Novel Heat Exchanger Design for Enhanced Air Cooling

There is a well-recognized need to broadly decrease the amount of water used for evaporative (wet) cooling in many applications, especially in power generation, but also in emerging cutting-edge technologies, such as data and supercomputing centers. The main challenge in dry cooling using ambient air is the inevitable temperature difference between the air and the heat transfer fluid. This need for decreasing water utilization in cooling is especially pressing and relevant in solar-rich but arid regions, such as the U.S. Southwest.

 

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel heat exchanger design that significantly enhances air cooling efficiency. The unique design addresses the stagnant air boundary layer near heat exchange surfaces and mechanical fouling that decrease performance. Because the heat transfer coefficient is enhanced, improved cooling in a smaller footprint vs stationary heat exchangers is enabled. Further, dry cooling in situations where evaporative cooling would typically be needed can be realized. This compact design eliminates the need for fans while also providing self-cleaning capabilities to mitigate dust fouling.

 

This novel and compact heat exchanger design reduces temperature feedback loops and extends dry air-cooling capabilities while achieving higher heat transfer coefficients.