Gas-liquid Contactor Patents (Class 165/60)
  • Patent number: 11454449
    Abstract: A heat exchanger cooling system includes: a passage extending from a water tank and branching off into a first passage and a second passage at a branch portion provided in the middle of extension of the passage, the passage including a water discharge portion provided on a distal end side of the first passage so as to face a radiator; a pump configured to send water into the passage from the water tank; a first opening-closing valve provided in the first passage and configured to open and close the first passage; a second opening-closing valve provided in the second passage and configured to open and close the second passage; and a controlling portion configured to control an operation of the pump and to control opening and closing of the first opening-closing valve and the second opening-closing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masakatsu Tsubouchi, Katsuya Komaki
  • Patent number: 11229143
    Abstract: A liquid-cooling heat dissipation system capable of regulating water quality includes a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a heat exchange unit, a sensation unit, a water quality regulating unit for containing and releasing an agent and a control unit. The heat exchange unit has a heat exchanger, a first pump and a mating opening connected with the water quality regulating unit. The sensation unit detects the pH value of a first working liquid and transmits a sensation signal to the control unit. The control unit compares the sensation signal with a preset pH value range to generate and transmit a comparison result to an external interface, whereby the water quality regulating unit is manually controlled to release the agent or not. Alternatively, according to the comparison result, the control unit automatically controls the water quality regulating unit to release the agent or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung-Wei Lee
  • Patent number: 11226123
    Abstract: An inductive-humidification and evaporative-cooling ventilation system comprising: means for generating a flow of air; a channel for conveying said flow of air, said channel comprising a plurality of inductive holes for transferring said flow of air into the environment, said channel further comprising at least one outflow mouth for expelling said flow of air, which has a three-dimensional structure open both at the back and at the front, and a fluid-thread straightener set at the rear end of said at least one outflow mouth, which recalls a flow of air from the environment surrounding said channel; and at least one humidification device for introducing nebulised water into the environment; wherein said at least one humidification device is set within said at least one diffusion mouth, and said plurality of holes are arranged in a number of rows aligned longitudinally along the ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: AERIS GROUP HOLDING S.R.L.
    Inventor: Eros Nani
  • Patent number: 10948223
    Abstract: A mission critical facility is an enclosed space whose failure can bring a significant loss to a business. An example of a mission critical facility is a data center which usually comprises computers, servers, storage equipment, networking equipment, telecom equipment and associated electrical components working 24/7. The electrical components in the data center produce a lot of heat that requires removal from the enclosed space by using an air conditioning system. This invention includes a fluid cooling apparatus that cools the enclosed space using optimum power and water consumptions. The enclosed space can be a mission critical facility including but not limited to a data center. The disclosed fluid cooling apparatus offers low power and water consumption by combining a mechanical cooling system with an evaporative fluid cooling system in one single apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Maryam Tolouei Asbforoushani, Raghuveer H Vaddarse Subbarama
  • Patent number: 10543731
    Abstract: A system for decreasing the response time of a vehicle heating ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system is described. A fan circulates air through a HVAC casing. Circulating air through the HVAC casing creates a high-pressure zone within the HVAC casing. A thermal expansion valve is located outside of the HVAC casing. An outlet port is located on the HVAC casing to allow air to be ported from the high-pressure zone toward the thermal expansion valve. Air ported from the high-pressure zone may be directed toward the thermal expansion valve by a nozzle. The air increases the temperature of the thermal expansion valve and allows additional refrigerant to flow through the thermal expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Gruenberg, Jianqing Xu, Shahid Bashir
  • Patent number: 9587893
    Abstract: A system and a method for promoting improved air flow through a cooling tower and reduced inner air pressure losses caused by rain in the rain zone of a cooling tower. Aerodynamic modules are mounted on the lower edge of the cooling tower shell in order to deflect the downward-flowing air about the lower edge of the tower shell and into the rain zone. The aerodynamic modules can be modularly mounted, can be replaced, and do not affect the statics of the tower shell. Aerodynamic modules can also be built on the base area to deflect the incoming air over any obstacles. Troughs or dripping elements can also promote flow by reducing the rain falling in an outer area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Pery Bogh, Peter Graf, Klemens Fisch
  • Patent number: 9339786
    Abstract: The packing includes a pile of plates having corrugations forming a succession of positive and negative edges, each edge comprising fins, each fin being made up of at least one band cut out in one of the plates and remaining secured to the plate on at least one side, the band being deformed so as to create an orifice forming a discontinuity on the surface of the plate, wherein the direction of the edges of a plate forms a non-zero angle with respect to the direction of the edges of an adjacent plate. Each plate has at least one longitudinal zone parallel to one lip of the plate where the edges have no orifice, the zones being positioned in such a way that two adjacent plates have their zone one above the other so as to form at least one point of contact between a positive edge and a negative edge of the two adjacent plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Raphael Gonnot, Mickael Mejean
  • Patent number: 9333480
    Abstract: The packing includes a pile of plates having corrugations forming a succession of channels comprising fins, each fin being made up of at least one band cut out in one of the plates and remaining secured to the plate on at least one side, the band being deformed so as to create an orifice forming a discontinuity on the surface of the plate, wherein the direction of the channels of a plate forms a non-zero angle with respect to the direction of the edges of an adjacent plate. Finally, the lengths of the fins of a channel are different from those of the fins of a neighboring channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Raphael Gonnot, Mickael Mejean, Pascal Alix
  • Patent number: 9157457
    Abstract: A fan holder includes at least one frame, a first lateral plate, and a second lateral plate. The frame has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to each other, and the first side surface and the second side surface respectively have a positioning member and a slot. Each frame can be selectively combined with each other through the first side surface and the second side surface. The first lateral plate has a positioning trough, and the second lateral plate has a stopper. The first lateral plate and the second lateral plate are detachably disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface respectively. The positioning member is interlocked with the positioning trough, and the stopper is inserted in the slot. The fan is disposed in the fan holder, and the fan holder is fixed to a case of an electronic device, so as to provide an air flow to cool the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih Jen Hou, Chi Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 9138761
    Abstract: An intermixing assembly for an evaporative air conditioner includes an elongated housing and a nozzle positioned in the housing. The housing has an inlet for receiving ambient air from a source thereof and an outlet. The nozzle is positioned adjacent the housing outlet and has a first inlet for connecting to a source of pressurized water; a second inlet for connecting to a source of pressurized air; and an outlet for dispensing the pressurized water and pressurized air and mixing them with the ambient air to form a mist near the housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Coolfactor, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Ritchie
  • Patent number: 8925543
    Abstract: A heating system for heating a fluid pipe in an industrial process system includes at least one gas tank fluidically connected to a first catalyst via a gas supply pipe. A first pipe heating zone is fluidically connected to the first catalyst via a first hot gas pipe. The first pipe heating zone has at least one passage extending along a first portion of the fluid pipe, in thermal contact with the fluid pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Aerojet Rocketdyne of DE, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Alfred Little
  • Patent number: 8901468
    Abstract: A heating system for hot water and conditioned air uses electromagnetic energy created by one or more magnetrons operated by high voltage transformers. The heating system includes oil cooled transformers and magnetrons. Using radiators in the form of heat exchangers, heat recovered from the transformers and magnetrons is dissipated directly into the path of the return air and the air handler blower. The magnetron heating system includes a coiled conduit sized to allow complete heating of the fluid flowing therethrough. The conduit has a conical shape to allow upper magnetrons to heat the outside of the conduit and lower magnetrons to heat the inside of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent A. Bravo
  • Publication number: 20140262145
    Abstract: A system for the recovery of heat from gases. A heat recovery system uses a wetted heat transfer surface to recover heat from a bulk gas, such as a flue gas. The system utilizes wetted heat transfer tubes which are sprayed in a manner to minimize the film thickness of the wetting on the heat transfer tubes. To improve efficiency, the contact liquid used to wet the heat transfer tubes is maintained at a temperature between the temperature of the exiting cooled gas and the temperature of the inlet (cool) process fluid to be heated. Such heat recovery system design criteria enhance performance, and thus enable more efficient heat recovery to be practiced, particularly in systems where combustion gases are encountered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DIRECT CONTACT, LLC
    Inventor: WILLLIAM D. CARSON
  • Publication number: 20140262144
    Abstract: A method of forming a membrane panel configured to be secured within an energy exchange assembly may include forming an outer frame defining a central opening, and integrating a membrane sheet with the outer frame. The membrane sheet spans across the central opening, and is configured to transfer one or both of sensible energy or latent energy therethrough. The integrating operation may include injection-molding the outer frame to edge portions of the membrane sheet. Alternatively, the integrating operation may include laser-bonding, ultrasonically bonding, heat-sealing, or the like, the membrane sheet to the outer frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VENMAR CES, INC
    Inventors: Blake Norman Erb, Stephen Hanson, Mohammad Afshin
  • Patent number: 8784529
    Abstract: Dehumidifiers having improved heat exchange blocks and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed. A heat exchange system in accordance with a particular embodiment can include a plurality of elements with a plurality of airflow channels. A plurality of peripheral spacers are positioned toward edges of neighboring elements and extend in a first direction. A first airflow path extends in the first direction, and is at least partially defined by the corresponding elements and the peripheral spacers. A second airflow path is defined by the airflow channels and extends in a second direction, and an airflow blocker is positioned at a corner portion of the elements to prevent fluid communication between the first and the second airflow paths at the elements. In certain embodiments, the heat exchange system can further include a dehumidifier having an evaporator positioned between the first and second airflow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dri-Eaz Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Black, Brett Bartholmey, Aaron Matthew Kiesser
  • Publication number: 20140116646
    Abstract: The primary object of the present invention is to provide a basis for the design and implementation of a heating and cooling system (air conditioning system) which will reduce energy consumption over the presently used systems, reduce equipment and installation cost, and reduce maintenance cost. The use of this invention can mostly be used (but not only) in any commercial or residential building requiring heating and cooling. This system allows heating and cooling with water-cooled, self-contained air conditioning units or heat pumps, served by 2-pipe or single pipe, viable without heat pump operation, and can utilize waterside economizer. The system eliminates the need of having separate condenser water and separate hot water piping connections to the self-contained terminal air conditioning units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Mario Viscovich, Peter Vasvari
  • Patent number: 8695374
    Abstract: A chemical heat pump includes a reactor part (1) that contains an active substance and an evaporator/condenser part (3) that contains that portion of volatile liquid that exists in a condensed state and can be absorbed by the active substance. A channel (4) interconnects the reactor part and the evaporator/condenser part, In at least the reactor part a matrix (13) is provided for the active substance so that the active substance both in its solid state and its liquid state or its solution phase is held or carried by or bonded to the matrix. The matrix is advantageously an inert material such as aluminum oxide and has pores, which are permeable for the volatile liquid and in which the active substance is located. In particular, a material can be used that has a surface or surfaces, at which the active substance can be bonded in the liquid state thereof. For example, the matrix can be a material comprising separate particles such as a powder or a compressed fiber material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Climatewell AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Ray Olsson, Göran Bolin
  • Patent number: 8651014
    Abstract: A fire containment system and method is disclosed. The fire containment system is designed to assist in temporarily containing a fire within a semi-enclosed space having an open side for operator access. An exhaust air blower exhausts air from the semi-enclosed space through an exhaust vent. An inlet air blower provides air to the semi-enclosed space through an inlet vent. In the case of a fire in the semi-enclosed space, the fire will be drawn away from the open side and toward the inlet vent due to the air supplied by the inlet air blower. The fire is thus encouraged to remain within the semi-enclosed space, allowing additional time for a fire suppression mechanism to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: C. Cretors & Company
    Inventors: Nenad Vidojevic, Gilbert J. Evers
  • Publication number: 20130298834
    Abstract: A liquid vaporizer is configured to vaporize a liquid reagent and mix the vaporized liquid reagent with a gaseous medium. The liquid vaporizer is equipped with a main vaporizer body having a mixed gas generating space, and a vaporizing unit disposed inside the mixed gas generating space. The vaporizing unit has a vaporizing unit main body having a vaporization surface and a net-shaped body formed in a planar shape by knitting wires regularly in a net-like shape. The net-shaped body forms a plurality of mesh spaces surrounded by the wires and arranged regularly in the in-plane direction. The vaporizing unit forms a plurality of liquid reagent supply spaces surrounded by the wires and the vaporization surface as a result of the net-shaped body and the vaporization surface being abutted against each other. The liquid reagent supply spaces are arranged regularly in the in-plane direction of the net-shaped body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Masayuki KOUKETSU, Hiroshi ITAFUJI
  • Patent number: 8388919
    Abstract: The present invention is based on the realization that the carbon dioxide component of industrial gas streams also containing steam can be processed so to utilize either as latent and/or sensible heat the heat available from the steam component to assist in separating carbon dioxide from the remainder of the gas stream. For example, flue gases produced by power stations burning brown coal, black coal or natural gas inherently contain a useful amount of energy that can be harnessed according to the present invention. According to particular preferred forms of the invention, nitrogen and sulphur constituent such as SOx and NOx, H2S and other nitrogen containing compounds may also be removed from the gas stream through direct contact with the absorbing medium and used to produce by-products such as fertilizer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: CO2CRC Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Barry Hooper, Geoff Stevens, Sandra Kentish
  • Patent number: 8302421
    Abstract: A personal air conditioning device cools and moistens environmentally hot and dry blower-forced air using water vaporization occurring on external surface of a hollow fiber micro-porous membrane while water or other liquid coolant is taken from a container by means of internal capillaries of hollow fiber tubes. The device is able to deliver the pre-cooled air flow over any desired body fragment, particularly under a protective vest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: EnerFuel, Inc.
    Inventor: Konstantin Korytnikov
  • Patent number: 8210506
    Abstract: The invention is a heat exchanger that transfers heat directly between fluids which are in direct contact with each other rather than being separated by a heat conductive wall. Gas and liquid exchange heat when the gas is moved into and through a mixing chamber, and is directed to form a high speed, forced vortex gas flow. The liquid is sprayed into the mixing chamber to form droplets traveling with and mixing with the vortex gas flow. As the gas and liquid droplets move through the mixing chamber together in the vortex flow, they exchange thermal energy by direct contact. The mixing chamber length is designed so that the gas and the liquid droplets approach thermal equilibrium as the gas-liquid mixture moves into a separation chamber. Within the separation chamber, the centrifugal force of the continuing vortex movement of the gas stream separates the liquid from the gas stream and forms a layer of liquid on the separation chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20120067546
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: EVAPCO, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas W. BUGLER, III, Davey J. Vadder
  • Publication number: 20120048508
    Abstract: A method of thermally cycling an object is provided which comprises alternately contacting the object with vapor from first and second liquid/vapor two-phase mixtures of a working fluid wherein the first mixture is at a higher temperature and pressure than the second mixture. An apparatus is also described which comprises a thermal chamber, a first reservoir comprising the first two-phase mixture, a second reservoir comprising the second two-phase mixture and conduits connecting the first reservoir and second reservoirs to the thermal chamber. The apparatus can be used to thermally cycle an object placed in the thermal chamber. An apparatus is also described which comprises a conduit connecting the vapor regions of the first and second reservoirs. The apparatus can be used to thermally cycle an object placed in the vapor region of the first reservoir. The object can comprise one or more layers of an electrically or magnetically polarizable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: THE NEOTHERMAL ENERGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Ahmet Erbil, David F. Walbert
  • Publication number: 20120037004
    Abstract: A system for purification of air in an inner space has a housing having air inlet unit and air outlet units; air filtering means located in the housing between the air inlet unit and the air outlet units; and vertical attachment attached to the air outlet units and extending vertically upwardly so that air enters the housing at a lower level through the air inlet units and leaves the system at an outlet of the attachment at a level substantially higher than the level of the inlet units and air conditioner located in said housing, a humidifier located in the vertical attachment, a water container for supplying water to said humidifier. The air conditioner is connected with the water container so that a spray of water from the air conditioner flows into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Gennady Ulunov
  • Publication number: 20120012277
    Abstract: A method for controlling performance of an MCM capable support surface having a flowpath for guiding a stream of air along at least a portion of the surface, comprises specifying a desired evaporative rate greater than an evaporative rate achievable with unconditioned ambient air, chilling the unconditioned ambient air to a temperature at least as low as that required to achieve 100% relative humidity, thereby demoisturizing the air, and supplying the chilled, demoisturized air to the flowpath. The method may also include the step of heating the chilled, demoisturized air prior to step of supplying it to the flowpath. A system for carrying out the method includes a microclimate management (MCM) capable support surface 22, a chiller 60 for cooling air to be delivered to the MCM capable surface, a user interface 42 for receiving instructions concerning desired microclimate management performance, and a controller 50, responsive to the instructions, for operating the chiller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Publication number: 20120001352
    Abstract: A cooling tower or, in alternate operation an evaporative condenser, is provided having a dry sensible or indirect heat exchange section and an evaporative heat exchange section. The dry sensible section includes a coil circuit through which a liquid to be cooled passes. The evaporative section is below the dry sensible section and may include a coil circuit or fill sheets. Modulating louvers are provided to allow the air flow and accordingly the evaporative loading to be varied between the dry sensible section and the evaporative section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas P. Carter, Kurt Geens
  • Patent number: 8043587
    Abstract: A reactor cools humidifies gases produced by combustion or the like. The reactor has a chamber with an inlet at a lower end to receive a flow of gas, and an outlet at a upper end. The gas flows in a generally upward direction through the reactor. The horizontal cross-section of the chamber increases with height and the flow velocity of the gas decreases as it flows upwardly. The reactor includes at least one device for injecting water droplets into the upper region of the chamber, counter to the gas flow. As the water droplets fall, they gradually evaporate and lose mass and encounter a counterflow of increasingly higher velocity and temperature until the force of the upwardly flowing gas is sufficient to reverse their flow and carry them in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Indigo Technologies Group Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Rodney John Truce, Mieczyslaw Adam Gostomczyk
  • Publication number: 20110174461
    Abstract: A header box, a furnace and a blocked condensation protection system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the header box includes: (1) a first channel having a first channel supply port positioned to be in fluid communication with an inlet of a combustion air blower and a first pressure port couplable to a first input of a pressure sensing device, the combustion air blower and the pressure sensing device associated with the cold end header box and (2) a second channel having a second channel supply port positioned to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the combustion air blower, a second pressure port couplable to a second input of the pressure sensing device and a pressure reference inlet, the second channel in fluid communication with the first channel and configured to have about a same pressure as the first channel when the pressure reference inlet is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn W. Kowald, Hans J. Paller
  • Patent number: 7976803
    Abstract: The present invention is based on the realization that the carbon dioxide component of industrial gas streams also containing steam can be processed so to utilize either as latent and/or sensible heat the heat available from the steam component to assist in separating carbon dioxide from the remainder of the gas stream. For example, flue gases produced by power stations burning brown coal, black coal or natural gas inherently contain a useful amount of energy that can be harnessed according to the present invention. According to particular preferred forms of the invention, nitrogen and sulphur constituent such as SOx and NOx, H2S and other nitrogen containing compounds may also be removed from the gas stream through direct contact with the absorbing medium and used to produce by-products such as fertilizer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: CO2CRC Technologies Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Hooper, Geoff Stevens, Sandra Kentish
  • Publication number: 20110120693
    Abstract: This invention is an integrated system comprised of a flat plate, air-to-air heat exchanger, ducting and controls, and an AZFlow™ direct evaporative cooler in configurations where the system is able to provide air that has been cooled well below the ambient wet-bulb to temperatures approaching the dew point. These include: A) a two stage cooler where one evaporative cooler performs the stage one cooling by direct evaporative cooling, of the ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: AZ EVAP, LLC
    Inventors: Larry L. Kammerzell, Donald L. Kammerzell
  • Patent number: 7946338
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air cooled condenser system that contains a steam-air heat exchanger (3) consisting of tubes (2) finned on the outside for the partial direct condensing of steam (1) with ambient air (4). This heat exchanger (3) receives the steam (1) from an upper distribution chamber (24) and ends in a lower chamber (25) which collects the condensate (8) and the steam (27) that has not yet condensed. The steam (22) not yet condensed in the steam-air heat exchanger (3) is condensed, in the steam-air section of the air cooled condenser, in a space operating as a direct contact condenser (9) by spraying water from the water-air cooling section (7) of the air cooled condenser, where the non-condensing gases are removed as well. The water (13) heated up in the direct contact condenser (9) is re-cooled in a water-air heat exchanger (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: EGI-Contracting Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zoltán Szabó
  • Publication number: 20110100594
    Abstract: A water separator and system includes a compressed air aftercooler and water/moisture separator with a demister core comprising a plurality of offset fins. In one embodiment, the compressed air aftercooler comprises a compressed air core having an aftercooler inlet, an aftercooler outlet at the bottom of the compressed air core, and one or more heat transfer passages. In one aspect, the system comprises a moisture separator substantially integral to the aftercooler. In another aspect, the system includes a first generally horizontal region beneath and adjacent to the aftercooler outlet; and an expansion zone adjacent to and in fluid communication with the first region, the expansion zone being configured to reduce the horizontal velocity of compressed air passing therethrough. In another aspect, the demister core is in fluid communication with the expansion zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: API HEAT TRANSFER INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J Galus, John Stromecki, Timothy Beechler
  • Publication number: 20110100593
    Abstract: A hybrid heat exchange apparatus for indirectly transferring heat between a process fluid and ambient air includes an evaporative heat transfer cell operative in a wet mode or a dry mode, a dry heat transfer cell and a fan. The air may bypass the dry heat transfer cell to flow through a first air passage or may flow through a second air passage through the dry heat transfer cell and in either event, then through the evaporative heat transfer cell. The air may partially flow through and partially bypass the dry heat transfer cell, and then through the evaporative heat transfer cell. The evaporative heat transfer cell optionally may include a direct contact evaporative heat exchanger. Manually or automatically controlling air flow based on ambient conditions provides efficient and economical control of the hybrid heat exchange apparatus, while avoiding problems in freezing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: EVAPCO, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. BENZ, Trevor H. HEGG, Thomas William BUGLER, III, Davey Joe VADDER
  • Publication number: 20110092890
    Abstract: A microclimate management sheet, for placing against a person's body, includes a flexible generally fluid impermeable first layer, a flexible generally fluid impermeable second layer with a gas permeable region for facing a patient's body. The first layer is joined with the second layer in a manner to form a chamber between the first layer and the second layer. An inlet operative to be in fluid communication with a supply of gas and in fluid communication with the chamber is provided for delivering a gas to the chamber, with the gas permeable region for directing the gas the patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin W. Stryker, Santoshkumar Balakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20110061832
    Abstract: A ground to air heat pump unit operable to receive a first working fluid and transfer heat between the first working fluid and a second working fluid. The ground to air heat pump unit is operable to return the first working fluid to a channel and further operable to return the second working fluid to a living space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Luther D. Albertson
  • Publication number: 20110042054
    Abstract: A thermodynamic cycle of refrigeration system for controlling heating and cooling in a room/storage consisting of compressor (1) circulating refrigerant which enters in the compressor (1) as vapor. The vapor is compressed and then exists the compressor superheated, the superheated vapor passes through the condenser (2) which first cools and removes the superheat. The vapor is condensed into a liquid by removing additional heat pressure and temperature by fan (5) across the condenser coil. The warm air in hot room passes through the condenser coil and gets heated up, this heat is absorbed by the products kept in hot room, the said liquid refrigerant goes through the expansion valve (3) when pressure suddenly drops down, flash evaporations takes place. The cold liquid vapor mixture then travels through the evaporation coil (4) and is vaporized by the cooling of the warm air by a fan (6) across the evaporation coil, the refrigerant vapor returns to the condenser inlet to repeat the cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Rajendra Vithal Ladkat
  • Publication number: 20110042471
    Abstract: The invention provides an indoor environment regulating system with excellent energy efficiency. The indoor environment regulating system of the invention is provided with an indoor surface structural member 300, 400 constructed of a material comprising a far-infrared emitting substance that emits and absorbs far-infrared rays and has a far-infrared emissivity of 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Takaharu Futaeda, Kouichi Takada, Shinsuke Fuwa
  • Publication number: 20110023506
    Abstract: The pre-cooler includes one or more cells which are oriented about an air stream to be cooled. A housing defines a perimeter of the cell with an inlet and outlet for air passing therethrough. Water outlet nozzles within the housing are preferably supported upon bars which orient the nozzles facing in a direction counter to flow of air through the housing. Each nozzle is coupled to a separate stage with multiple stages of nozzles coupled to separate valves. A controller opens or closes different valves. The controller measures ambient humidity and temperature conditions as well as air flow rates to calculate the amount of water to be added to the air and then opens appropriate numbers of stages of valves so that an appropriate number of nozzles spray water into the air to saturate the air. Flow rate control is thus provided without pressure variations, for optimal nozzle performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Michael S. Day, Calvin R. Wylie, Robert D. Penrod, Michael Bettencourt
  • Patent number: 7878231
    Abstract: The piping with a coolant inlet is provided with a partition wall within a body part. In the body part, a flow path having a U-turn region changing the flow direction of a coolant by about 180° degrees is defined. Much of the air contained in the coolant returning from a communicating hole to the body part floats up in a region leading to the U-turn region and is released from an inlet to the outside. By using this configuration, it is possible to provide a piping with a coolant inlet having a structure capable of efficiently releasing the air generated in a coolant circulation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Akiyama, Tomohiro Oono
  • Publication number: 20110011556
    Abstract: A water discharge system enhances heat transfer to the atmosphere by limiting the mixing of heated discharge water with the ambient water of a receiving water body. The heated water is maintained near the top surface of the receiving water body which increases the transfer of heat to the atmosphere as compared to a system where the discharge water is mixed quickly with the ambient water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: University of MA Medical Center
    Inventor: Daniel G. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20110011559
    Abstract: A method of introducing flue gas, from a flue stack in a steam-assisted production facility, into a heat exchanger. The flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline gas and produced gas. The method begins by cooling a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas in the heat exchanger to produce flue gas water. This flue gas water is then collected and removed as make-up water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Edward G. Latimer, Christopher R. Copeland, Ryan K. Davis, James Scinta, Dale L. Embry, David C. Lamont, Charles J. Murray, Ryan D. Donahe
  • Publication number: 20100314463
    Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for alternatively producing either artificial snow or heating or cooling, the equipment comprising: an artificial snow production installation including in particular a buried pressurized water network; at least one heat pump having a ground heat exchanger circuit; and a configuration system for either disconnecting the connection circuit of the heat pump from the buried water network of the artificial snow production installation during a stage of producing artificial snow, or else connecting the connection circuit to the water network of the artificial snow production installation during a stage of heat pump operation, either in heating mode or in cooling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Max Duplan
  • Publication number: 20100300649
    Abstract: A ventilation device and a controlling method of the same are provided. The ventilation device may include a humidifier having improved humidification efficiency and improved durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Tae Man Yang, Jeong Hun Kim, Hyung Ho Park
  • Publication number: 20100263829
    Abstract: In an induction emission air conditioning apparatus installed in a ceiling, it is provided within a casing with a heat exchanger through which a feed air introduced from an outdoor side passes, a fan passing the feed air through the air conditioning heat exchanger, and a heating and cooling unit 1 for blowing a mixed air obtained by inducing and suctioning the air in the room inside by using the feed air passing through the heat exchanger so as to mix with the feed air, into the room inside in a laminar manner, and emitting the heat of the mixed air to the room inside, integrally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Keiichi Kimura, Mitsuo Morita, Kazuyuki Kasahara, Katsuhiro Urano
  • Publication number: 20100170656
    Abstract: A hybrid water cooler for cooling water and air while heating water and storing heated water includes a refrigeration system, a first water tank, a water inlet and heat transfer unit for transferring heat from the refrigeration system into a portion of the water from the water inlet. The cooler also has a conduit for delivering heated water to a first insulated water tank and to a tap for drawing off heated water. In addition, the cooler has a water cooling system and a conduit for cooling a portion of the water from the water inlet and delivering the cooled water to a second water tank. A conduit is also provided for drawing water from the second water tank to a tap of cold water. Further, the cooler includes an air cooler that has a coil and a water pump for pumping cooled water through the coil plus a fan for blowing air across the coil to thereby cool the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Ali Alajimi
  • Publication number: 20100155019
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an evaporator and a loop heat pipe employing it. The evaporator includes a shell having an evaporation chamber and a compensation chamber defined therein, a partition being received in the shell and partitioning the evaporation chamber and the compensation chamber, and a wick structure being adhered to an inner wall of the shell corresponding to the evaporation chamber and extending through the partition and into the compensation chamber. The loop heat pipe includes the evaporator mentioned above, a pipe connecting two opposite ends of the evaporator to form a closed loop and a working medium contained in the closed loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicants: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi-Yong Zhou, Qiao-Li Ding, Hai-Bing Cao
  • Patent number: 7654307
    Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system is disclosed comprising an evaporative cooler in series with the conventional vapor compression system. The evaporative cooler comprises an array of dry channels and a contiguous array of wet channels. The primary air stream to be conditioned by the evaporator of the conventional air conditioning system is preconditioned by the evaporative cooler by lowering its dry bulb temperature without changing its absolute humidity. An evaporator core is supported downstream of the evaporative cooler for receiving the primary air from the dry channels and thereby produces liquid condensate. The system is distinguished by conducting the liquid condensate from the evaporator core to the wicking tank for use in the wet channels of the evaporative cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder Singh Bhatti, Ilya Reyzin, Kurt Dale Hollasch
  • Patent number: 7628197
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes for quenching a pyrolysis furnace effluent are provided. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon stream comprising gas and oil vapor can be quenched with a first quench water stream to form a mixed vapor-liquid stream. The mixed vapor-liquid stream can be fed to a water quench tower to separate the vapor and liquid. The separated vapor can be further quenched with a second quench water stream in the quench tower to form an overhead vapor product comprising light hydrocarbons. Water and liquid hydrocarbons can be collected from the quench tower in an oil-water separator. The liquid hydrocarbons can be recovered from the oil-water separator. Water can be recovered from the oil-water separator. A portion of the recovered water can be cooled. The cooled water can be recycled to the first and second quench water streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Vijender Kumar Verma
  • Publication number: 20090289461
    Abstract: A wind energy converter includes a wind turbine and a climate control mechanism operable as a dehumidifying mechanism for separating and removing humidity from air within one or more areas of the wind turbine. The climate control mechanism includes at least one cooling device for condensing humidity as well as at least one drain device for draining condensed water from the one or more areas being dehumidified. The wind energy converter includes a cooling flow mechanism for providing a flow of a cooling liquid to the at least one cooling device, thereby providing a heat sink for the cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Gerner Larsen