Modern heat exchangers were first introduced as a way to save energy and costs for thermal management, so it may be no surprise that the technology has had a notable influence on subsequent green energy efforts. With the ability to use more natural methods of transferring heat than air conditioning or air compression, heat exchangers eliminate the need for additional complex machinery to keep other equipment properly cooled. The same methods, such as conduction, convection, and phase-change cooling, have influenced how technicians and designers think of heat and energy, which has had an impact on the development of larger scale green energy efforts.
Rethinking Waste Heat Transfer
The concept of transferring heat instead of eradicating it with air conditioning is the cornerstone of modern thermal management. When cooling control panels and other electrical enclosures, an effective cooling solution is needed to prevent overheating. Rather than forcing cold air into the enclosure, heat exchangers utilize a cooling fluid (such as water) to absorb the waste heat and transfer it away, preventing it from collecting into heat spots within the enclosure. The process is not only more eco-friendly than air conditioning, but also reduces the risks of condensation for further protection and, in some cases, allows for the waste heat to be utilized in for a variety of other purposes.
What to Do with the Free Energy
In essence, heat exchangers produce free energy that existing equipment emits in the form of heat. Many processes, such as waste water treatment, can be made simpler and more efficient with the proper redirection of this heat. The possibilities of what to do with the heat are nearly endless, and researchers have begun combining the concept with solar and other renewable energy concepts to further the perfection of green energy production.
To learn more, call Noren Thermal, Inc. in Taylor, TX, at 866-936-6736.