A common method of condensing vapors is to use evaporative condensers that combine the functions of a shell and tube water cooled condenser and a cooling tower into a single unit. This arrangement saves space and eliminates condenser water piping and pumps. They work by spraying water on a horizontal tube bundle and drawing air through it to cool and condense the vapor inside the tubes into liquid. My invention envisages the vapor to be in the shell and air or a mixture of air and water flowing inside the tubes. It works in several different modes, by selectively using the attached modules. This innovative arrangement saves water and energy, while maintaining high thermal efficiency.

A common method of condensing vapors is to use evaporative condensers that combine the functions of a shell and tube water cooled condenser and a cooling tower into a single unit. This arrangement saves space and eliminates condenser water piping and pumps. They work by spraying water on a horizontal tube bundle and drawing air through it to cool and condense the vapor inside the tubes into liquid. My invention envisages the vapor to be in the shell and air or a mixture of air and water flowing inside the tubes. It works in several different modes, by selectively using the attached modules. This innovative arrangement saves water and energy, while maintaining high thermal efficiency.

A cooling arrangement for a WHR-system in a vehicle, includes a first cooling circuit including a first radiator in which a circulating coolant is cooled, and a second cooling circuit including a second radiator in which a coolant is cooled to a lower temperature than the coolant in the first radiator. A condenser inlet line directs coolant from one of the cooling circuits to a condenser to provide cooling for a working medium flowing therethrough. A cooling adjusting device adjusts the temperature of the coolant in the inlet line to the condenser by the coolant in the other cooling circuit based on information received about the coolant such that the coolant in the condenser inlet line provides the estimated suitable cooling of the working medium in the condenser.

A cooling arrangement for a WHR-system in a vehicle, includes a first cooling circuit including a first radiator in which a circulating coolant is cooled, and a second cooling circuit including a second radiator in which a coolant is cooled to a lower temperature than the coolant in the first radiator. A condenser inlet line directs coolant from one of the cooling circuits to a condenser to provide cooling for a working medium flowing therethrough. A cooling adjusting device adjusts the temperature of the coolant in the inlet line to the condenser by the coolant in the other cooling circuit based on information received about the coolant such that the coolant in the condenser inlet line provides the estimated suitable cooling of the working medium in the condenser.

A PCCS condenser may include a first and a second stage condenser. Each of the first and second stage condensers may include channels in fluid communication between an inlet and an outlet header. The inlet header of the first stage condenser may be configured to receive a fluid mixture through a first inlet opening. The channels may be configured to condense water from the fluid mixture flowing through the channels from the inlet header to the outlet header, respectively, of the first and second stage condenser. The PCCS condenser may include a catalyst in at least one of the outlet header of the first stage condenser or the inlet header of the second stage condenser. The catalyst may catalyze a reaction for forming water from hydrogen and oxygen in the fluid mixture. The outlet header of the second stage condenser may be in fluid communication with a combined vent-and-drain line.

A PCCS condenser may include a first and a second stage condenser. Each of the first and second stage condensers may include channels in fluid communication between an inlet and an outlet header. The inlet header of the first stage condenser may be configured to receive a fluid mixture through a first inlet opening. The channels may be configured to condense water from the fluid mixture flowing through the channels from the inlet header to the outlet header, respectively, of the first and second stage condenser. The PCCS condenser may include a catalyst in at least one of the outlet header of the first stage condenser or the inlet header of the second stage condenser. The catalyst may catalyze a reaction for forming water from hydrogen and oxygen in the fluid mixture. The outlet header of the second stage condenser may be in fluid communication with a combined vent-and-drain line.

A wick liquid sensor suitable for use in a particle condensation device is provided. The sensor includes a light source configured to illuminate a surface of the wick. A detector is configured to detect wick reflected light from the light source and determine the intensity of reflected light. The wick is formed from a porous media that is wettable by the liquid, and becomes translucent when filled with the liquid. The amount of reflectivity decreases as the saturation content of the liquid in the wick increases.

A wick liquid sensor suitable for use in a particle condensation device is provided. The sensor includes a light source configured to illuminate a surface of the wick. A detector is configured to detect wick reflected light from the light source and determine the intensity of reflected light. The wick is formed from a porous media that is wettable by the liquid, and becomes translucent when filled with the liquid. The amount of reflectivity decreases as the saturation content of the liquid in the wick increases.

A water recirculation system operates in a primary mode for evaporatively cooling air. When the water recirculation mode malfunctions, the controller switches a secondary once-through mode. The system includes a sump for collecting water run-off from the evaporative pads, and a pump in fluid communication with the sump. The pump transfers moisture from the sump to the distribution arrangement located at the top of the evaporative pads during the recirculation mode. An automatically operated make-up water valve delivers water to a distribution arrangement on the evaporative pads. A moisture distribution arrangement distributes moisture to the evaporative pads and an automatically operated sump drain valve retains water in the sump when closed and freely drains water from the sump when open. A water level control communicates the sump water level to a control system. A monitoring mechanism detects whether the water-recirculation system has malfunctioned or is operating correctly.

A water recirculation system operates in a primary mode for evaporatively cooling air. When the water recirculation mode malfunctions, the controller switches a secondary once-through mode. The system includes a sump for collecting water run-off from the evaporative pads, and a pump in fluid communication with the sump. The pump transfers moisture from the sump to the distribution arrangement located at the top of the evaporative pads during the recirculation mode. An automatically operated make-up water valve delivers water to a distribution arrangement on the evaporative pads. A moisture distribution arrangement distributes moisture to the evaporative pads and an automatically operated sump drain valve retains water in the sump when closed and freely drains water from the sump when open. A water level control communicates the sump water level to a control system. A monitoring mechanism detects whether the water-recirculation system has malfunctioned or is operating correctly.