US20120067546A1 - Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and method of operating the same - Google Patents
Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and method of operating the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20120067546A1 US20120067546A1 US12/885,083 US88508310A US2012067546A1 US 20120067546 A1 US20120067546 A1 US 20120067546A1 US 88508310 A US88508310 A US 88508310A US 2012067546 A1 US2012067546 A1 US 2012067546A1
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- heat exchanger
- air
- water distribution
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D3/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium flows in a continuous film, or trickles freely, over the conduits
- F28D3/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium flows in a continuous film, or trickles freely, over the conduits with tubular conduits
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0007—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning
- F24F5/0035—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning using evaporation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28C—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITHOUT CHEMICAL INTERACTION
- F28C1/00—Direct-contact trickle coolers, e.g. cooling towers
- F28C1/14—Direct-contact trickle coolers, e.g. cooling towers comprising also a non-direct contact heat exchange
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28C—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITHOUT CHEMICAL INTERACTION
- F28C1/00—Direct-contact trickle coolers, e.g. cooling towers
- F28C1/16—Arrangements for preventing condensation, precipitation or mist formation, outside the cooler
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D5/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, using the cooling effect of natural or forced evaporation
- F28D5/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, using the cooling effect of natural or forced evaporation in which the evaporating medium flows in a continuous film or trickles freely over the conduits
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28C—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITHOUT CHEMICAL INTERACTION
- F28C1/00—Direct-contact trickle coolers, e.g. cooling towers
- F28C1/14—Direct-contact trickle coolers, e.g. cooling towers comprising also a non-direct contact heat exchange
- F28C2001/145—Direct-contact trickle coolers, e.g. cooling towers comprising also a non-direct contact heat exchange with arrangements of adjacent wet and dry passages
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/0408—Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids
- F28D1/0417—Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids with particular circuits for the same heat exchange medium, e.g. with the heat exchange medium flowing through sections having different heat exchange capacities or for heating/cooling the heat exchange medium at different temperatures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/0408—Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids
- F28D1/0461—Combination of different types of heat exchanger, e.g. radiator combined with tube-and-shell heat exchanger; Arrangement of conduits for heat exchange between at least two media and for heat exchange between at least one medium and the large body of fluid
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/047—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag
- F28D1/0477—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag the conduits being bent in a serpentine or zig-zag
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/05316—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
- Cookers (AREA)
Abstract
A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus having a heat exchanger device with a hot fluid flowing therethrough includes a cooling water distribution system and an air flow mechanism for causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device. The cooling water distribution system distributes evaporative cooling water onto the heat exchanger device to wet only a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device to be dry. The air flow mechanism causes ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device. Methods are also described.
Description
- The present invention relates to a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus that operates in a dry mode, a wet mode and a hybrid wet/dry mode in order to conserve water and, possibly, abate plume.
- Heat exchangers are well known in the art. By way of example, a
conventional heat exchanger 2, sometimes referred to as a “closed-circuit cooler”, is diagrammatically illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Theheat exchanger 2 includes acontainer 4, aheat exchanger device 6, a cooling water distribution system 8, an air flow mechanism such as afan assembly 10 as illustrated and acontroller 12. Thecontainer 4 has atop wall 4 a, abottom wall 4 b and a plurality ofside walls 4 c. The plurality ofside walls 4 c are connected to each other and connected to thetop wall 4 a and thebottom wall 4 b to form a generally box-shaped chamber 14. Thechamber 14 has a waterbasin chamber portion 14 a, anexit chamber portion 14 b and acentral chamber portion 14 c. Thewater basin portion 14 a is defined by thebottom wall 4 b and lower portions of theside walls 4 c. Thewater basin portion 14 a contains evaporative cooling water CW. Theexit chamber portion 14 b is defined by thetop wall 4 a and upper portions of theside walls 4 c. Thecentral chamber portion 14 c is defined between and among central portions of the connectedside walls 4 c and is positioned between the waterbasin chamber portion 14 a and theexit chamber portion 14 b. Thetop wall 4 a is formed with anair outlet 16. Theair outlet 16 is in fluid communication with theexit chamber portion 14 b. Also, for this particularconventional heat exchanger 2, each one of theside walls 4 c is formed with anair inlet 18 in communication with thecentral chamber portion 14 c. A plurality oflouver modules 20 are mounted to theside walls 4 c in the respective theair inlets 18. The plurality oflouver modules 20 are disposed adjacent to and above the waterbasin chamber portion 14 a and are operative to permit ambient air, represented as Cold Air IN arrows, to enter into thecentral chamber portion 14 c. - The
heat exchanger device 6 is disposed in and extends across thecentral chamber portion 14 c adjacent to and below theexit chamber portion 14 b. Theheat exchanger device 6 is operative to convey a hot fluid, represented as a Hot Fluid IN arrow, therethrough from ahot fluid source 22. It would be appreciated by a skilled artisan that the hot fluid could be water, a refrigerant, steam or such other gaseous or liquid fluid known in the art to be cooled by a heat exchanger device. The Hot Fluid IN exits theheat exchanger device 6 as cold fluid, represented as a Cold Fluid OUT arrow. Although a singleheat exchanger device 6 can be used in anyconventional heat exchanger 2, thisheat exchanger device 6 includes a conventional firstheat exchanger component 6 a and a conventional secondheat exchanger component 6 b juxtaposed and in fluid communication with the firstheat exchanger component 6 a. Also, in the alternative, aconventional heat exchanger 2 might have aheat exchanger device 6 with a firstheat exchanger component 6 b and a secondheat exchanger component 6 b that are fluidically isolated from one another. Aconnector pipe 22 interconnects the first and secondheat exchanger components heat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b are in serial fluid communication with one another. However, the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b can be connected in parallel fluid communication with one another or, alternatively, the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b can be disconnected from one another and are then considered in fluid isolation from one another. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , both the first and secondheat exchanger components heat exchanger device 6 a is a single,continuous tube 34 having a serpentine configuration withstraight tube sections 34 a having a plurality offins 36 depicted by the vertical dashes. The tube structure of the secondheat exchanger device 6 b includes a plurality of straightbare tube sections 34 a, i.e, tube sections without fins, in a straight-through configuration that interconnect aninlet header box 44 a and aoutlet header box 44 b. - The cooling water distribution system 8 includes a
water distribution manifold 24 that extends across thecentral chamber portion 14 c and is disposed above and adjacent to theheat exchanger device 6. In a Pump ON state, apump 26 is operative for pumping the evaporative cooling water CW from the waterbasin chamber portion 14 a to and through thewater distribution manifold 24. Thus, the evaporative cooling water CW is distributed onto theheat exchanger device 6 as represented by thewater droplets 28 inFIG. 2 . When thewater droplets 28 rain downwardly onto theheat exchanger device 6 and into the waterbasin chamber portion 14 a, theconventional heat exchanger 2 is in a WET mode as illustrated inFIG. 2 . Correspondingly, with the pump is in a Pump OFF state, nowater droplets 28 rain downwardly and, thus, theheat exchanger 2 is in a DRY mode as illustrated inFIG. 1 . - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cooling water distribution system 8 includes a plurality ofspray nozzles 30. Thespray nozzles 30 are connected to and are in fluid communication with thewater distribution manifold 24 so that thepump 26 pumps the evaporative cooling water CW to thewater distribution manifold 24 and through thespray nozzles 30. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that in lieu ofspray nozzles 30, the cooling water distribution system 8 might include a weir arrangement, a drip arrangement or some other cooling water distribution arrangement known in the art. - Furthermore, in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theheat exchanger 2 includes aneliminator structure 32 that extends across thechamber 14 and is disposed between thewater distribution manifold 24 and theair outlet 16. Theeliminator structure 32 is positioned in a manner such that theexit chamber portion 14 b of thechamber 14 is disposed above theeliminator structure 32 and thecentral chamber portion 14 c of thechamber 14 is disposed below theeliminator structure 32. - In a Fan ON state shown in both
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thefan assembly 10 is operative for causing the ambient air represented by the Cold Air IN arrows to flow through theheat exchanger 2 from theair inlet 18, across theheat exchanger device 6 and thewater distribution manifold 24 and through theair outlet 16. Shown inFIG. 1 , in the DRY mode, hot dry air represented by the Hot Dry Air Out arrow flows out of theair outlet 16. Shown inFIG. 2 , in the WET mode, hot humid air represented by Hot Humid Air Out arrow flows out of theair outlet 16. As known in the art, thefan assembly 10 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 is an induced draft system to induce the ambient air to flow through thecontainer 4 as illustrated. - The
controller 12 is operative to selectively energize or de-energize the cooling water distribution system 8 and thefan assembly 10 by automatically or manually switching the cooling water distribution system 8 and thefan assembly 10 between their respective ON states and an OFF states in order to cause theheat exchanger 2 to operate in either the WET mode or the DRY mode. Thecontroller 12 might be an electro-mechanical device, a software-operated electronic device or even a human operator. InFIG. 1 , for theheat exchanger 2 to be in the DRY mode, thecontroller 12 switches thefan assembly 10 to the Fan ON state and switches thepump 26 to the Pump OFF state. InFIG. 2 , for theheat exchanger 2 to be in the WET mode, thecontroller 12 switches thefan assembly 10 to the Fan ON state and switches thepump 26 to the Pump ON state. More particularly, in the WET mode, both thefan assembly 10 and the cooling water distribution system 8 are energized resulting in the ambient air (Cold Air IN arrows) flowing through theheat exchanger device 6 and the evaporative cooling water CW being distributed onto and across theheat exchanger device 6 to generate the hot humid air (Hot Humid Air OUT arrow inFIG. 2 ) that exits through theair outlet 16. And, in the DRY mode, only thefan assembly 10 is energized while the cooling water distribution system 8 is de-energized resulting in the ambient air (Cold Air IN arrows) flowing across theheat exchanger device 6, without the evaporative cooling water CW being distributed onto and across theheat exchanger device 6, to generate hot dry air (Hot Dry Air OUT arrow inFIG. 1 ) that subsequently exits through theair outlet 16. - Typically, during the summer months, the
heat exchanger 2 operates in the WET mode and, during the winter months, theheat exchanger 2 operates in the DRY mode. Sometimes, during the spring and fall months, the ambient conditions cause the hot humid air that exits the heat exchanger to condense, thereby forming a visible plume P of water condensate. The general public sometimes mistakenly perceive this visible plume P of water condensate as air-polluting smoke. Also, some people, who know that this plume P is merely water condensate, believe that the minute water droplets that constitute the visible plume P might contain disease-causing bacteria. As a result, a heat exchanger that spews a visible plume P of water condensate is undesirable. - There are two limitations on heat exchangers that the present invention addresses. First, particularly in cold climates, closed circuit coolers can emit plume when the warm, humid air being discharged from the unit meets the cold, dry air in the ambient environment. The general public sometimes mistakenly perceives this visible plume of water condensate as air-polluting smoke. Second, water is considered to be a scarce and valuable resource in certain regions. In certain aspects of the present invention, there is an increased capacity to perform the cooling functions in a DRY mode, where little or no water is needed to achieve the cooling function.
- A skilled artisan would appreciate that the diagrammatical views provided herein are representative drawing figures that represent either a single heat exchanger as described herein or a bank of heat exchangers.
- It would be beneficial to provide a heat exchanger that conserves water. It would also be beneficial to provide a heat exchanger apparatus that might also inhibit the formation of a plume of water condensate. The present invention provides these benefits.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus that might inhibit the formation of a plume of water condensate when ambient conditions are optimal for formation of the same.
- It is another object of the invention to provide a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus that conserves water by enhanced dry cooling capabilities.
- Accordingly, a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention is hereinafter described. The hybrid heat exchanger apparatus includes a heat exchanger device with a hot fluid flowing through it, a cooling water distribution system and an air flow mechanism such as a fan assembly for causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device. The cooling water distribution system distributes evaporative cooling water onto the heat exchanger device in a manner to wet only a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device. The remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger enables cooling in a non-evaporative manner. The air flow mechanism causes ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device. One aspect of the present invention mixes the hot humid air and the hot dry air together to form a hot air mixture thereof to abate plume if the appropriate ambient atmospheric conditions are present. Another aspect of the present invention isolates the hot humid air and the hot dry air from one another and, therefore, does not necessarily abate plume.
- A method of the present invention inhibits formation of a water-based condensate from a heat exchanger apparatus having a cooling water distribution system and a heat exchanger device with a hot fluid flowing therethrough. The method includes the steps of:
- distributing evaporative cooling water from the cooling water distribution system onto the heat exchanger device in a manner to wet a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device to be dry;
- causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device; and
- mixing the hot humid air and the hot dry air together to form a hot air mixture thereof.
- These objects and other advantages of the present invention will be better appreciated in view of the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional heat exchanger operating in a dry mode. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional heat exchanger operating in a wet mode. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the dry mode. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the first exemplary embodiment of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the wet mode. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the first exemplary embodiment of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in a hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the dry mode. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the second exemplary embodiment of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the wet mode. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the second exemplary embodiment of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the dry mode. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the third exemplary embodiment of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the wet mode. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the third exemplary embodiment of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fifth third exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the first through eighth exemplary embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a ninth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention operating in the hybrid wet/dry mode. -
FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 18 . - Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawing figures. The structural components common to those of the prior art and the structural components common to respective embodiments of the present invention will be represented by the same symbols and repeated description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, terms such as “cold”, “hot”, “humid”, “dry”, “cooling” and the like shall be construed as relative terms only as would be appreciated by a skilled artisan and shall not be construed in any limiting manner whatsover.
- A first exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 100 of the present invention is hereinafter described with reference toFIGS. 3-5 . As shown inFIGS. 3-5 , the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 100 includes a first coolingwater distribution system 8 a and a second coolingwater distribution system 8 b. The first coolingwater distribution system 8 a has a firstwater distribution manifold 24 a that extends partially across thecentral chamber portion 14 c and is disposed above and adjacent to the firstheat exchanger component 6 a. The first coolingwater distribution system 8 a also has afirst pump 26 a that is operative for pumping the evaporative cooling water CW from the waterbasin chamber portion 14 a to and through the firstwater distribution manifold 24 a. As a result, thespray nozzles 30 a spray the evaporative cooling water CW thereby the evaporative cooling water CW is distributed onto the firstheat exchanger component 6 a. Correspondingly, the second coolingwater distribution system 8 b has a secondwater distribution manifold 24 b that extends partially across thecentral chamber portion 14 c and is disposed above and adjacent to the secondheat exchanger component 6 b. The second coolingwater distribution system 8 b also has asecond pump 26 b that is operative for pumping the evaporative cooling water CW from the waterbasin chamber portion 14 a to and through thewater distribution manifold 24 a. As a result, the evaporative cooling water CW is sprayed from thespray nozzles 30 b and thus the evaporative cooling water CW is distributed onto the secondheat exchanger component 6 b. Note that the first and second coolingwater distribution systems basin chamber portion 14 a, are otherwise considered in fluid isolation from one another. Also, thefirst pump 26 a and the firstwater distribution manifold 24 a are in selective fluid communication with one another and thesecond pump 26 b and the secondwater distribution manifold 24 b are in selective fluid communication with one another. - A controller (not shown but illustrated for example purposes in
FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is operative for causing the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 100 to operate in either a DRY mode as illustrated inFIG. 3 , a WET mode as illustrated inFIG. 4 and a HYBRID WET/DRY mode as illustrated inFIG. 5 . For sake of clarity of the drawing figures, the controller was intentionally not illustrated because one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that a controller can automatically change the ON and OFF states of thepumps fan assembly 10. Alternatively, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the controller might be a human operator who can manually change the ON and OFF states of thepumps fan assembly 10. As a result, rather than illustrating a controller, the ON and OFF states of thepumps fan assembly 10 are illustrated. - In the DRY mode illustrated in
FIG. 3 , only thefan assembly 10 is energized in the ON state while both of the coolingwater distribution systems heat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b device without the evaporative cooling water CW being distributed onto and across the first and secondheat exchanger components air outlet 16. - In the WET mode illustrated in
FIG. 4 , thefan assembly 10 and both of the coolingwater distribution systems heat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b and the evaporative cooling water CW is distributed onto and across the first and secondheat exchanger components air outlet 16. - In the HYBRID WET/DRY mode, the
fan assembly 10 and the coolingwater distribution system 8 a are energized in their ON states while the coolingwater distribution system 8 b is de-energized, i.e., in its OFF state. As a result, the coolingwater distribution system 8 a distributes evaporative cooling water CW across and onto the firstheat exchanger component 6 a in a manner to wet the firstheat exchanger component 6 a while the secondheat exchanger component 6 b is dry. Simultaneously therewith, thefan assembly 10 causes the ambient air represented as the Cold Air IN arrows to flow across the firstheat exchanger component 6 a to generate HOT HUMID AIR from the ambient air represented as the Cold Air IN arrows flowing across the wet firstheat exchanger component 6 a and HOT DRY AIR from the ambient air represented as the Cold Air IN arrows flowing across the dry secondheat exchanger component 6 b. Thereafter, the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR mix together to form a HOT AIR MIXTURE that subsequently exits through theair outlet 16 as represented by the HOT AIR MIXTURE OUT arrow. The HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR also flow through theeliminator structure 32, into theexit chamber portion 14 b and through thefan assembly 10 before exiting theair outlet 16. - One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that mixing of the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR to form the HOT AIR MIXTURE is achieved as a result of the torrent of air flowing through the
container 4 as well as through thefan assembly 10. Additional mixing, if desired, can also be achieved as discussed hereinbelow. - By way of example only and not by way of limitation, each one of the first and second
heat exchanger components continuous tube 34. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that, in practice, the tubular structure is actually fabricated from a plurality of tubes aligned in rows. The representative single,continuous tube 34 is formed in a serpentine tube configuration as shown inFIGS. 3-5 that hasstraight tube sections 34 a and returnbend sections 34 b. Although not by way of limitation but by example only,straight tube section 34 a has a plurality offins 36 connected thereto to form a finned tube structure. - A second exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 200 of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 6-8 . The hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200 includes apartition 38. Thepartition 38 vertically divides theheat exchanger device 6 so that, when the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200 is in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode as shown inFIG. 8 , the wet firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the dryheat exchanger component 6 b are delineated. Specifically, thepartition 38 is disposed between the first waterdistribution manifold section 24 a and the second waterdistribution manifold section 24 b and between the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b. As depicted inFIG. 8 , when the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200 is in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode, a first operating zone Z1 in thecentral chamber portion 14 c and a second operating zone of thecentral chamber portion 14 c are delineated. The first operating zone Z1 of thecentral chamber portion 14 c has a horizontal first operating zone width WZ1 and the second operating zone Z2 of thecentral chamber portion 14 c has a horizontal second operating zone width WZ2. By way of example only for the second exemplary embodiment of the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200, the horizontal first operating zone width ZW1 and the horizontal second operating zone width ZW2 are at least substantially equal to each other. - For the second exemplarly embodiment of the hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 200, the firstheat exchanger component 6 a is a conventional finned tube structure as discussed above and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b is has a tube structure formed with a plurality ofstraight tube sections 34 a in a conventional header-box configuration. Each one of thestraight tube sections 34 a are bare tubes in that there are no fins connected to thestraight tube sections 34 a. - With reference to
FIGS. 6-8 , the cooling water distribution system 8 includes avalve 40 that is interposed in thewater distribution manifold 24 that divides thewater distribution manifold 24 into the first waterdistribution manifold section 24 a and the second waterdistribution manifold section 24 b being in selective fluid communication with the first waterdistribution manifold section 24 a. Again, a controller is not shown inFIGS. 6-8 to maintain clarity of the drawing figures. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the controller is operative to move thevalve 40 to and between a Valve OPENED state and a Valve CLOSED state as reflected by the legend onFIGS. 6-8 . With thevalve 40 disposed between the first waterdistribution manifold section 24 a and the second waterdistribution manifold section 24 b, when thevalve 40 is in the Valve OPENED state as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 , the first and second waterdistribution manifold sections FIG. 6 with the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200 in the DRY mode, thevalve 40 might also be in the Valve CLOSED state because thepump 26 is in the Pump OFF state. As a result, both the first and second operating zones Z1 and Z2 respectively are dry. InFIG. 7 with the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200 in the WET mode, thevalve 40 is in the Valve OPENED state and thepump 26 is in the Pump ON state. As a result, both the first and second operating zones Z1 and Z2 respectively are wet. InFIG. 8 with the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200 in a HYBRID WET/DRY mode, thevalve 40 is in the Valve CLOSED state and thepump 26 is in the Pump ON state. When thevalve 40 is in the Valve CLOSED state, the first waterdistribution manifold section 24 a and the second waterdistribution manifold section 24 b are in fluid isolation from one another. As a result, the first operating zone Z1 is wet while the second operating zone Z2 is dry so that the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200 can operate in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode. - A third exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 300 of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 9-11 that operates in the DRY mode (FIG. 9 ), the WET mode (FIG. 10 ) and the HYBRID WET/DRY mode (FIG. 11 ) in a manner similar to the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 200 discussed above. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 300 includes a mixingbaffle structure 42. The mixingbaffle structure 42 extends across thechamber 14 in theexit chamber portion 14 b thereof. As best shown inFIG. 12 , the mixingbaffle structure 42 is operative to assist in mixing the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR as the HOT AIR MIXTURE before it exits theair outlet 16. - For the hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 300 illustrated inFIGS. 9-11 , theheat exchanger device 6 includes the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b, which, as discussed above, are the finned tube structures. Also, heat exchangers sometimes use fill media as a direct means of heat transfer, whether alone or in conjunction with coils such as the invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,862. As depicted inFIGS. 9-11 of the present invention, theheat exchanger device 6 includes a conventional first fill material structure 6a1 and a conventional secondfill material structure 6 b 1, both of which being fabricated from the fill media. The firstheat exchange component 6 a and the firstfill material structure 6 a 1 are vertically arranged with one on top of the other and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b and the secondfill material structure 6 b 1 are vertically arranged with one on top of the other. More specifically, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, the firstheat exchange component 6 a is vertically positioned above the firstfill material structure 6 a 1 and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b is vertically positioned above the secondfill material structure 6 b 1. - The following exemplary embodiments of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention are illustrated only in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode. A skilled artisan would comprehend that the controller controls the Fan ON state of the
fan assembly 10 and Pump ON and Pump OFF states of thepumps - A fourth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 400 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode is shown inFIG. 12 . Theheat exchanger device 6 is conventional and is a single unit, i.e., theheat exchanger device 6 does not include a first heat exchanger component and a second heat exchanger component. Theheat exchanger device 6 includes a plurality ofstraight tube sections 34 a with each straight tubesection having fins 36. As the HOT FLUID flows through this single-unitheat exchanger device 6, the HOT FLUID as the Hot Fluid IN flows into aninlet header box 44 a, then through the plurality of the finned,straight tube sections 34 a and thereafter into anoutlet header box 44 b as the Cold Fluid OUT. Thus, this tube structure is a straight-through configuration. - Note also that even though the hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 400 lacks a partition, the first operating zone Z1 and the second operating zone Z2 exist. In the HYBRID WET/DRY mode of the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 400, only thefan assembly 10 and the first coolingwater distribution system 6 a are energized such that only the first coolingwater distribution system 26 a distributes evaporative cooling water CW across and onto the single-unitheat exchanger device 6 in a manner to wet a portion of theheat exchanger device 6 in the first operating zone Z1 while a remaining portion of theheat exchanger device 6 is dry in the second operating zone Z2. Simultaneously therewith, thefan assembly 10 in the Fan ON state causes the ambient air illustrated as the Cold Air IN arrows to flow across theheat exchanger device 6 to generate the HOT HUMID AIR from the ambient air (represented as the Cold Air IN arrows) flowing across the wet portion of theheat exchanger device 6 in the first operating zone Z1 and the HOT DRY AIR from the ambient air (represented as the Cold Air IN arrows) flowing across the remaining dry portion of theheat exchanger device 6 in the second operating zone Z2 so that the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR thereafter mix together to form the HOT AIR MIXTURE that subsequently exits the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 400 through theair outlet 16. - A fifth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 500 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode is shown inFIG. 13 . Theheat exchanger device 6 is conventional and includes the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b as a finned, serpentine tube structures. In this fifth exemplary embodiment, the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b are in parallel fluid communication with one another. As the HOT FLUID flows through thisheat exchanger device 6, the HOT FLUID as the Hot Fluid IN flows into theinlet header box 44 a, then through each one of the first and secondheat exchanger components outlet header box 44 b as the Cold Fluid OUT. Further, the horizontal first operating zone width ZW1 and the horizontal second operating zone width ZW2 are different from one another. More specifically, the horizontal first operating zone width ZW1 is smaller than the horizontal second operating zone width ZW2. Additionally, each one of the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b employs bare tubes formed in a serpentine configuration and are serially connected together. - A sixth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 600 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode is shown inFIG. 14 . Each one of the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b is conventional and employs a single, continuous,bare tube 34 formed in a serpentine configuration. The firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b are serially connected together. - A seventh exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 700 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode is shown inFIG. 15 . The first and secondwater distribution systems heat exchanger apparatus 100. Note, however, that the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b are in fluid isolation from one another. - An eighth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 800 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode is shown inFIG. 16 . Rather than an induced-draft fan assembly 10 as represented inFIGS. 1-15 shown mounted to thecontainer 4 adjacent theair outlet 16, afan assembly 110, sometimes referred to as a forced draft system, is mounted at theair inlet 18 as an alternative air flow mechanism. Thus, rather than an induced draft system as represented inFIGS. 1-15 , the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 800 is considered a forced draft system. - In
FIG. 17 , a method for inhibiting formation of a water-based condensate from the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention is described. The heat exchanger apparatus has the cooling water distribution system 8 and theheat exchanger device 6 as described above. The heat exchanger device has the HOT FLUID that flows therethrough, i.e., from the Hot Fluid IN to the Cold Fluid OUT. Step S10 distributes the evaporative cooling water CW from the cooling water distribution system 8 onto theheat exchanger device 6 in a manner to wet a portion of the heat exchanger device 6 (for instance, inFIG. 12 ) while allowing a remaining portion of theheat exchanger device 6 to be dry (for instance, inFIG. 12 ).Step 12 causes ambient air (represented as the Cold Air IN arrows) to flow across theheat exchanger device 6 to generate HOT HUMID AIR from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of theheat exchanger device 6 in the first operating zone Z1 and HOT DRY AIR from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of theheat exchanger device 6 in the second operating zone Z2.Step 14 mixes the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR together to form the HOT AIR MIXTURE. To enhance the method of the present invention, it might be beneficial to include yet another step. This step would provide thepartition 38 that would extend vertically between the wet portion of theheat exchanger device 6 and the remaining dry portion of theheat exchanger device 6. - Ideally, the HOT AIR MIXTURE of the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR exits the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus either without a visible plume P (see
FIG. 2 ) of the water-based condensate or at least substantially without a visible plume P of the water-based condensate. However, a skilled artisan would appreciate that, when the HOT AIR MIXTURE of the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR exits the heat exchanger apparatus, visible wisps W of the water-based condensate as represented inFIG. 5 might appear exteriorly of the heat exchanger apparatus without departing from the spirit of the invention. - In order to execute the method of the first through eighth embodiments of the present invention, the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention has the
heat exchanger device 6 with the hot fluid flowing therethrough. The hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention includes the cooling water distribution system 8 and the air flow mechanism such as thefan assembly heat exchanger device 6. The cooling water distribution system 8 distributes evaporative cooling water CW onto theheat exchanger device 6 in a manner to wet a portion of the heat exchanger device 6 (for example, operating zone Z1 inFIG. 12 ) while allowing a remaining portion of theheat exchanger device 6 to be dry (for example, operating zone Z2 inFIG. 12 ). As best shown inFIG. 13 , the mixingbaffle structure 42 represents the means for mixing the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR together to form THE HOT AIR MIXTURE. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that induced draft-air and forced draft-air heat exchanger apparatuses have high-velocity air flowing therethrough. As a result, it is theorized that shortly after the ambient air passes across the respective ones of the wet and dry portions of the heat exchanger device, the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR begin to mix. Furthermore, it is theorized that mixing also occurs as the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR flow through thefan assembly 10 of the induced draft system. Thus, it may not be necessary to add the mixingbaffle structure 42 or any other device or structure to effectively mix the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR into the HOT AIR MIXTURE in order to inhibit formation of a plume of condensed water as the HOT AIR MIXTURE exits thecontainer 14. - A ninth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 900 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode is illustrated inFIG. 18 . By way of example only, the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 900 includes a conventional firstheat exchanger component 6 a that incorporates a combination ofstraight tube sections 34 a withfins 36 andbare tube sections 34 a, i.e, without fins and a conventional secondheat exchanger component 6 b that has allbare tube sections 34 a. Note that thepartition 38 is disposed between the firstheat exchanger component 6 a and the secondheat exchanger component 6 b, between firstwater distribution manifold 24 a and the secondwater distribution manifold 24 b and between a first eliminator structure section 32 a and a second eliminator structure 32 b and terminates in contact with thetop wall 4 a of thecontainer 4. In effect, thepartition 38 acts as an isolating panel that isolates the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR from one another inside theheat exchanger apparatus 900. - Further, the hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 900 includes afirst fan assembly 10 a and asecond fan assembly 10 b. Thefirst fan assembly 10 a causes the ambient air to flow across the firstheat exchanger component 6 a to generate the HOT HUMID AIR from the ambient air flowing across the wetted firstheat exchanger component 6 a. Thesecond fan assembly 10 b causes the ambient air to flow across the secondheat exchanger component 6 b to generate the HOT DRY AIR from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the secondheat exchanger component 6 b. Since the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR are isolated from one another, the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR are exhausted from the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus separately from one another. Specifically, thefirst fan assembly 10 a exhausts the HOT HUMID AIR from the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 900 andsecond fan assembly 10 b exhausts the HOT DRY AIR from the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 900. - Since the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR are isolated from one another, it is possible that a plume P might form above the
first fan assembly 10 a under the appropriate atmospheric conditions. In brief, although the ninth embodiment of the hybridheat exchanger apparatus 900 might not abate plume P, it does conserve water. - In order to execute the method of the ninth embodiment of hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 900 the present invention, the steps of distributing evaporative cooling water on the heat exchanger device and causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device are identical to the method to execute the method of the first through eighth embodiments of the hybrid heat exchanger device described above. In addition thereto, to execute the method of the ninth embodiment of the hybridheat exchanger device 900, the HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR are isolated from one another inside the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and thereafter the HOT HUMID AIR and HOT DRY AIR are then exhausted from the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus as separate air-flow streams. - For the embodiments of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention, water conservation is achieved primarily in two ways. First, a lesser amount of cooling water CW is used when the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus is in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode than in the WET mode. For example, compare
FIGS. 4 and 5 . Second, a lesser amount of evaporation of the cooling water CW occurs in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode than in the WET mode. To further explain, in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode, an upstream portion of the hot fluid flowing through an upstream-side of the heat exchanger coils of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus is cooled upstream by dry cooling and a downstream portion of the hot fluid (that has already flowed through the upstream side of the heat exchanger coils and cooled by dry cooling) is further cooled by evaporative cooling from a wetted, downstream-side of the heat exchanger coils. Thus, the embodiments of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus are considered to have enhanced dry cooling capabilities in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode for conservation of water and, possibily, for abatement of plume. - The present invention, may, however, be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. For instance, although the drawing figures depict the first operating zone Z1 as a wet zone and the second operating zone Z2 as a dry zone, it is possible, with mechanical adjustments in some instances and without mechanical adjustments in other instances, it is possible that the first operating zone Z1 is a dry zone and the second operating zone Z2 is a wet zone. Further, the heat exchanger device described herein might be a condenser.
Claims (39)
1. A heat exchanger apparatus having a heat exchanger device with a hot fluid flowing therethrough, the heat exchanger apparatus comprising:
means for distributing evaporative cooling water onto the heat exchanger device in a manner to wet a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device to be dry; and
means for causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device.
2. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the means for distributing evaporative cooling water includes a water distribution manifold and a pump in fluid communication with the water distribution manifold and operative to pump the evaporative cooling water to the water distribution manifold.
3. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the means for distributing evaporative cooling water includes a plurality of spray nozzles connected to and in fluid communication with the water distribution manifold, the pump operative to pump the evaporative cooling water to the water distribution manifold and through the plurality of spray nozzles.
4. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the means for causing the ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device is a air flow mechanism.
5. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising means for mixing the hot humid air and the hot dry air together to form a hot air mixture thereof.
6. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the means for mixing the hot humid air and the hot dry air together includes a mixing baffle structure positioned above the means for distributing evaporative cooling water.
7. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a partition for vertically dividing at least the heat exchanger device into the wet portion and the remaining dry portion.
8. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the heat exchanger device includes a first heat exchanger component and a second heat exchanger component in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger component, one of the first and second heat exchanger components being the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and a remaining one of the first and second heat exchanger components being the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device.
9. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising isolating means for isolating the hot humid air and the hot dry air from one another inside the heat exchanger apparatus.
10. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the means for causing the ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate the hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device is a first air flow mechanism and for causing the ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate the hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device is a second air flow mechanism.
11. A heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising means for exhausting the hot humid air and the hot dry air from the heat exchanger apparatus,
wherein the exhaust means is the first air flow mechanism for exhausting the hot humid air from the heat exchanger apparatus and is the second air flow mechanism for exhausting the hot dry air from the heat exchanger apparatus.
12. A method for inhibiting formation of a water-based condensate from a heat exchanger apparatus having a cooling water distribution system and a heat exchanger device, the heat exchanger device having a hot fluid flowing therethrough, the method comprising the steps of:
distributing evaporative cooling water from the cooling water distribution system onto the heat exchanger device in a manner to wet only a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device to be dry; and
causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device.
13. A method according to claim 12 , further comprising the step of mixing the hot humid air and the hot dry air together to form a hot air mixture thereof.
14. A method according to claim 13 , further comprising the step of causing the hot air mixture of the hot humid air and the hot dry air to exit the heat exchanger apparatus.
15. A method according to claim 14 , wherein the hot air mixture of the hot humid air and the hot dry air exits the heat exchanger apparatus at least substantially without a visible plume of the water-based condensate.
16. A method according to claim 15 , wherein when the hot air mixture of the hot humid air and the hot dry air exits the heat exchanger apparatus, visible wisps of the water-based condensate appear exteriorly of the heat exchanger apparatus.
17. A method according to claim 12 , further comprising the step of isolating the hot humid air and the hot dry air from one another inside the heat exchanger apparatus.
18. A method according to claim 17 , further comprising the step of exhausting the hot humid air and the hot dry air from the heat exchanger apparatus.
19. A method according to claim 12 , further comprising the step of providing a partition extending vertically at least between the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device.
20. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus, comprising:
a container having a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls connected to the top and bottom wall to form a generally box-shaped chamber, the chamber having a water basin chamber portion defined, in part, by the bottom wall for containing evaporative cooling water, an exit chamber portion defined, in part, by the top wall and a central chamber portion defined, in part, between opposing ones of the side walls and positioned between the water basin chamber portion and the exit chamber portion, the top wall being formed with an air outlet in communication with the exit chamber portion, at least one side wall formed with an air inlet in communication with the central chamber portion;
a heat exchanger device disposed in and extending across the central chamber portion adjacent to and below the exit chamber portion and operative to convey hot fluid therethrough from a hot fluid source;
a cooling water distribution system including at least one water distribution manifold extending across the central chamber portion and disposed above and adjacent to the heat exchanger device and at least one pump operative for pumping the evaporative cooling water from the water basin chamber portion to and through the water distribution manifold thereby distributing the evaporative cooling water onto the heat exchanger device;
an air flow mechanism operative for causing ambient air to flow through the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus from the air inlet, across the heat exchanger device and the water distribution manifold and through the air outlet; and
a controller operative for causing the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus to operate in one of a wet mode, a dry mode and a hybrid wet/dry mode,
wherein, in the wet mode, both the air flow mechanism and the cooling water distribution system are energized resulting in the ambient air flowing across the heat exchanger device and the evaporative cooling water being distributed onto and across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air that subsequently exits through the air outlet,
in the dry mode, only the air flow mechanism is energized while the cooling water distribution system is de-energized resulting in the ambient air flowing across the heat exchanger device without the evaporative cooling water being distributed onto and across the heat exchanger device to generate hot dry air that subsequently exits through the air outlet, and
in the hybrid wet/dry mode, both the air flow mechanism and the cooling water distribution system are energized such that the cooling water distribution system distributes evaporative cooling water across and onto the heat exchanger device in a manner to wet only a portion of the heat exchanger device while a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device is dry and simultaneously the air flow mechanism causes the ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device.
21. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein, after the cooling water distribution system distributes evaporative cooling water across and onto the heat exchanger device in a manner to wet a portion of the heat exchanger device while a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device is dry and the air flow mechanism causes the ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate the hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and the hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device, the hot humid air and the hot dry air mix together to form a hot air mixture that subsequently exits through the air outlet.
22. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , further comprising a partition for vertically dividing at least the heat exchanger device so that, when the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus is in the hybrid wet/dry mode, the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device are delineated.
23. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the partition is disposed in the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus in a manner to isolate the hot humid air and the hot dry air from one another inside the heat exchanger apparatus so that the hot humid air and the hot dry air are exhausted separately from the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus.
24. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the heat exchanger device includes a first heat exchanger component and a second heat exchanger component either in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger component or in fluid isolation from the first heat exchanger component.
25. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 24 , further comprising a partition vertically disposed at least between the first heat exchanger component and the second heat exchanger component such that, when the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus is in the hybrid wet/dry mode, a first operating zone of the central chamber portion and a second operating zone of the central chamber portion are delineated.
26. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 25 , wherein the first operating zone of the central chamber portion has a horizontal first operating zone width and the second operating zone of the central chamber portion has a horizontal second operating zone width, the horizontal first operating zone width and the horizontal second operating zone width being one of equal to each other and different from one another.
27. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 24 , wherein either the first heat exchanger component and the second heat exchanger component are in parallel fluid communication with one another or the first heat exchanger component and the second heat exchanger component are in serial fluid communication with one another or the first heat exchanger component and the second heat exchanger component are in fluid isolation from one another.
28. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 24 , wherein the first heat exchanger component is one of a tube structure, a fill material structure and a combination of both the tube structure and the fill material structure vertically arranged with one on top of the other and the second heat exchanger component is one of the tube structure, the fill material structure and the combination of both the tube structure and the fill material structure vertically arranged with one on top of the other.
29. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 28 , wherein the tube structure is one of a serpentine tube configuration, a header-box configuration and a straight-through configuration.
30. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 29 , wherein the tube structure includes either a plurality of finned tubes or a plurality of bare tubes or a combination of the plurality of the finned tubes and the plurality of the bare tubes.
31. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 25 , wherein the cooling water distribution system includes at least one valve and the at least one water distribution manifold includes a first water distribution manifold section and a second water distribution manifold section in selective fluid communication with the first water distribution manifold section with the at least one valve disposed therebetween such that, when the at least one valve is in an opened state, the first and second water distribution manifold sections are in fluid communication with one another and, when the at least one valve is in a closed state, the first and second water distribution manifold sections are in fluid isolation from one another, the partition being disposed between the first water distribution manifold section and the second water distribution manifold section.
32. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 25 , wherein the at least one pump includes a first pump and a second pump and the at least one water distribution manifold includes a first water distribution manifold and a second water distribution manifold, the first pump and the first water distribution manifold are in selective fluid communication with one another and the second pump and the second water distribution manifold are in selective fluid communication with one another, the partition being disposed between the first water distribution manifold and the second water distribution manifold.
33. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the cooling water distribution system includes a valve and wherein the at least one water distribution manifold includes a first water distribution manifold section and a second water distribution manifold section with the valve disposed therebetween such that, when the valve is in an opened state, the first and second water distribution manifold sections are in fluid communication with one another and, when the valve is in a closed state, the first and second water distribution manifold sections are in fluid isolation from one another.
34. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the at least one pump includes a first pump and a second pump and the at least one water distribution manifold includes a first water distribution manifold and a second water distribution manifold, the first pump and the first water distribution manifold are in selective fluid communication with one another and the second pump and the second water distribution manifold are in selective fluid communication with one another.
35. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the controller is operative to energize or de-energize at least one of the cooling water distribution system and the air flow mechanism by automatically or manually switching the at least one of the cooling water distribution system and the air flow mechanism between an ON state and an OFF state.
36. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , further comprising an eliminator structure extending across the chamber and disposed between the water distribution manifold and the air outlet with the exit chamber portion of the chamber disposed above the eliminator structure and the central chamber portion of the chamber disposed below the eliminator structure.
37. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , further comprising a mixing baffle structure extending across the chamber in the exit chamber portion thereof.
38. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , further comprising at least one louver module mounted to one of the plurality of the side walls in the air inlet, disposed adjacent to and above the water basin chamber portion and operative to permit ambient air to enter into the central chamber portion.
39. A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the cooling water distribution system includes a plurality of spray nozzles, each spray nozzle being operatively connected to the at least one water distribution manifold.
Priority Applications (14)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/885,083 US20120067546A1 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2010-09-17 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and method of operating the same |
PL11825589T PL2616746T3 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and methods of operating the same |
CA2809792A CA2809792C (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and methods of operating the same |
MX2013002827A MX347125B (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and methods of operating the same. |
RU2013117384/12A RU2013117384A (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | HYBRID HEAT EXCHANGE DEVICE AND METHOD OF ITS WORK |
CN201180044407.9A CN103534532B (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and methods of operating the same |
EP11825589.2A EP2616746B1 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and methods of operating the same |
PCT/US2011/043552 WO2012036781A2 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and methods of operating the same |
DK11825589.2T DK2616746T3 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | HYBRID HEAT EXCHANGE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR OPERATING IT |
ES11825589T ES2734074T3 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger and its operating procedures |
AU2011302596A AU2011302596A1 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and methods of operating the same |
BR112013006155-3A BR112013006155B1 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | hybrid heat exchanger |
TR2019/10194T TR201910194T4 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-07-11 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and its operating methods. |
US14/630,096 US11131507B2 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2015-02-24 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and method of operating the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US12/885,083 US20120067546A1 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2010-09-17 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and method of operating the same |
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US14/630,096 Active 2034-04-14 US11131507B2 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2015-02-24 | Hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and method of operating the same |
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US (2) | US20120067546A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2616746B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103534532B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011302596A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112013006155B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2809792C (en) |
DK (1) | DK2616746T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2734074T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MX347125B (en) |
PL (1) | PL2616746T3 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2013117384A (en) |
TR (1) | TR201910194T4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012036781A2 (en) |
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CN105091169A (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2015-11-25 | 中国科学院广州能源研究所 | Cooling system applied to data center and control method |
JP2016038187A (en) * | 2014-08-11 | 2016-03-22 | 空研工業株式会社 | cooling tower |
US20170067689A1 (en) * | 2014-03-27 | 2017-03-09 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Pumping equipment cooling system |
US20170153048A1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2017-06-01 | Klaas Visser | Improved Evaporative Condenser |
WO2017120603A1 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2017-07-13 | Evapco, Inc. | Improvement of thermal capacity of elliptically finned heat exchanger |
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EP3400412A4 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2019-10-23 | Evapco, Inc. | Improvement of thermal capacity of elliptically finned heat exchanger |
US20200080787A1 (en) * | 2018-09-11 | 2020-03-12 | Munters Corporation | Staged spray indirect evaporative cooling system |
IT201900018287A1 (en) * | 2019-10-09 | 2021-04-09 | Aquatech S R L | Apparatus and method of heat exchange |
US20210404675A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2021-12-30 | Alfa Laval Corporate Ab | Wet surface air cooler with counter current direct heat exchange section |
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WO2013159079A3 (en) * | 2012-04-21 | 2015-04-30 | Wong Lee Wa | Air conditioning system with multiple-effect evaporative condenser |
CN104823013A (en) * | 2012-04-21 | 2015-08-05 | 黄利华 | Air conditioning system with multiple-effect evaporative condenser |
WO2013159079A2 (en) | 2012-04-21 | 2013-10-24 | Wong Lee Wa | Air conditioning system with multiple-effect evaporative condenser |
EP2847533A4 (en) * | 2012-04-21 | 2016-07-20 | Lee Wa Wong | Air conditioning system with multiple-effect evaporative condenser |
US10319482B2 (en) * | 2013-08-28 | 2019-06-11 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Air cooler, intercooler and nuclear facility |
WO2015029778A1 (en) * | 2013-08-28 | 2015-03-05 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Air cooler, cooling device, and nuclear facility |
US11289218B2 (en) | 2013-08-28 | 2022-03-29 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Air cooler, intercooler and nuclear facility |
US11289217B2 (en) | 2013-08-28 | 2022-03-29 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Intercooler for nuclear facility |
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JP2016038187A (en) * | 2014-08-11 | 2016-03-22 | 空研工業株式会社 | cooling tower |
CN105091169A (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2015-11-25 | 中国科学院广州能源研究所 | Cooling system applied to data center and control method |
CN105091169B (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2018-04-17 | 中国科学院广州能源研究所 | A kind of cooling system and control method applied to data center |
AU2017206116B2 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2022-04-07 | Evapco, Inc. | Improvement of thermal capacity of elliptically finned heat exchanger |
US10288352B2 (en) | 2016-01-08 | 2019-05-14 | Evapco, Inc. | Thermal capacity of elliptically finned heat exchanger |
EP3400412A4 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2019-10-23 | Evapco, Inc. | Improvement of thermal capacity of elliptically finned heat exchanger |
WO2017120603A1 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2017-07-13 | Evapco, Inc. | Improvement of thermal capacity of elliptically finned heat exchanger |
RU2721956C2 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2020-05-25 | Эвапко, Инк. | Improved heat exchange efficiency of finned heat exchanger with ellipsoidal working surface |
KR20200071128A (en) * | 2017-11-15 | 2020-06-18 | 벌티모어 에어코일 컴파니 인코포레이티드 | Automatic control of heat exchanger operation |
WO2019099510A1 (en) | 2017-11-15 | 2019-05-23 | Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. | Automated control of heat exchanger operation |
JP7221288B2 (en) | 2017-11-15 | 2023-02-13 | バルチモア、エアコイル、カンパニー、インコーポレーテッド | Automated control of heat exchanger operation |
KR102460850B1 (en) * | 2017-11-15 | 2022-10-31 | 벌티모어 에어코일 컴파니 인코포레이티드 | Automatic control of heat exchanger operation |
RU2748981C1 (en) * | 2017-11-15 | 2021-06-02 | Балтимор Эйркойл Компани, Инк. | Automatic operation of heat exchanger |
EP3710770A4 (en) * | 2017-11-15 | 2021-08-11 | Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. | Automated control of heat exchanger operation |
US11092394B2 (en) | 2017-11-15 | 2021-08-17 | Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. | Automated control of heat exchanger operation |
AU2018367477B2 (en) * | 2017-11-15 | 2021-10-14 | Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. | Automated control of heat exchanger operation |
JP2021503068A (en) * | 2017-11-15 | 2021-02-04 | バルチモア、エアコイル、カンパニー、インコーポレーテッドBaltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. | Automated control of heat exchanger operation |
US10619953B2 (en) | 2017-11-15 | 2020-04-14 | Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. | Automated control of heat exchanger operation |
US11371788B2 (en) * | 2018-09-10 | 2022-06-28 | General Electric Company | Heat exchangers with a particulate flushing manifold and systems and methods of flushing particulates from a heat exchanger |
US20200080787A1 (en) * | 2018-09-11 | 2020-03-12 | Munters Corporation | Staged spray indirect evaporative cooling system |
US11890579B2 (en) | 2018-10-02 | 2024-02-06 | President And Fellows Of Harvard College | Hydrophobic barrier layer for ceramic indirect evaporative cooling systems |
CN113874665A (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2021-12-31 | 北狄空气应对加拿大公司 | Dry mode and wet mode control of evaporative coolers |
US11287191B2 (en) | 2019-03-19 | 2022-03-29 | Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. | Heat exchanger having plume abatement assembly bypass |
EP3805684A1 (en) * | 2019-10-09 | 2021-04-14 | Aquatech S.r.l. | Heat exchange apparatus and method |
IT201900018287A1 (en) * | 2019-10-09 | 2021-04-09 | Aquatech S R L | Apparatus and method of heat exchange |
US11732967B2 (en) | 2019-12-11 | 2023-08-22 | Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. | Heat exchanger system with machine-learning based optimization |
US20210404675A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2021-12-30 | Alfa Laval Corporate Ab | Wet surface air cooler with counter current direct heat exchange section |
EP4102145A1 (en) * | 2021-06-08 | 2022-12-14 | Uniflair S.P.A. | Multi-stage water distribution system for cross-flow evaporative heat exchanger |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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TR201910194T4 (en) | 2019-08-21 |
US20150168073A1 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
WO2012036781A3 (en) | 2013-11-21 |
BR112013006155A2 (en) | 2016-06-07 |
CN103534532B (en) | 2017-02-08 |
AU2011302596A1 (en) | 2013-03-21 |
CN103534532A (en) | 2014-01-22 |
RU2013117384A (en) | 2014-10-27 |
MX347125B (en) | 2017-04-17 |
WO2012036781A8 (en) | 2014-03-27 |
EP2616746A4 (en) | 2015-01-21 |
PL2616746T3 (en) | 2019-11-29 |
BR112013006155B1 (en) | 2020-10-20 |
CA2809792A1 (en) | 2012-03-22 |
DK2616746T3 (en) | 2019-07-22 |
EP2616746B1 (en) | 2019-04-10 |
CA2809792C (en) | 2019-10-01 |
WO2012036781A2 (en) | 2012-03-22 |
US11131507B2 (en) | 2021-09-28 |
ES2734074T3 (en) | 2019-12-04 |
MX2013002827A (en) | 2013-07-29 |
EP2616746A2 (en) | 2013-07-24 |
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