U.S. patent application number 12/885083 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-22 for hybrid heat exchanger apparatus and method of operating the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to EVAPCO, INC.. Invention is credited to Thomas W. BUGLER, III, Davey J. Vadder.
Application Number | 20120067546 12/885083 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45816672 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120067546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BUGLER, III; Thomas W. ; et
al. |
March 22, 2012 |
HYBRID HEAT EXCHANGER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE
SAME
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.
Inventors: |
BUGLER, III; Thomas W.;
(Frederick, MD) ; Vadder; Davey J.; (Westminster,
MD) |
Assignee: |
EVAPCO, INC.
Taneytown
MD
|
Family ID: |
45816672 |
Appl. No.: |
12/885083 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/59 ; 165/158;
165/159; 165/181; 165/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 1/0417 20130101;
Y02B 30/54 20130101; F28D 1/0461 20130101; F28D 1/05316 20130101;
F28D 3/02 20130101; F24F 5/0035 20130101; F28D 5/02 20130101; F28D
1/0477 20130101; F28C 1/14 20130101; F28C 1/16 20130101; F28C
2001/145 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/59 ; 165/60;
165/158; 165/181; 165/159 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/00 20060101
F24F007/00; F28F 9/24 20060101 F28F009/24; F28F 1/20 20060101
F28F001/20; F24F 3/14 20060101 F24F003/14; F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02 |
Claims
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.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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 in FIGS.
1 and 2. The heat exchanger 2 includes a container 4, a heat
exchanger device 6, a cooling water distribution system 8, an air
flow mechanism such as a fan assembly 10 as illustrated and a
controller 12. The container 4 has a top wall 4a, a bottom wall 4b
and a plurality of side walls 4c. The plurality of side walls 4c
are connected to each other and connected to the top wall 4a and
the bottom wall 4b to form a generally box-shaped chamber 14. The
chamber 14 has a water basin chamber portion 14a, an exit chamber
portion 14b and a central chamber portion 14c. The water basin
portion 14a is defined by the bottom wall 4b and lower portions of
the side walls 4c. The water basin portion 14a contains evaporative
cooling water CW. The exit chamber portion 14b is defined by the
top wall 4a and upper portions of the side walls 4c. The central
chamber portion 14c is defined between and among central portions
of the connected side walls 4c and is positioned between the water
basin chamber portion 14a and the exit chamber portion 14b. The top
wall 4a is formed with an air outlet 16. The air outlet 16 is in
fluid communication with the exit chamber portion 14b. Also, for
this particular conventional heat exchanger 2, each one of the side
walls 4c is formed with an air inlet 18 in communication with the
central chamber portion 14c. A plurality of louver modules 20 are
mounted to the side walls 4c in the respective the air inlets 18.
The plurality of louver modules 20 are disposed adjacent to and
above the water basin chamber portion 14a and are operative to
permit ambient air, represented as Cold Air IN arrows, to enter
into the central chamber portion 14c.
[0003] The heat exchanger device 6 is disposed in and extends
across the central chamber portion 14c adjacent to and below the
exit chamber portion 14b. The heat exchanger device 6 is operative
to convey a hot fluid, represented as a Hot Fluid IN arrow,
therethrough from a hot 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 the heat
exchanger device 6 as cold fluid, represented as a Cold Fluid OUT
arrow. Although a single heat exchanger device 6 can be used in any
conventional heat exchanger 2, this heat exchanger device 6
includes a conventional first heat exchanger component 6a and a
conventional second heat exchanger component 6b juxtaposed and in
fluid communication with the first heat exchanger component 6a.
Also, in the alternative, a conventional heat exchanger 2 might
have a heat exchanger device 6 with a first heat exchanger
component 6b and a second heat exchanger component 6b that are
fluidically isolated from one another. A connector pipe 22
interconnects the first and second heat exchanger components 6a and
6b so that the first heat exchanger component 6a and the second
heat exchanger component 6b are in serial fluid communication with
one another. However, the first heat exchanger component 6a and the
second heat exchanger component 6b can be connected in parallel
fluid communication with one another or, alternatively, the first
heat exchanger component 6a and the second heat exchanger component
6b can be disconnected from one another and are then considered in
fluid isolation from one another.
[0004] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, both the first and second heat
exchanger components 6a and 6b are tube structures. The first heat
exchanger device 6a is a single, continuous tube 34 having a
serpentine configuration with straight tube sections 34a having a
plurality of fins 36 depicted by the vertical dashes. The tube
structure of the second heat exchanger device 6b includes a
plurality of straight bare tube sections 34a, i.e, tube sections
without fins, in a straight-through configuration that interconnect
an inlet header box 44a and a outlet header box 44b.
[0005] The cooling water distribution system 8 includes a water
distribution manifold 24 that extends across the central chamber
portion 14c and is disposed above and adjacent to the heat
exchanger device 6. In a Pump ON state, a pump 26 is operative for
pumping the evaporative cooling water CW from the water basin
chamber portion 14a to and through the water distribution manifold
24. Thus, the evaporative cooling water CW is distributed onto the
heat exchanger device 6 as represented by the water droplets 28 in
FIG. 2. When the water droplets 28 rain downwardly onto the heat
exchanger device 6 and into the water basin chamber portion 14a,
the conventional heat exchanger 2 is in a WET mode as illustrated
in FIG. 2. Correspondingly, with the pump is in a Pump OFF state,
no water droplets 28 rain downwardly and, thus, the heat exchanger
2 is in a DRY mode as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0006] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling water
distribution system 8 includes a plurality of spray nozzles 30. The
spray nozzles 30 are connected to and are in fluid communication
with the water distribution manifold 24 so that the pump 26 pumps
the evaporative cooling water CW to the water distribution manifold
24 and through the spray nozzles 30. However, one of ordinary skill
in the art would appreciate that in lieu of spray 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.
[0007] Furthermore, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 2 includes
an eliminator structure 32 that extends across the chamber 14 and
is disposed between the water distribution manifold 24 and the air
outlet 16. The eliminator structure 32 is positioned in a manner
such that the exit chamber portion 14b of the chamber 14 is
disposed above the eliminator structure 32 and the central chamber
portion 14c of the chamber 14 is disposed below the eliminator
structure 32.
[0008] In a Fan ON state shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2, the fan
assembly 10 is operative for causing the ambient air represented by
the Cold Air IN arrows to flow through the heat exchanger 2 from
the air inlet 18, across the heat exchanger device 6 and the water
distribution manifold 24 and through the air outlet 16. Shown in
FIG. 1, in the DRY mode, hot dry air represented by the Hot Dry Air
Out arrow flows out of the air outlet 16. Shown in FIG. 2, in the
WET mode, hot humid air represented by Hot Humid Air Out arrow
flows out of the air outlet 16. As known in the art, the fan
assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an induced draft system to
induce the ambient air to flow through the container 4 as
illustrated.
[0009] The controller 12 is operative to selectively energize or
de-energize the cooling water distribution system 8 and the fan
assembly 10 by automatically or manually switching the cooling
water distribution system 8 and the fan assembly 10 between their
respective ON states and an OFF states in order to cause the heat
exchanger 2 to operate in either the WET mode or the DRY mode. The
controller 12 might be an electro-mechanical device, a
software-operated electronic device or even a human operator. In
FIG. 1, for the heat exchanger 2 to be in the DRY mode, the
controller 12 switches the fan assembly 10 to the Fan ON state and
switches the pump 26 to the Pump OFF state. In FIG. 2, for the heat
exchanger 2 to be in the WET mode, the controller 12 switches the
fan assembly 10 to the Fan ON state and switches the pump 26 to the
Pump ON state. More particularly, in the WET mode, both the fan
assembly 10 and the cooling water distribution system 8 are
energized resulting in the ambient air (Cold Air IN arrows) flowing
through the heat exchanger device 6 and the evaporative cooling
water CW being distributed onto and across the heat exchanger
device 6 to generate the hot humid air (Hot Humid Air OUT arrow in
FIG. 2) that exits through the air outlet 16. And, in the DRY mode,
only the fan 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 the heat exchanger device 6,
without the evaporative cooling water CW being distributed onto and
across the heat exchanger device 6, to generate hot dry air (Hot
Dry Air OUT arrow in FIG. 1) that subsequently exits through the
air outlet 16.
[0010] Typically, during the summer months, the heat exchanger 2
operates in the WET mode and, during the winter months, the heat
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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] 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.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide a hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus that conserves water by enhanced dry
cooling capabilities.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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:
[0018] 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;
[0019] 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
[0020] mixing the hot humid air and the hot dry air together to
form a hot air mixture thereof.
[0021] 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:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional heat
exchanger operating in a dry mode.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional heat
exchanger operating in a wet mode.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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 in FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0041] 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.
[0042] A first exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 100 of the present invention is hereinafter described
with reference to FIGS. 3-5. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the hybrid heat
exchanger apparatus 100 includes a first cooling water distribution
system 8a and a second cooling water distribution system 8b. The
first cooling water distribution system 8a has a first water
distribution manifold 24a that extends partially across the central
chamber portion 14c and is disposed above and adjacent to the first
heat exchanger component 6a. The first cooling water distribution
system 8a also has a first pump 26a that is operative for pumping
the evaporative cooling water CW from the water basin chamber
portion 14a to and through the first water distribution manifold
24a. As a result, the spray nozzles 30a spray the evaporative
cooling water CW thereby the evaporative cooling water CW is
distributed onto the first heat exchanger component 6a.
Correspondingly, the second cooling water distribution system 8b
has a second water distribution manifold 24b that extends partially
across the central chamber portion 14c and is disposed above and
adjacent to the second heat exchanger component 6b. The second
cooling water distribution system 8b also has a second pump 26b
that is operative for pumping the evaporative cooling water CW from
the water basin chamber portion 14a to and through the water
distribution manifold 24a. As a result, the evaporative cooling
water CW is sprayed from the spray nozzles 30b and thus the
evaporative cooling water CW is distributed onto the second heat
exchanger component 6b. Note that the first and second cooling
water distribution systems 8a and 8b operate independently of one
another and, other than pumping evaporative cooling water CW from
the water basin chamber portion 14a, are otherwise considered in
fluid isolation from one another. Also, the first pump 26a and the
first water distribution manifold 24a are in selective fluid
communication with one another and the second pump 26b and the
second water distribution manifold 24b are in selective fluid
communication with one another.
[0043] A controller (not shown but illustrated for example purposes
in FIGS. 1 and 2) is operative for causing the hybrid heat
exchanger apparatus 100 to operate in either a DRY mode as
illustrated in FIG. 3, a WET mode as illustrated in FIG. 4 and a
HYBRID WET/DRY mode as illustrated in FIG. 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 the pumps 26a and 26b and the 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 the pumps 26a and 26b and the fan
assembly 10. As a result, rather than illustrating a controller,
the ON and OFF states of the pumps 26a and 26b and the fan assembly
10 are illustrated.
[0044] In the DRY mode illustrated in FIG. 3, only the fan assembly
10 is energized in the ON state while both of the cooling water
distribution systems 8a and 8b are de-energized, i.e., in the OFF
states. As a result, the ambient air represented as the Cold Air IN
arrows flows across the first heat exchanger component 6a and the
second heat exchanger component 6b device without the evaporative
cooling water CW being distributed onto and across the first and
second heat exchanger components 6a and 6b. In this manner, hot dry
air represented as the Hot Dry Air OUT arrow is generated that
subsequently exits through the air outlet 16.
[0045] In the WET mode illustrated in FIG. 4, the fan assembly 10
and both of the cooling water distribution systems 8a and 8b are
energized in their respective ON states. As a result, the ambient
air represented as the Cold Air IN arrows flows across respective
ones of the first heat exchanger component 6a and the second heat
exchanger component 6b and the evaporative cooling water CW is
distributed onto and across the first and second heat exchanger
components 6a and 6b to generate hot humid air as represented as
the Hot Humid Air OUT arrow that subsequently exits through the air
outlet 16.
[0046] In the HYBRID WET/DRY mode, the fan assembly 10 and the
cooling water distribution system 8a are energized in their ON
states while the cooling water distribution system 8b is
de-energized, i.e., in its OFF state. As a result, the cooling
water distribution system 8a distributes evaporative cooling water
CW across and onto the first heat exchanger component 6a in a
manner to wet the first heat exchanger component 6a while the
second heat exchanger component 6b is dry. Simultaneously
therewith, the fan assembly 10 causes the ambient air represented
as the Cold Air IN arrows to flow across the first heat exchanger
component 6a to generate HOT HUMID AIR from the ambient air
represented as the Cold Air IN arrows flowing across the wet first
heat exchanger component 6a and HOT DRY AIR from the ambient air
represented as the Cold Air IN arrows flowing across the dry second
heat exchanger component 6b. Thereafter, the HOT HUMID AIR and the
HOT DRY AIR mix together to form a HOT AIR MIXTURE that
subsequently exits through the air outlet 16 as represented by the
HOT AIR MIXTURE OUT arrow. The HOT HUMID AIR and the HOT DRY AIR
also flow through the eliminator structure 32, into the exit
chamber portion 14b and through the fan assembly 10 before exiting
the air outlet 16.
[0047] 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 the fan assembly 10.
Additional mixing, if desired, can also be achieved as discussed
hereinbelow.
[0048] By way of example only and not by way of limitation, each
one of the first and second heat exchanger components 6a and 6b is
a tubular structure which is represented in the drawing figures as
a single, 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 in FIGS. 3-5 that has straight tube
sections 34a and return bend sections 34b. Although not by way of
limitation but by example only, straight tube section 34a has a
plurality of fins 36 connected thereto to form a finned tube
structure.
[0049] A second exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 200 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6-8. The
hybrid heat exchanger apparatus 200 includes a partition 38. The
partition 38 vertically divides the heat exchanger device 6 so
that, when the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus 200 is in the HYBRID
WET/DRY mode as shown in FIG. 8, the wet first heat exchanger
component 6a and the dry heat exchanger component 6b are
delineated. Specifically, the partition 38 is disposed between the
first water distribution manifold section 24a and the second water
distribution manifold section 24b and between the first heat
exchanger component 6a and the second heat exchanger component 6b.
As depicted in FIG. 8, when the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus 200
is in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode, a first operating zone Z1 in the
central chamber portion 14c and a second operating zone of the
central chamber portion 14c are delineated. The first operating
zone Z1 of the central chamber portion 14c has a horizontal first
operating zone width WZ1 and the second operating zone Z2 of the
central chamber portion 14c has a horizontal second operating zone
width WZ2. By way of example only for the second exemplary
embodiment of the hybrid heat 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.
[0050] For the second exemplarly embodiment of the hybrid heat
exchanger apparatus 200, the first heat exchanger component 6a is a
conventional finned tube structure as discussed above and the
second heat exchanger component 6b is has a tube structure formed
with a plurality of straight tube sections 34a in a conventional
header-box configuration. Each one of the straight tube sections
34a are bare tubes in that there are no fins connected to the
straight tube sections 34a.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the cooling water distribution
system 8 includes a valve 40 that is interposed in the water
distribution manifold 24 that divides the water distribution
manifold 24 into the first water distribution manifold section 24a
and the second water distribution manifold section 24b being in
selective fluid communication with the first water distribution
manifold section 24a. Again, a controller is not shown in FIGS. 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 the valve 40 to and between a Valve OPENED state
and a Valve CLOSED state as reflected by the legend on FIGS. 6-8.
With the valve 40 disposed between the first water distribution
manifold section 24a and the second water distribution manifold
section 24b, when the valve 40 is in the Valve OPENED state as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second water distribution
manifold sections 24a and 24b respectively are in fluid
communication with one another. In FIG. 6 with the hybrid heat
exchanger apparatus 200 in the DRY mode, the valve 40 might also be
in the Valve CLOSED state because the pump 26 is in the Pump OFF
state. As a result, both the first and second operating zones Z1
and Z2 respectively are dry. In FIG. 7 with the hybrid heat
exchanger apparatus 200 in the WET mode, the valve 40 is in the
Valve OPENED state and the pump 26 is in the Pump ON state. As a
result, both the first and second operating zones Z1 and Z2
respectively are wet. In FIG. 8 with the hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 200 in a HYBRID WET/DRY mode, the valve 40 is in the
Valve CLOSED state and the pump 26 is in the Pump ON state. When
the valve 40 is in the Valve CLOSED state, the first water
distribution manifold section 24a and the second water distribution
manifold section 24b 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 hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 200 can operate in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode.
[0052] A third exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 300 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 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 hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 200 discussed above. By way of example
only and not by way of limitation, the hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 300 includes a mixing baffle structure 42. The mixing
baffle structure 42 extends across the chamber 14 in the exit
chamber portion 14b thereof. As best shown in FIG. 12, the mixing
baffle 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 the
air outlet 16.
[0053] For the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus 300 illustrated in
FIGS. 9-11, the heat exchanger device 6 includes the first heat
exchanger component 6a and the second heat exchanger component 6b,
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 in
FIGS. 9-11 of the present invention, the heat exchanger device 6
includes a conventional first fill material structure 6a1 and a
conventional second fill material structure 6b1, both of which
being fabricated from the fill media. The first heat exchange
component 6a and the first fill material structure 6a1 are
vertically arranged with one on top of the other and the second
heat exchanger component 6b and the second fill material structure
6b1 are vertically arranged with one on top of the other. More
specifically, by way of example only and not by way of limitation,
the first heat exchange component 6a is vertically positioned above
the first fill material structure 6a1 and the second heat exchanger
component 6b is vertically positioned above the second fill
material structure 6b1.
[0054] 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 the pumps 26a and 26b to achieve the
DRY mode, the WET mode and the HYBRID WET/DRY mode of the hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus of the present invention as discussed
hereinabove.
[0055] A fourth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 400 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode
is shown in FIG. 12. The heat exchanger device 6 is conventional
and is a single unit, i.e., the heat exchanger device 6 does not
include a first heat exchanger component and a second heat
exchanger component. The heat exchanger device 6 includes a
plurality of straight tube sections 34a with each straight tube
section having fins 36. As the HOT FLUID flows through this
single-unit heat exchanger device 6, the HOT FLUID as the Hot Fluid
IN flows into an inlet header box 44a, then through the plurality
of the finned, straight tube sections 34a and thereafter into an
outlet header box 44b as the Cold Fluid OUT. Thus, this tube
structure is a straight-through configuration.
[0056] 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 hybrid heat exchanger apparatus 400, only the fan assembly 10
and the first cooling water distribution system 6a are energized
such that only the first cooling water distribution system 26a
distributes evaporative cooling water CW across and onto the
single-unit heat exchanger device 6 in a manner to wet a portion of
the heat exchanger device 6 in the first operating zone Z1 while a
remaining portion of the heat exchanger device 6 is dry in the
second operating zone Z2. Simultaneously therewith, the fan
assembly 10 in the Fan ON state causes the ambient air illustrated
as the Cold Air IN arrows to flow across the heat 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 the
heat 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 the heat
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 hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 400 through the air outlet 16.
[0057] A fifth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 500 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode
is shown in FIG. 13. The heat exchanger device 6 is conventional
and includes the first heat exchanger component 6a and the second
heat exchanger component 6b as a finned, serpentine tube
structures. In this fifth exemplary embodiment, the first heat
exchanger component 6a and the second heat exchanger component 6b
are in parallel fluid communication with one another. As the HOT
FLUID flows through this heat exchanger device 6, the HOT FLUID as
the Hot Fluid IN flows into the inlet header box 44a, then through
each one of the first and second heat exchanger components 6a and
6b respectively and thereafter into the outlet header box 44b 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 first heat
exchanger component 6a and the second heat exchanger component 6b
employs bare tubes formed in a serpentine configuration and are
serially connected together.
[0058] A sixth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 600 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode
is shown in FIG. 14. Each one of the first heat exchanger component
6a and the second heat exchanger component 6b is conventional and
employs a single, continuous, bare tube 34 formed in a serpentine
configuration. The first heat exchanger component 6a and the second
heat exchanger component 6b are serially connected together.
[0059] A seventh exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 700 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode
is shown in FIG. 15. The first and second water distribution
systems 8a and 8b respectfully are like the ones discussed for the
first exemplary embodiment of the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus
100. Note, however, that the first heat exchanger component 6a and
the second heat exchanger component 6b are in fluid isolation from
one another.
[0060] An eighth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 800 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode
is shown in FIG. 16. Rather than an induced-draft fan assembly 10
as represented in FIGS. 1-15 shown mounted to the container 4
adjacent the air outlet 16, a fan assembly 110, sometimes referred
to as a forced draft system, is mounted at the air inlet 18 as an
alternative air flow mechanism. Thus, rather than an induced draft
system as represented in FIGS. 1-15, the hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 800 is considered a forced draft system.
[0061] 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 the heat 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 the heat
exchanger device 6 in a manner to wet a portion of the heat
exchanger device 6 (for instance, in FIG. 12) while allowing a
remaining portion of the heat exchanger device 6 to be dry (for
instance, in FIG. 12). Step 12 causes ambient air (represented as
the Cold Air IN arrows) to flow across the heat exchanger device 6
to generate HOT HUMID AIR from the ambient air flowing across the
wet portion of the heat exchanger device 6 in the first operating
zone Z1 and HOT DRY AIR from the ambient air flowing across the
remaining dry portion of the heat 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 the partition 38 that would
extend vertically between the wet portion of the heat exchanger
device 6 and the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device
6.
[0062] 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 in FIG. 5 might appear
exteriorly of the heat exchanger apparatus without departing from
the spirit of the invention.
[0063] 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 the fan
assembly 10 or 110 for causing ambient air represented as the Cold
Air IN arrows to flow across the heat exchanger device 6. The
cooling water distribution system 8 distributes evaporative cooling
water CW onto the heat exchanger device 6 in a manner to wet a
portion of the heat exchanger device 6 (for example, operating zone
Z1 in FIG. 12) while allowing a remaining portion of the heat
exchanger device 6 to be dry (for example, operating zone Z2 in
FIG. 12). As best shown in FIG. 13, the mixing baffle 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
the fan assembly 10 of the induced draft system. Thus, it may not
be necessary to add the mixing baffle 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 the
container 14.
[0064] A ninth exemplary embodiment of a hybrid heat exchanger
apparatus 900 of the present invention in the HYBRID WET/DRY mode
is illustrated in FIG. 18. By way of example only, the hybrid heat
exchanger apparatus 900 includes a conventional first heat
exchanger component 6a that incorporates a combination of straight
tube sections 34a with fins 36 and bare tube sections 34a, i.e,
without fins and a conventional second heat exchanger component 6b
that has all bare tube sections 34a. Note that the partition 38 is
disposed between the first heat exchanger component 6a and the
second heat exchanger component 6b, between first water
distribution manifold 24a and the second water distribution
manifold 24b and between a first eliminator structure section 32a
and a second eliminator structure 32b and terminates in contact
with the top wall 4a of the container 4. In effect, the partition
38 acts as an isolating panel that isolates the HOT HUMID AIR and
the HOT DRY AIR from one another inside the heat exchanger
apparatus 900.
[0065] Further, the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus 900 includes a
first fan assembly 10a and a second fan assembly 10b. The first fan
assembly 10a causes the ambient air to flow across the first heat
exchanger component 6a to generate the HOT HUMID AIR from the
ambient air flowing across the wetted first heat exchanger
component 6a. The second fan assembly 10b causes the ambient air to
flow across the second heat exchanger component 6b to generate the
HOT DRY AIR from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry
portion of the second heat exchanger component 6b. 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,
the first fan assembly 10a exhausts the HOT HUMID AIR from the
hybrid heat exchanger apparatus 900 and second fan assembly 10b
exhausts the HOT DRY AIR from the hybrid heat exchanger apparatus
900.
[0066] 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 10a under the appropriate atmospheric
conditions. In brief, although the ninth embodiment of the hybrid
heat exchanger apparatus 900 might not abate plume P, it does
conserve water.
[0067] 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 hybrid heat 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
* * * * *