into the drain hole 153a and fall through the drain hole 153a.

The cooling water does not escape the third filler 153 and accumulates on the third filler 153 side, and heat exchange efficiency with air may not be increased. ) can flow to the side.

When the cooling water falls into the water collecting box 160 through the drain hole 153a, it falls from a relatively low height compared to the case where the cooling water directly falls from the first filler 151 to the water collecting box 160. The amount of noise generated when the falling coolant collides with the floor (or the water collecting box 160) of the case 110 may be relatively reduced.

Since heat exchange between cooling water and air may be better achieved due to the drain hole 153a, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling tower 100 and the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the same may be increased.

10 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment. The cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 10 may include at least one of the configuration of the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 7 and/or the configuration of the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 8 unless it conflicts with the following description. The description of the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 7 and/or the description of the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 8 may also be applied to the cooling tower illustrated in FIG. 10 unless they conflict with the description below.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment includes a case 110 , a fan assembly 120 , a water dispenser 130 , an eliminator 140 , a filler 150 , It may include a water collecting box 160 and a cooling water outlet 170 .

The case 110 may form the exterior of the cooling tower 100 . Case 110 may include a cylindrical shape and/or annular shape. However, the shape of the case 110 is not limited to the above example, and may include a rectangular shape or the like. The water dispenser 130 , the eliminator 140 , the filler 150 , the water collection box 160 , and the like may be accommodated in the case 110 . The case 110 may be formed of F.R.P resin. However, the material of the case 110 is not limited thereto.

The case 110 may include an air inlet 111 , an air outlet 112 and a louver 116 .

The air inlet 111 may allow air to be introduced into the inside of the case 110 from the outside of the case 110 . The air inlet 111 may be formed through the wall of the case 110 . For example, the air inlet 111 may be formed in the sidewall 110a of the case 110 .

The air outlet 112 may allow the air inside the case 110 to be discharged to the outside of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed at the upper end of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed as an opening. The fan assembly 120 may be disposed at the air outlet 112 .

The case 110 may further include a filler support 115 . The filler support 115 may allow the filler 150 to be described later to be supported inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be installed inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be positioned under the filler 150 .

The fan assembly 120 may blow air. The fan assembly 120 may form an airflow. The fan assembly 120 may include a fan 121 and a motor 122 . The fan 121 and the motor 122 may be disposed on the case 110 . For example, the fan 121 and the motor 122 may be located at the air outlet 112 . The motor 122 may provide power to drive the fan 121 . The fan 121 may form an airflow so that air flows into and out of the case 110 . However, the position of the fan 121 is not limited to the above example.

The water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the case 110 . The water dispenser 130 may be located at an upper portion in the case 110 . For example, the water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the air inside the filler 150 and/or the case 110 .

The cooling water pipe 133 may be connected to a refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ) to supply cooling water into the case 110 . The cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 133 may be injected into the case 110 through the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 in turn. The nozzle 135 may inject cooling water into the case 110 . A plurality of nozzles 135 may be provided, and unlike the drawing, only one nozzle 135 may be provided.

The coolant may be introduced into the case 110 through the coolant inlet 134 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant inlet 134 may be 37 degrees.

Since coolant flows from top to bottom and air flows from bottom to top, coolant and air can flow in opposite directions.

The eliminator (ELIMINATOR) 140 may remove water droplets scattered by being carried in an air stream. The eliminator 140 may minimize water droplets in the air passing through the air outlet 112 . In addition, the eliminator 140 may collect foreign substances in the air. The eliminator 140 is a component conventionally used in the cooling tower 100 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The eliminator 140 may be provided above the nozzle 135 . The eliminator 140 may be supported in the case 110 by the support protrusion 110b protruding from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . The support protrusion 110b may protrude from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 toward the inside of the case 110 .

The filler 150 may increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between the cooling water and the air. The filler 150 may be a heat transfer medium. The filler 150 may be porous. For example, the filler 150 may include a mesh shape. The filler 150 may include PP (polypropylene, polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride), and wood material.

The water collection box 160 may collect the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 . The water collection box 160 may be disposed below the case 110 . The water collecting box 160 may be provided separately from the case 110 , but may be a component included in the case 110 . For example, the water collection box 160 may be integrally formed under the case 110 . Cooling water may be collected in the water collecting space 160a formed inside the water collecting box 160 .

The cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the outside of the case 110 through the cooling water outlet 170 . The cooling water outlet 170 may be provided at the lower end of the case 110 . The coolant may flow out of the case 110 through the coolant outlet 170 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant outlet 170 may be 32 degrees. The cooling water passing through the cooling water outlet 170 may flow back to the refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ).

In the cooling tower according to an embodiment, the filler 150 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of fillers 150 may include a first filler 151 , a second filler 152 , and a third filler 153 .

The first filler 151 may be disposed between the water sprinkler 130 and the air inlet 111 in the vertical direction to increase heat exchange efficiency.

The second filler 152 may be disposed below the first filler 151 . The second filler 152 may be disposed adjacent to the air inlet 111 so that air passing through the air inlet 111 flows to the first filler 151 through the second filler 152 .

The third filler 153 is to be disposed under the first filler 151 so as to reduce the noise generated by the water sprayed from the water dispenser 130 and passing the first filler 151 falling on the floor of the case 110 . can The third filler 153 may be disposed at the lower end of the second filler 152 . The second filler 152 and the third filler 153 may be respectively formed or integrally formed.

The filler 150 may include a shape corresponding to the case 110 . For example, the filler 150 may include a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the filler 150 is not limited to the above example.

The coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 and passed through the first filler 151 may bounce off the bottom of the case 110 and flow to the outside through the air inlet 111 or the louver 116, and the second filler 152 and Splashing of the coolant to the outside of the case 110 through the third filler 153 may be minimized. In addition, since the cooling water stays in the second filler 152 and the third filler 153 , more smooth heat exchange with the air passing through the second filler 152 and the third filler 153 may be achieved. Accordingly, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling tower 100 and the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the same can be increased.

Cooling water passing through the third filler 153 may flow to the water collecting box 160 , and the cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the condenser 20 through the cooling water pipe 133 .

A plurality of filler supports 115 may also be provided. The plurality of filler supports 115 may include a first support 115 and a second support 115 . The first support 115a is disposed under the first filler 151 to support the first filler 151, and the second support 115b includes the second filler 152 and the third filler 153. It may be disposed under the third filler 153 to support the.

The cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment may include sensors 181 and 182 . A plurality of sensors may be provided. The plurality of sensors 181 and 182 may include a noise sensor 181 and a water collection sensor 182 .

The noise sensor 181 may sense noise caused by the cooling water falling into the water collecting box 160 . The noise sensor 181 may be disposed in the case 110 . For example, the noise sensor 181 may be located at the lower end of the case 110 . However, the position of the noise sensor 181 is not limited to the above example.

The water collection sensor 182 may sense the amount of coolant in the water collection box 160 . The water collection sensor 182 may be disposed adjacent to the water collection box 160 . For example, the water collection sensor 182 may be located at the bottom of the water collection box 160 . However, the location of the water collection sensor 182 is not limited to the above example.

11 is a perspective view illustrating a filler in a cooling tower according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in the cooling tower 100 (eg, the cooling tower shown in FIG. 6 ) according to an embodiment, a perspective view illustrating a second filler 152 and a third filler 153 .

The second filler 152 may include an annular shape. The third filler 153 may be provided at the lower end of the second filler 152 . The second filler 152 and the third filler 153 may be respectively formed and then combined, but the second filler 152 and the third filler 153 may be integrally formed. The third filler 153 may support the second filler 152 .

12 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment. The content of the overlapping part with the above-mentioned content will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment includes a case 110 , a fan assembly 120 , a water dispenser 130 , an eliminator 140 , a filler 150 , and , a water collecting box 160 , and a cooling water outlet 170 may be included.

The case 110 may form the exterior of the cooling tower 100 . Case 110 may include a cylindrical shape and/or annular shape. However, the shape of the case 110 is not limited to the above example, and may include a rectangular shape or the like. The water dispenser 130 , the eliminator 140 , the filler 150 , the water collection box 160 , and the like may be accommodated in the case 110 . The case 110 may be formed of F.R.P resin. However, the material of the case 110 is not limited thereto.

The case 110 may include an air inlet 111 , an air outlet 112 and a louver 116 .

The air inlet 111 may allow air to be introduced into the inside of the case 110 from the outside of the case 110 . The air inlet 111 may be formed through the wall of the case 110 . For example, the air inlet 111 may be formed in the sidewall 110a of the case 110 .

The air outlet 112 may allow the air inside the case 110 to be discharged to the outside of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed at the upper end of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed as an opening. The fan assembly 120 may be disposed at the air outlet 112 .

The case 110 may further include a filler support 115 . The filler support 115 may allow the filler 150 to be described later to be supported inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be installed inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be positioned under the filler 150 .

The fan assembly 120 may blow air. The fan assembly 120 may form an airflow. The fan assembly 120 may include a fan 121 and a motor 122 . The fan 121 and the motor 122 may be disposed on the case 110 . For example, the fan 121 and the motor 122 may be located at the air outlet 112 . The motor 122 may provide power to drive the fan 121 . The fan 121 may form an airflow so that air flows into and out of the case 110 . However, the position of the fan 121 is not limited to the above example.

The water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the case 110 . The water dispenser 130 may be located at an upper portion in the case 110 . For example, the water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the air inside the filler 150 and/or the case 110 .

The cooling water pipe 133 may be connected to a refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ) to supply cooling water into the case 110 . The cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 133 may be injected into the case 110 through the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 in turn. The nozzle 135 may inject cooling water into the case 110 . A plurality of nozzles 135 may be provided, and unlike the drawing, only one nozzle 135 may be provided.

The coolant may be introduced into the case 110 through the coolant inlet 134 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant inlet 134 may be 37 degrees.

Since coolant flows from top to bottom and air flows from bottom to top, coolant and air can flow in opposite directions.

The eliminator (ELIMINATOR) 140 may remove water droplets scattered by being carried in an air stream. The eliminator 140 may minimize water droplets in the air passing through the air outlet 112 . In addition, the eliminator 140 may collect foreign substances in the air. The eliminator 140 is a component conventionally used in the cooling tower 100 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The eliminator 140 may be provided above the nozzle 135 . The eliminator 140 may be supported in the case 110 by the support protrusion 110b protruding from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . The support protrusion 110b may protrude from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 toward the inside of the case 110 .

The filler 150 may increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between the cooling water and the air. The filler 150 may be a heat transfer medium. The filler 150 may be porous. For example, the filler 150 may include a mesh shape. The filler 150 may include PP (polypropylene, polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride), and wood material.

The water collection box 160 may collect the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 . The water collection box 160 may be disposed below the case 110 . The water collecting box 160 may be provided separately from the case 110 , but may be a component included in the case 110 . For example, the water collection box 160 may be integrally formed under the case 110 . Cooling water may be collected in the water collecting space 160a formed inside the water collecting box 160 .

The cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the outside of the case 110 through the cooling water outlet 170 . The cooling water outlet 170 may be provided at the lower end of the case 110 . The coolant may flow out of the case 110 through the coolant outlet 170 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant outlet 170 may be 32 degrees. The cooling water passing through the cooling water outlet 170 may flow back to the refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ).

In the cooling tower according to an embodiment, the filler 150 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of fillers 150 may include a first filler 151 and a second filler 152 .

The first filler 151 may correspond to a counter-flow filler, and the second filler 152 may correspond to a cross-flow filler. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second filler 152 may guide the air introduced in the horizontal direction along the air inlet 111 in the vertical direction toward the first filler 151, and the first filler 151 is the second filler 152. The air guided by the can be guided upward.

The first filler 151 may be disposed between the water sprinkler 130 and the air inlet 111 in the vertical direction to increase heat exchange efficiency.

The second filler 152 may be disposed below the first filler 151 . The second filler 152 may be disposed adjacent to the air inlet 111 so that air passing through the air inlet 111 flows to the first filler 151 through the second filler 152 . The second filler 152 may cover the air inlet 111 . Also, the second filler 152 may be disposed in the water collecting box 160 .

The second filler 152 is sprayed from the water dispenser 130 and the water that has passed through the first filler 151 falls on the bottom of the case 110 to reduce noise and increase heat exchange efficiency. can be placed under In the drawings, the first filler 151 and the second filler 152 are respectively formed and spaced apart, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first filler 151 and the second filler 152 may be integrally formed. That is, there may be no space spaced apart between the first filler 151 and the second filler 152 (see FIG. 13 ). When the first filler 151 and the second filler 152 are integrally formed, it is referred to as the filler 150, and the filler support 151 supporting the filler 150 may also be disposed at the lower end of the case 110. .

The lower surface of the second filler 152 (or the filler 150 ) may extend to the bottom of the case 110 (or the bottom of the water collection box 160 ). The lower surface of the second filler 152 (or the filler 150 ) may be seated on the bottom of the case 110 (or the bottom of the water collecting box 160 ). Accordingly, noise generation due to the coolant falling to the bottom of the case 110 (or the bottom surface of the water collection box 160 ) through the lower surface of the second filler 152 may be prevented.

The filler 150 may include a shape corresponding to the case 110 . For example, the filler 150 may include a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the filler 150 is not limited to the above example.

Since the fillers 151 and 152 are disposed inside the case 100 to increase the heat exchange area and time between the air and the cooling water, heat exchange efficiency can be increased.

Specifically, the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 and passed through the first filler 151 may bounce off the bottom of the case 110 and flow to the outside through the air inlet 111 or the louver 116, but the second filler ( Splashing of the coolant to the outside of the case 110 through the 152 can be minimized. In addition, since the coolant stays in the second filler 152 , more smooth heat exchange with the air passing through the second filler 152 may be achieved. Accordingly, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling tower 100 and the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the same can be increased.

Cooling water passing through the second filler 152 may flow to the water collecting box 160 , and the cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the condenser 20 through the cooling water pipe 133 .

A plurality of filler supports 115 may also be provided. The plurality of filler supports 115 may include a first support 115 and a second support 115 . The first support 115a is disposed under the first filler 151 to support the first filler 151, and the second support 115b is a second filler to support the second filler 152 ( 152).

The cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment may include sensors 181 and 182 . A plurality of sensors may be provided. The plurality of sensors 181 and 182 may include a noise sensor 181 and a water collection sensor 182 .

The noise sensor 181 may sense noise caused by the cooling water falling into the water collecting box 160 . The noise sensor 181 may be disposed in the case 110 . For example, the noise sensor 181 may be located at the lower end of the case 110 . However, the position of the noise sensor 181 is not limited to the above example.

The water collection sensor 182 may sense the amount of coolant in the water collection box 160 . The water collection sensor 182 may be disposed adjacent to the water collection box 160 . For example, the water collection sensor 182 may be located at the bottom of the water collection box 160 . However, the location of the water collection sensor 182 is not limited to the above example.

13 is a schematic diagram of a cooling tower according to an embodiment. The content of the overlapping part with the above-mentioned content will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment includes a case 110 , a fan assembly 120 , a water dispenser 130 , an eliminator 140 , a filler 150 , It may include a water collecting box 160 and a cooling water outlet 170 .

The case 110 may form the exterior of the cooling tower 100 . Case 110 may include a cylindrical shape and/or annular shape. However, the shape of the case 110 is not limited to the above example, and may include a rectangular shape or the like. The water dispenser 130 , the eliminator 140 , the filler 150 , the water collection box 160 , and the like may be accommodated in the case 110 . The case 110 may be formed of F.R.P resin. However, the material of the case 110 is not limited thereto.

The case 110 may include an air inlet 111 , an air outlet 112 and a louver 116 .

The air inlet 111 may allow air to be introduced into the inside of the case 110 from the outside of the case 110 . The air inlet 111 may be formed through the wall of the case 110 . For example, the air inlet 111 may be formed in the sidewall 110a of the case 110 .

The air outlet 112 may allow the air inside the case 110 to be discharged to the outside of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed at the upper end of the case 110 . The air outlet 112 may be formed as an opening. The fan assembly 120 may be disposed at the air outlet 112 .

The case 110 may further include a filler support 115 . The filler support 115 may allow the filler 150 to be described later to be supported inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be installed inside the case 110 . The filler support 115 may be positioned under the filler 150 . The filler support 115 may be disposed at the lower end of the case 110 .

The fan assembly 120 may blow air. The fan assembly 120 may form an airflow. The fan assembly 120 may include a fan 121 and a motor 122 . The fan 121 and the motor 122 may be disposed on the case 110 . For example, the fan 121 and the motor 122 may be located at the air outlet 112 . The motor 122 may provide power to drive the fan 121 . The fan 121 may form an airflow so that air flows into and out of the case 110 . However, the position of the fan 121 is not limited to the above example.

The water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the case 110 . The water dispenser 130 may be located at an upper portion in the case 110 . For example, the water dispenser 130 may spray cooling water into the air inside the filler 150 and/or the case 110 .

The cooling water pipe 133 may be connected to a refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ) to supply cooling water into the case 110 . The cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 133 may be injected into the case 110 through the nozzle pipe 132 and the nozzle 135 in turn. The nozzle 135 may inject cooling water into the case 110 . A plurality of nozzles 135 may be provided, and unlike the drawing, only one nozzle 135 may be provided.

The coolant may be introduced into the case 110 through the coolant inlet 134 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant inlet 134 may be 37 degrees.

Since coolant flows from top to bottom and air flows from bottom to top, coolant and air can flow in opposite directions.

The eliminator (ELIMINATOR) 140 may remove water droplets scattered by being carried in an air stream. The eliminator 140 may minimize water droplets in the air passing through the air outlet 112 . In addition, the eliminator 140 may collect foreign substances in the air. The eliminator 140 is a component conventionally used in the cooling tower 100 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The eliminator 140 may be provided above the nozzle 135 . The eliminator 140 may be supported in the case 110 by the support protrusion 110b protruding from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 . The support protrusion 110b may protrude from the sidewall 110a of the case 110 toward the inside of the case 110 .

The filler 150 may increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between the cooling water and the air. The filler 150 may be a heat transfer medium. The filler 150 may be porous. For example, the filler 150 may include a mesh shape. Filler 150 may include PP (polypropylene, polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride), wood material.

The filler 150 may increase the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the cooling water between the water sprinkler 130 and the air inlet 111 . The filler 150 may be disposed from the water dispenser 130 to the bottom of the case 110 . The outer peripheral surface of the filler 150 may cover the air inlet 111 .

The filler 150 may extend in the vertical direction so that the lower surface of the filler 150 extends to the bottom of the case 110 (or the bottom surface of the water collecting box 160 ). The lower surface of the filler 150 may be seated on the bottom of the case 110 (or the bottom of the water collecting box 160 ). Accordingly, noise generation due to the coolant falling to the bottom of the case 110 (or the bottom surface of the water collection box 160 ) through the lower surface of the filler 150 can be prevented.

The filler 150 may reduce noise generated by the water sprayed from the water dispenser 130 falling on the bottom of the case 110 and increase heat exchange efficiency. The filler 150 may have no empty space from the water dispenser 130 to the bottom of the case 110 . For example, the lower end of the filler 150 may be disposed in the water collecting box 160 .

The water collection box 160 may collect the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser 130 . The water collection box 160 may be disposed below the case 110 . The water collecting box 160 may be provided separately from the case 110 , but may be a component included in the case 110 . For example, the water collection box 160 may be integrally formed under the case 110 . Cooling water may be collected in the water collecting space 160a formed inside the water collecting box 160 .

The cooling water in the water collecting space 160a may flow to the outside of the case 110 through the cooling water outlet 170 . The cooling water outlet 170 may be provided at the lower end of the case 110 . The coolant may flow out of the case 110 through the coolant outlet 170 . For example, the temperature of the coolant passing through the coolant outlet 170 may be 32 degrees. The cooling water passing through the cooling water outlet 170 may flow back to the refrigerator (eg, the condenser 20 ).

The cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment may include sensors 181 and 182 . A plurality of sensors may be provided. The plurality of sensors 181 and 182 may include a noise sensor 181 and a water collection sensor 182 .

The noise sensor 181 may sense noise caused by the cooling water falling into the water collecting box 160 . The noise sensor 181 may be disposed in the case 110 . For example, the noise sensor 181 may be located at the lower end of the case 110 . However, the position of the noise sensor 181 is not limited to the above example.

The water collection sensor 182 may sense the amount of coolant in the water collection box 160 . The water collection sensor 182 may be disposed adjacent to the water collection box 160 . For example, the water collection sensor 182 may be located at the bottom of the water collection box 160 . However, the location of the water collection sensor 182 is not limited to the above example.

14 is a block diagram of a partial configuration of a cooling tower according to an embodiment. Description of overlapping parts will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the cooling tower 100 according to an embodiment communicates with the control unit 200 that receives signals and/or information from the water collection sensor 182 and the noise sensor 181 , and the user terminal 2 . It may further include a communication module 300 to The user terminal 2 may include an input unit (eg, a touch panel) and an output unit (eg, a display and/or a speaker).

The controller 200 may include at least one processor, a memory, and a storage device. Here, the processor may execute a program command stored in a memory and/or a storage device. The processor may mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which methods according to the present invention are performed. The memory and the storage device may be composed of a volatile storage medium and/or a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory may be configured as read only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM).

The communication module 300 may transmit/receive signals and/or information to and from the user terminal by wire and/or wirelessly. The communication module 300 may transmit/receive signals and/or information to and from the control unit 200 . The communication module 300 may mediate transmission/reception of signals and/or information between the user terminal 2 and the control unit 200 .

The communication module 300 includes a user terminal 2 and a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 5G network, a World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) network, the Internet, and a Local Area Network (LAN). Area Network), Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), wifi network, Bluetooth network, satellite broadcasting network, analog broadcasting network, DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) It may communicate through a network or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The noise sensor 181 may sense noise caused by the cooling water falling into the water collecting box 160 . The noise sensor 181 may correspond to a type of microphone, but is not limited thereto.

The water collection sensor 182 may correspond to a weight sensor or a water level sensor. It is sufficient if the water collecting sensor 182 can sense the amount of coolant in the water collecting box 160 based on various mechanisms and principles. For example, the water collection sensor 182 may be a water level sensor, and may sense the water level in the water collection box 160 .

The controller 200 may determine the level of noise caused by the fall of the coolant through the noise sensor 181 . In this way, the level of noise sensed by the noise sensor 181 and determined by the controller 200 may be referred to as a noise sensing value.

The controller 200 may determine the amount of coolant collected in the water collection box 160 through the water collection sensor 182 . In this way, the amount of cooling water in the water collection box 160 sensed by the water collection sensor 182 and determined by the control unit 200 may be referred to as a cooling water flow rate sensing value (or “cooling water level sensing value”).

The controller 200 may compare a preset reference noise value with a noise sensed value sensed through the noise sensor 181 . The controller 200 may compare a preset reference flow rate value (or “reference water level value”) with a coolant flow rate sensed value sensed through the water collection sensor 182 .

If it is determined that the noise sensing value is greater than the reference noise value, the control unit 200 sends an output signal to the user terminal 2 via the communication module 300 so that the user terminal 2 outputs the noise sensing value and the first warning phrase. can send The first warning phrase may correspond to an image in which a sentence such as "excessive noise is being generated" is written.

If it is determined that the coolant flow rate sensed value is greater than the reference flow rate value, the control unit 200 outputs to the user terminal 2 via the communication module 300 so that the user terminal 2 outputs the coolant flow rate sensed value and the second warning phrase. signal can be transmitted. The second warning phrase may correspond to an image in which a sentence such as "coolant discharge is not smooth" is written.

In the above, specific embodiments have been shown and described. However, it is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can make various changes without departing from the spirit of the invention described in the claims below. .

1: Refrigeration cycle device
100: cooling tower
110: case
120: fan assembly
130: sprinkler
140: Eliminator
150: filler
160: catchment box
170: coolant outlet

Claims (16)

case;
a filler disposed in the case;
a water dispenser disposed on the filler to spray water to the filler;
an air inlet formed in a sidewall of the case so that air from the outside of the case flows into the case and comes into contact with the water sprayed from the water dispenser;
an air outlet formed at the upper end of the case so that the air passing through the filler is discharged to the outside of the case; and
In the cooling tower comprising;
The filler is
a first filler disposed above the air inlet;
a second filler disposed below the first filler and adjacent to the air inlet so that air passing through the air inlet flows to the first filler through the second filler; and
A third filler disposed under the first filler to reduce noise generated by the water sprayed from the water sprinkler passing through the first filler falling on the bottom of the case; and
The first filler, the second filler, and the third filler,
It is provided to increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between water and air,
The second filler and the third filler,
disposed above the water collecting box,
The third filler is
It is disposed at the lower end of the second filler,
The case is
Containing; and a first fixing protrusion protruding toward the inside of the case from the sidewall of the case to fix the second filler to the inside of the case,
The water collecting box is
Includes; a second fixing protrusion protruding upward to fix the third filler;
The second filler is
It is formed to correspond to the first fixing projection and includes a fixing groove recessed from the outer surface of the second filler into which the first fixing projection is inserted, and to facilitate the inflow of air into the case through the air inlet. It is formed to be inclined downward toward the inside of the case so as to be further away from the air inlet toward the lower part,
The third filler is
Including; and a drainage hole formed through the water sprayed from the water dispenser and passed through the first filler to easily flow into the water collection box,
The cooling tower is
a noise sensor configured to sense a sound level of water when it passes through the third filler and falls into the collecting box;
a water level sensor configured to sense a water level in the water collection box;
a control unit configured to receive a sensing value from the noise sensor and the water level sensor; and
Further comprising; a communication module for communicating with the user terminal;
The control unit is
When it is determined that the noise sensing value sensed through the noise sensor is greater than a preset reference noise value, the user terminal transmits an output signal to the user terminal via the communication module to output the noise sensing value and a warning phrase,
When it is determined that the coolant level sensed value sensed through the water level sensor is greater than a preset reference water level value, the user terminal transmits an output signal to the user terminal via the communication module to output the coolant level sensed value and a warning message cooling tower.
According to claim 1,
The noise sensor is a cooling tower located at the bottom of the case.
3. The method of claim 2,
The water level sensor is a cooling tower located at a lower end of the water collection box.
4. The method of claim 3,
The cooling tower containing the filler is polypropylene (Polypropylene).
5. The method of claim 4,
The first filler and the third filler correspond to a counter-flow filler, and the second filler corresponds to a cross-flow filler.
According to claim 1,
the case is
The cooling tower further comprising; a louver formed on the side wall of the case to be formed on the side of the air inlet to equalize the incoming air and remove droplets.
According to claim 1,
The case is a cooling tower formed of FRP resin (Fiber Reinforced Plastics).

delete delete delete delete delete delete A refrigeration cycle device comprising: a compressor; a condenser; an evaporator; an expander;
The cooling tower is
case;
a filler disposed in the case;
a water dispenser disposed on the filler to spray cooling water to the filler;
an air inlet formed in a side wall of the case so that air from the outside of the case flows into the inside of the case and comes into contact with the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser;
an air outlet formed at the upper end of the case so that the air passing through the filler is discharged to the outside of the case; and
and a water collecting box disposed under the case so that the cooling water sprayed from the water dispenser and passed through the filler can be collected;
The filler is
a first filler disposed above the air inlet;
a second filler disposed below the first filler and adjacent to the air inlet so that air passing through the air inlet flows to the first filler through the second filler; and
A third filler disposed under the first filler to reduce noise generated by the cooling water sprayed from the water sprinkler passing through the first filler falling on the bottom of the case; and
The first filler, the second filler, and the third filler,
It is provided to increase the heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area and/or contact time between the cooling water and air,
The second filler and the third filler,
disposed above the water collecting box,
The third filler is
It is disposed at the lower end of the second filler,
The case is
Containing; and a first fixing protrusion protruding toward the inside of the case from the sidewall of the case to fix the second filler to the inside of the case,
The water collecting box is
Includes; a second fixing protrusion protruding upward to fix the third filler;
The second filler is
It is formed to correspond to the first fixing projection and includes a fixing groove recessed from the outer surface of the second filler into which the first fixing projection is inserted, and to facilitate the inflow of air into the case through the air inlet. It is formed to be inclined downward toward the inside of the case so as to be further away from the air inlet toward the lower part,
The third filler is
and a drain hole that is formed so that the coolant sprayed from the water dispenser and passed through the first filler to easily flow into the water collecting box; and
The cooling tower is
a noise sensor configured to sense a sound level of the coolant when it passes through the third filler and falls into the water collecting box;
a water level sensor configured to sense a water level in the water collecting box;
a control unit configured to receive a sensing value from the noise sensor and the water level sensor; and
Further comprising; a communication module for communicating with the user terminal;
The control unit is
When it is determined that the noise sensing value sensed through the noise sensor is greater than a preset reference noise value, the user terminal transmits an output signal to the user terminal via the communication module to output the noise sensing value and a warning phrase,
When it is determined that the coolant level sensed value sensed through the water level sensor is greater than a preset reference water level value, the user terminal transmits an output signal to the user terminal via the communication module to output the coolant level sensed value and a warning message which is a refrigeration cycle device.

15. The method of claim 14,
The noise sensor is a refrigeration cycle device located at the lower end of the case.
16. The method of claim 15,
The water level sensor is a refrigeration cycle device located at a lower end of the water collection box.

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