Open Source Desiccant-Humidifier Cycle Based Liquid Chiller
From Open Source Ecology
Baics
- OSE's Design for a Dessicant-Humidifier Cycle Refrigeration based Hydronic Cooling system
- May be possible to control it in a "dumb" system (ie just turn the power on/off) since the pumps would be self priming, and the fans can be turned off/on easily, and everything should be using AC power all linking to a single "power bar".
Basic Design
Base/Frame
- Bolt Everything Down on Plywood?
- Could also use PVC Piping to make tripods of sorts? (if not glued, this could allow for a portable unit of sorts?
Modular Air-Liquid Contactor
- Essentially a 4in PVC Pipe, Filled with "Bio Balls"
- A submersible pump is in a sump at the base of the tower
- A y fitting is used to attach a fan allowing for forced counterflow air
- The return hose from the submersible pump is placed near the top, amongst some bioballs
- The hose is then covered to stop mist/salt dust from escaping the top with the gas stream
Liquid Heat Exchanger
- Exchanges The "Closed Loop" liquid dessicant with the "Open Loop" humidifier-cooler, as well as with the final Hydronic Cooling System
BOM
Column Packing
- Should be simpler than a Spray Tower system due to it's "open" nature (even if in a sealed+clean container, it doesn't have a sealed pressurized liquid tube)
- Bioballs would work and are inexpensive
- Stainless Steel Scrubbers based packing would work as well (would a conductive packing offer any advantages over thermally insulative plastic? )
Fans
Power Distribution
- The fans will run on AC power, so a "power bar" style surge protector should suffice
Pumps
- "Fountain Pumps" usually go for ~20-50 usd each (need to determine GPH flow needed/diminishing returns on higher flow?)
PVC Pipe
- 4in PVC Pipe seems like the largest size at the local "Home Depot" store
PVC Pipe Fittings
- Will need a Y fitting at the base to have the sump seperated from the air inlet
- Also want caps for the sump
- Any fittings for the tops?
CAD
Internal Links
External Links
