WO2015040096A1 - Heat exchanger for a vessel with anti-fouling system - Google Patents

Heat exchanger for a vessel with anti-fouling system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015040096A1
WO2015040096A1 PCT/EP2014/069858 EP2014069858W WO2015040096A1 WO 2015040096 A1 WO2015040096 A1 WO 2015040096A1 EP 2014069858 W EP2014069858 W EP 2014069858W WO 2015040096 A1 WO2015040096 A1 WO 2015040096A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vibrating
heat exchanger
exchanging elements
heat
heat exchanging
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/069858
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
André Robert TE PASKE
Original Assignee
Corrosion & Water Control Shared Services B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Corrosion & Water Control Shared Services B.V. filed Critical Corrosion & Water Control Shared Services B.V.
Publication of WO2015040096A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015040096A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/0206—Heat exchangers immersed in a large body of liquid
    • F28D1/022—Heat exchangers immersed in a large body of liquid for immersion in a natural body of water, e.g. marine radiators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B17/00—Methods preventing fouling
    • B08B17/02—Preventing deposition of fouling or of dust
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/02—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by distortion, beating, or vibration of the surface to be cleaned
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/02—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by distortion, beating, or vibration of the surface to be cleaned
    • B08B7/026—Using sound waves
    • B08B7/028—Using ultrasounds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/047—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag
    • F28D1/0475—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag the conduits having a single U-bend
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F19/00—Preventing the formation of deposits or corrosion, e.g. by using filters or scrapers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
    • F28G7/00—Cleaning by vibration or pressure waves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
    • B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/023—Cleaning the external surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P11/00—Component parts, details, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01P1/00 - F01P9/00
    • F01P11/06—Cleaning; Combating corrosion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P3/00—Liquid cooling
    • F01P3/20—Cooling circuits not specific to a single part of engine or machine
    • F01P3/207—Cooling circuits not specific to a single part of engine or machine liquid-to-liquid heat-exchanging relative to marine vessels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular arranged for placement in a compartment of a vessel, which is provided with heat exchanging elements and a base with an inlet and outlet which are connected to the heat exchanging elements for transporting a liquid from the inlet through the heat exchanging elements to the outlet for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises an anti-fouling system arranged to reduce fouling of the heat exchanging elements.
  • Heat exchanger for a marine vessel for instance in the form of box coolers, are known. Liquid, for instance cooling liquid from the engine of the vessel, is fed from the inlet of the heat exchanger through the exchanging elements, for instance in the form of a bundle of tubes, to the outlet.
  • the heat exchanging elements are in contact with low temperature sea water in the compartment such that the liquid is cooled.
  • a problem associated with these type of heat exchangers is fouling of in particular the heat exchanging elements. This bio-fouling is due to the growth of organisms such as algae, mussels, clams, seaweed and the like on said heat exchanging elements which reduces the capacity of the heat exchanger.
  • the heat exchanger as referred to in the preamble is characterized in that the anti-fouling system comprises at least one vibrating device in contact with the heat exchanger and arranged for vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling thereof. Tests have concluded that by vibrating the heat exchanging elements, for instance in the form of a bundle of tubes, fouling is reduced or even prevented.
  • the vibrating devices are therefore arranged to induce such a vibrating motion to the heat exchanging elements that this vibrating motion alone significantly reduces or even prevents fouling of these heat exchanging elements.
  • the anti-fouling system is according to a further preferred embodiment arranged to reduce fouling with at least 50% compared to fouling in a non-treated heat exchanger. It is however preferred if the anti-fouling system is arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging elements such that due to the vibrating, i.e. the oscillating movement of the heat exchanging elements, fouling is substantially prevented.
  • the vibrating devices are in direct contact with the heat exchanging elements or base, which is in direct connection to the heat exchanging elements, to conduct the vibrating movement from the vibrating device to the heat exchanging elements. More preferably, the vibrating device is arranged for transferring at least the majority of the kinetic energy of the vibrating motion of said vibrating device to said heat exchanging elements and/or base. This results in an energy efficient anti-fouling system.
  • the anti-fouling system comprises a controller for controlling the vibrating device or more preferably a plurality of vibrating devices.
  • the controller may hereto be provided with an oscillating power source for providing a control signal for controlling the vibrating device to vibrate with a predetermined frequency.
  • the control signal may be an alternating current having the predetermined frequency.
  • the vibrating motion of the vibrating device is transferred to the heat exchanging elements, such that also the heat exchanging elements vibrate with a frequency which may be different from the vibrating frequency of the vibrating devices.
  • the anti-fouling system preferably comprises a plurality of vibrating devices for vibrating the heat exchanging elements to improve the anti-fouling action, in particular for a larger heat exchanger.
  • the system comprises a plurality of vibrating devices and a controller arranged for controlling the vibrating devices to vibrate the heat exchanger in phase.
  • Each of the vibrating devices hereby vibrates with the same frequency such that the heat exchanger, for instance the base, oscillates in phase.
  • the energy required for efficiently vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling thereof is hereby reduced.
  • the anti-fouling system is arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging elements with a frequency in the range of 20 to 100 kHz.
  • a controller may be arranged to control the vibrating device such that the heat exchanger is vibrated with a frequency in the above mentioned range. The vibrating device may therefore vibrate with the same frequency in the range of 20 to 100 kHz.
  • the anti-fouling system is arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging elements with an amplitude of 1 to 10 micrometer.
  • the vibrating devices preferably oscillates with an amplitude in the same range, wherein the oscillating movement of vibrating device preferably substantially corresponds to the oscillating movement of the heat exchanging elements.
  • the vibrating device comprises an ultrasonic transducer. These transducer are arranged to produce a high frequency vibration.
  • the transducers are not used for creating ultrasound but to impart a vibrating motion to the heat exchanging elements.
  • the vibrating device comprises a piezoelectric transducer.
  • Such transducers are widely available and typically comprise two vibrating elements sandwiching a piezoelectric element. By supplying an alternating current to electrodes of the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element contracts and expands and thereby moves the vibrating elements. At least one of these vibrating elements is preferably in contact with the base and/or the heat exchanging elements.
  • this heat exchanger may be provided with at least one vibrating device for vibrating the heat exchanging elements in the form of the plates.
  • the vibrating device may for instance be provided on a base plate, which preferably also holds the in- and outlets.
  • the heat exchanger is however arranged for placement in a compartment of a vessel, wherein the heat exchanging elements are arranged for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water in the compartment.
  • the base comprises a wet section arranged to extend in the compartment and from which the heat exchanging elements protrude and a dry section provided with the inlet and the outlet and arranged to extend outside of the compartment.
  • the base is preferably plate shaped and is arranged to be accommodated in a correspondingly shaped opening of the compartment.
  • the heat exchanging elements typically protrude from a first wet side of the base arranged to be in contact with the water in the compartment and the inlet an outlet are provided on an opposite dry side arranged to extend outside the compartment.
  • the base may be provided with connecting holes provided near the edge of the base.
  • the vibrating device is provided on the dry section of the base and preferably in direct contact therewith.
  • the vibrating device may for instance be provided on the dry side also provided with the inlet and outlet or on a circumferential surface of the base, i.e. a surface extending perpendicularly the dry and wet sides of base. Due to the fact that the vibrating device is on the dry section, and therefore on the outside of the compartment in use, the vibrating device is not exposed to outboard water. This increases the lifetime of the vibrating device and requires less maintenance of the anti- fouling system compared to sea water exposed anti-fouling systems.
  • the anti-fouling system further comprises a sensor for sensing the vibrating amplitude and/or frequency of the heat exchanging elements and which is connected to a controller, wherein the controller is arranged to control the vibrating device in dependency of the sensed vibrating amplitude and/or frequency by the sensor for vibrating the heat exchanging elements with a predetermined frequency and/or amplitude.
  • the controller comprises a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller) for driving the vibrating devices using the sensed vibration as feedback. More preferably, the predetermined
  • the frequency/amplitude corresponds to the range of amplitudes and frequencies as mentioned above.
  • the frequency and/or amplitude of the oscillating movement of the heat exchanging elements may be measured by measuring the oscillating movement of the base.
  • the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of transducers as vibrating devices, wherein at least one of the vibrating devices is arranged as the sensor for sensing the vibrating amplitude and/or frequency.
  • transducers can operate as actuators and sensors, one of the vibrating devices is used as sensor. A separate part for sensing the amplitude and/or frequency is then not necessary.
  • the senor comprises an ultrasonic transducer, even more preferably a piezoelectric transducer.
  • the sensor is provided on the dry section of the base as described above for the vibrating device as such. It is moreover preferred that the sensing device is in direct contact with the base to improve the quality of the
  • the invention further relates to a vessel or ship, preferably with a compartment, provided with a heat exchanger according to the invention.
  • the invention furthermore relates to an anti-fouling system for use with a heat exchanger according to the invention, which comprises at least one vibrating device and controller for controlling said vibrating device.
  • a system further comprises a sensor as described above, more preferably in the form of a vibrating transducer.
  • the invention furthermore relates to a method for reducing fouling of a heat exchanger for a vessel, preferably arranged in a compartment of said vessel, which is provided with heat exchanging elements and a base with an inlet and outlet which are connected to the heat exchanging elements for transporting a liquid from the inlet through the heat exchanging elements to the outlet for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water, preferably in the compartment, wherein the method comprises the step of vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling thereof.
  • the step of vibrating preferably comprises vibrating the heat exchanging elements with a frequency in the range of 20 to 100 kHz. It is further preferred if the step of vibrating comprises vibrating the heat exchanging elements with an amplitude of 1 to 10 micrometer.
  • the present invention is further illustrated by the following Figures, which show a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, wherein:
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a vessel provided with a box cooler according to the
  • FIG. 2 shows the compartment with heat exchanger in perspective as seen from arrow II in figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a box cooler in cross section
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows an alternative heat exchanger according to the invention.
  • a ship 100 which is provided with a compartment 101 for holding a heat exchanger which is shown in greater detail in figure 2.
  • the heat exchanger 2 comprises heat exchanging elements 4 in the form of a bundle of tubes 41 bent in U-shape, see figure 3.
  • the bundle of tubes 41 extends and is in contact with sea water W in the compartment 101.
  • the compartment 101 is partially enclosed by the hull 102 of the vessel 100.
  • the compartment 101 is further provided with side walls 106, a top wall 105 and end walls (not shown). Sea water W is allowed to enter through openings 103 and exits the compartment 101, after passing through the bundle of tubes 41, through openings 104.
  • the heat exchanger 2 is provided with a base plate 3 from which the tubes 41 of the tube bundle protrude.
  • the tubes 41 extend from an inlet side 42 in an U-shape to an outlet side 43.
  • the inlets 42 and outlets 43 of the tubes 41 are connected to respective inlet and outlet manifolds 51 and 61, to which an inlet 5, respectively outlet 6 are connected.
  • the base plate 3 of the heat exchanger 2 is connected on a flange 105 a surrounding an opening in top wall 105 of the compartment 101.
  • the edges of the base plate 3 are thereto provided with connecting holes 34, see figure 4.
  • a part 31 of the lower side of the base plate 3 is contact with sea water W, and is therefore referred to as the wet section 3a, whereas the top side 32 and edge surface 33 are outside the compartment and therefore form a dry section 3b of the base 3.
  • the manifolds 51, 61 and the inlet 5 and outlet 6 are provided on the dry section of the base 3.
  • the ultrasonic transducers 7 are provided with a piezoelectric crystal which, when supplied with an alternating current, vibrate such that an end element 72 of the transducers oscillates, indicated with B, in a direction indicated with A.
  • the end elements 72 of the transducers 7 are in direct contact with the edge surface 33 of the base plate 3 to directly transmit the vibrating motion of the transducers 7 to the base 3 and from there to the tubes 41.
  • the ultrasonic transducers 7 vibrate with a frequency of 60 kHz with an amplitude of 5 micrometer. This leads to a vibrating movement of the base 3 and tubes 41 with a corresponding frequency and an amplitude. It is found that this vibrating movement of the tube bundle prevents fouling of the bundle.
  • one of the ultrasonic transducers mounted on the edge 33 functions as a sensor 8.
  • Sensor 8 measures both the amplitude and frequency of the vibrating base, and therefore indirectly the frequency and amplitude of the vibrating motion of the tube bundle.
  • the sensor 8 is coupled with a lead 81 to a controller CONT for constantly providing the measured frequency and amplitude to the controller CONT.
  • the controller CONT is arranged to control the transducers 7, which are thereto connected with controller CONT with leads 71. By varying the control signals provided to transducers 7 in terms of frequency and amplitude, the amplitude and frequency of the vibrating motion of the transducers 7 can be controlled.
  • the controller CONT comprises a PID -controller to adjust the frequency and amplitude of the transducers 7 to the optimal frequency and amplitude on the basis of the feedback of the measured frequency and amplitude.
  • a plate heat exchanger 2a according to the invention is shown.
  • This heat exchanger 2a is provided with two base plates 3a, in between which heat exchanging elements in the form of plates 41a, 41b are arranged.
  • On the front plate 3a an inlet 5 for liquid to be cooled and an outlet 6 for cooled liquid are provided.
  • an inlet 5a and outlet 6a for outboard water is provided.
  • the plates 41a, 41b carry alternately liquid to be cooled and outboard water, such that the liquid to be cooled is efficiently cooled between the inlet 5 and the outlet 6.
  • transducers 7 of the anti-fouling system according to the invention.
  • the transducers 7 are arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging element, in particular those carrying outboard water, to reduce fouling thereof.
  • the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but extends also to other embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)

Abstract

Heat exchanger (2) arranged for placement in a compartment (101) of a vessel, which is provided with heat exchanging elements (4) and a base (3) with an inlet (5) and outlet (6) which are connected to the heat exchanging elements (4) for transporting a liquid from the inlet (5) through the heat exchanging elements (4) to the outlet (6) for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water (W) in the compartment (101), wherein the heat exchanger (2) further comprises an anti-fouling system arranged to reduce fouling of the heat exchanging elements (4), wherein the anti-fouling system comprises at least one vibrating device (7) in contact with the heat exchanger (2) and arranged for vibrating the heat exchanging elements (4) to reduce fouling thereof.

Description

HEAT EXCHANGER FOR A VESSEL WITH ANTI-FOULING SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular arranged for placement in a compartment of a vessel, which is provided with heat exchanging elements and a base with an inlet and outlet which are connected to the heat exchanging elements for transporting a liquid from the inlet through the heat exchanging elements to the outlet for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises an anti-fouling system arranged to reduce fouling of the heat exchanging elements. Heat exchanger for a marine vessel, for instance in the form of box coolers, are known. Liquid, for instance cooling liquid from the engine of the vessel, is fed from the inlet of the heat exchanger through the exchanging elements, for instance in the form of a bundle of tubes, to the outlet. The heat exchanging elements are in contact with low temperature sea water in the compartment such that the liquid is cooled.
A problem associated with these type of heat exchangers is fouling of in particular the heat exchanging elements. This bio-fouling is due to the growth of organisms such as algae, mussels, clams, seaweed and the like on said heat exchanging elements which reduces the capacity of the heat exchanger.
To reduce or prevent fouling of the heat exchanging elements, it is known to dissolve small amounts of copper in said water to create an unfriendly environments for these organisms. Another known solution is to threat the water in the compartment with ultrasonic sound waves to prevent growth of said organisms. Ultrasonic transducers are hereto arranged in the compartment.
These known solutions have the drawbacks that they pollute the water and/or are maintenance sensitive due to the contact with sea water.
It is therefore a goal of the present invention, amongst other goals, to provide an efficient, reliable and/or effective heat exchanger for a vessel.
This goal, amongst other goals, is met by a heat exchanger according to claim 1. More specifically, in order to meet that goal, amongst other goals, the heat exchanger as referred to in the preamble is characterized in that the anti-fouling system comprises at least one vibrating device in contact with the heat exchanger and arranged for vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling thereof. Tests have concluded that by vibrating the heat exchanging elements, for instance in the form of a bundle of tubes, fouling is reduced or even prevented.
It is believed, without limiting the invention thereto, that by vibrating or oscillating the heat exchanging elements, organisms are less likely to attach or even prevented from attaching to the heat exchanging elements such that fouling thereof is reduced or even prevented.
Although the use of vibrating devices, for instance in the form of ultrasonic transducers, as such are known for preventing fouling by introducing ultrasonic sound waves which are harmful for the organisms in the water in a compartment of a box cooler, these waves are not suitable for vibrating the heat exchanging elements to prevent fouling thereof. The vibrating devices are therefore arranged to induce such a vibrating motion to the heat exchanging elements that this vibrating motion alone significantly reduces or even prevents fouling of these heat exchanging elements. The anti-fouling system is according to a further preferred embodiment arranged to reduce fouling with at least 50% compared to fouling in a non-treated heat exchanger. It is however preferred if the anti-fouling system is arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging elements such that due to the vibrating, i.e. the oscillating movement of the heat exchanging elements, fouling is substantially prevented.
According to a preferred embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the invention, the vibrating devices are in direct contact with the heat exchanging elements or base, which is in direct connection to the heat exchanging elements, to conduct the vibrating movement from the vibrating device to the heat exchanging elements. More preferably, the vibrating device is arranged for transferring at least the majority of the kinetic energy of the vibrating motion of said vibrating device to said heat exchanging elements and/or base. This results in an energy efficient anti-fouling system.
Preferably, the anti-fouling system comprises a controller for controlling the vibrating device or more preferably a plurality of vibrating devices. The controller may hereto be provided with an oscillating power source for providing a control signal for controlling the vibrating device to vibrate with a predetermined frequency. The control signal may be an alternating current having the predetermined frequency. The vibrating motion of the vibrating device is transferred to the heat exchanging elements, such that also the heat exchanging elements vibrate with a frequency which may be different from the vibrating frequency of the vibrating devices. As said, the anti-fouling system preferably comprises a plurality of vibrating devices for vibrating the heat exchanging elements to improve the anti-fouling action, in particular for a larger heat exchanger. An energy efficient vibrating movement of the heat exchanging elements is obtained when the system comprises a plurality of vibrating devices and a controller arranged for controlling the vibrating devices to vibrate the heat exchanger in phase. Each of the vibrating devices hereby vibrates with the same frequency such that the heat exchanger, for instance the base, oscillates in phase. The energy required for efficiently vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling thereof is hereby reduced. According to a preferred embodiment, the anti-fouling system is arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging elements with a frequency in the range of 20 to 100 kHz. As said, a controller may be arranged to control the vibrating device such that the heat exchanger is vibrated with a frequency in the above mentioned range. The vibrating device may therefore vibrate with the same frequency in the range of 20 to 100 kHz.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the anti-fouling system is arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging elements with an amplitude of 1 to 10 micrometer. In addition or alternatively, also the vibrating devices preferably oscillates with an amplitude in the same range, wherein the oscillating movement of vibrating device preferably substantially corresponds to the oscillating movement of the heat exchanging elements.
According to a preferred embodiment, the vibrating device comprises an ultrasonic transducer. These transducer are arranged to produce a high frequency vibration. In this invention, the transducers are not used for creating ultrasound but to impart a vibrating motion to the heat exchanging elements. Preferably the vibrating device comprises a piezoelectric transducer. Such transducers are widely available and typically comprise two vibrating elements sandwiching a piezoelectric element. By supplying an alternating current to electrodes of the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element contracts and expands and thereby moves the vibrating elements. At least one of these vibrating elements is preferably in contact with the base and/or the heat exchanging elements.
It is envisaged that vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling can be used in different types of heat exchanger. For instance, to prevent fouling in a plate heat exchanger which is additionally provided with an inlet and an outlet for outboard water, this heat exchanger may be provided with at least one vibrating device for vibrating the heat exchanging elements in the form of the plates. The vibrating device may for instance be provided on a base plate, which preferably also holds the in- and outlets.
According to a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger is however arranged for placement in a compartment of a vessel, wherein the heat exchanging elements are arranged for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water in the compartment. In a typical heat exchanger for use in a compartment of a vessel, the base comprises a wet section arranged to extend in the compartment and from which the heat exchanging elements protrude and a dry section provided with the inlet and the outlet and arranged to extend outside of the compartment. The base is preferably plate shaped and is arranged to be accommodated in a correspondingly shaped opening of the compartment. The heat exchanging elements typically protrude from a first wet side of the base arranged to be in contact with the water in the compartment and the inlet an outlet are provided on an opposite dry side arranged to extend outside the compartment. For connecting the base to the compartment, the base may be provided with connecting holes provided near the edge of the base.
According to a preferred embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the invention, the vibrating device is provided on the dry section of the base and preferably in direct contact therewith. The vibrating device may for instance be provided on the dry side also provided with the inlet and outlet or on a circumferential surface of the base, i.e. a surface extending perpendicularly the dry and wet sides of base. Due to the fact that the vibrating device is on the dry section, and therefore on the outside of the compartment in use, the vibrating device is not exposed to outboard water. This increases the lifetime of the vibrating device and requires less maintenance of the anti- fouling system compared to sea water exposed anti-fouling systems. According to a further preferred embodiment, the anti-fouling system further comprises a sensor for sensing the vibrating amplitude and/or frequency of the heat exchanging elements and which is connected to a controller, wherein the controller is arranged to control the vibrating device in dependency of the sensed vibrating amplitude and/or frequency by the sensor for vibrating the heat exchanging elements with a predetermined frequency and/or amplitude. This allows driving the vibrating device with feedback of the actual sensed frequency and/or amplitude, which ensures a good anti-fouling working of the system according to the invention. Preferably, the controller comprises a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller) for driving the vibrating devices using the sensed vibration as feedback. More preferably, the predetermined
frequency/amplitude corresponds to the range of amplitudes and frequencies as mentioned above. The frequency and/or amplitude of the oscillating movement of the heat exchanging elements may be measured by measuring the oscillating movement of the base. To decrease the number of different parts of the anti-fouling system according to the invention, it is preferred if the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of transducers as vibrating devices, wherein at least one of the vibrating devices is arranged as the sensor for sensing the vibrating amplitude and/or frequency. As transducers can operate as actuators and sensors, one of the vibrating devices is used as sensor. A separate part for sensing the amplitude and/or frequency is then not necessary. More preferably the sensor comprises an ultrasonic transducer, even more preferably a piezoelectric transducer. Although it is possible to provide a sensor on the heat exchanging elements in the compartment for sensing the amplitude and/or the frequency, it is preferred that also the sensor is provided on the dry section of the base as described above for the vibrating device as such. It is moreover preferred that the sensing device is in direct contact with the base to improve the quality of the
measurements.
The invention further relates to a vessel or ship, preferably with a compartment, provided with a heat exchanger according to the invention.
The invention furthermore relates to an anti-fouling system for use with a heat exchanger according to the invention, which comprises at least one vibrating device and controller for controlling said vibrating device. Preferably, such a system further comprises a sensor as described above, more preferably in the form of a vibrating transducer.
The invention furthermore relates to a method for reducing fouling of a heat exchanger for a vessel, preferably arranged in a compartment of said vessel, which is provided with heat exchanging elements and a base with an inlet and outlet which are connected to the heat exchanging elements for transporting a liquid from the inlet through the heat exchanging elements to the outlet for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water, preferably in the compartment, wherein the method comprises the step of vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling thereof.
As described above, the step of vibrating preferably comprises vibrating the heat exchanging elements with a frequency in the range of 20 to 100 kHz. It is further preferred if the step of vibrating comprises vibrating the heat exchanging elements with an amplitude of 1 to 10 micrometer. The present invention is further illustrated by the following Figures, which show a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, wherein:
- Figure 1 schematically shows a vessel provided with a box cooler according to the
invention in perspective;
- Figure 2 shows the compartment with heat exchanger in perspective as seen from arrow II in figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 schematically shows a box cooler in cross section;
- Figure 4 schematically shows the heat exchanger in top view in combination with the anti- fouling system in greater detail, and;
- Figure 5 schematically shows an alternative heat exchanger according to the invention.
In figure 1 a ship 100 is shown which is provided with a compartment 101 for holding a heat exchanger which is shown in greater detail in figure 2. The heat exchanger 2 comprises heat exchanging elements 4 in the form of a bundle of tubes 41 bent in U-shape, see figure 3. The bundle of tubes 41 extends and is in contact with sea water W in the compartment 101. The compartment 101 is partially enclosed by the hull 102 of the vessel 100. The compartment 101 is further provided with side walls 106, a top wall 105 and end walls (not shown). Sea water W is allowed to enter through openings 103 and exits the compartment 101, after passing through the bundle of tubes 41, through openings 104.
Also referring to figure 3, the heat exchanger 2 is provided with a base plate 3 from which the tubes 41 of the tube bundle protrude. The tubes 41 extend from an inlet side 42 in an U-shape to an outlet side 43. The inlets 42 and outlets 43 of the tubes 41 are connected to respective inlet and outlet manifolds 51 and 61, to which an inlet 5, respectively outlet 6 are connected. The base plate 3 of the heat exchanger 2 is connected on a flange 105 a surrounding an opening in top wall 105 of the compartment 101. The edges of the base plate 3 are thereto provided with connecting holes 34, see figure 4. A part 31 of the lower side of the base plate 3 is contact with sea water W, and is therefore referred to as the wet section 3a, whereas the top side 32 and edge surface 33 are outside the compartment and therefore form a dry section 3b of the base 3. The manifolds 51, 61 and the inlet 5 and outlet 6 are provided on the dry section of the base 3.
Also provided on the dry section 3b of the base 3 are ultrasonic transducers 7. The ultrasonic transducers 7 are provided with a piezoelectric crystal which, when supplied with an alternating current, vibrate such that an end element 72 of the transducers oscillates, indicated with B, in a direction indicated with A. The end elements 72 of the transducers 7 are in direct contact with the edge surface 33 of the base plate 3 to directly transmit the vibrating motion of the transducers 7 to the base 3 and from there to the tubes 41. By vibrating the tubes 41, fouling of said tubes 41 is prevented. In this example, the ultrasonic transducers 7 vibrate with a frequency of 60 kHz with an amplitude of 5 micrometer. This leads to a vibrating movement of the base 3 and tubes 41 with a corresponding frequency and an amplitude. It is found that this vibrating movement of the tube bundle prevents fouling of the bundle.
In order to ensure that the bundle of tubes 41 oscillates with the optimal frequency and with the optimal amplitude to prevent fouling of the tubes 41, one of the ultrasonic transducers mounted on the edge 33 functions as a sensor 8. Sensor 8 measures both the amplitude and frequency of the vibrating base, and therefore indirectly the frequency and amplitude of the vibrating motion of the tube bundle. The sensor 8 is coupled with a lead 81 to a controller CONT for constantly providing the measured frequency and amplitude to the controller CONT.
The controller CONT is arranged to control the transducers 7, which are thereto connected with controller CONT with leads 71. By varying the control signals provided to transducers 7 in terms of frequency and amplitude, the amplitude and frequency of the vibrating motion of the transducers 7 can be controlled. The controller CONT comprises a PID -controller to adjust the frequency and amplitude of the transducers 7 to the optimal frequency and amplitude on the basis of the feedback of the measured frequency and amplitude.
In figure 5, a plate heat exchanger 2a according to the invention is shown. This heat exchanger 2a is provided with two base plates 3a, in between which heat exchanging elements in the form of plates 41a, 41b are arranged. On the front plate 3a, an inlet 5 for liquid to be cooled and an outlet 6 for cooled liquid are provided. Also an inlet 5a and outlet 6a for outboard water is provided. The plates 41a, 41b carry alternately liquid to be cooled and outboard water, such that the liquid to be cooled is efficiently cooled between the inlet 5 and the outlet 6. Also provided on the base plates 3a are transducers 7 of the anti-fouling system according to the invention. The transducers 7 are arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging element, in particular those carrying outboard water, to reduce fouling thereof. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but extends also to other embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Heat exchanger for a vessel, which is provided with heat exchanging elements and a base with an inlet and outlet which are connected to the heat exchanging elements for transporting a liquid from the inlet through the heat exchanging elements to the outlet for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises an anti-fouling system arranged to reduce fouling of the heat exchanging elements, characterized in that the anti-fouling system comprises at least one vibrating device in contact with the heat exchanger and arranged for vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling thereof.
Heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the vibrating device is in direct contact with the heat exchanging elements and/or base for transferring at least the majority of the kinetic energy of the vibrating motion of said vibrating device to said heat exchanging elements and/or base.
Heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system comprises a plurality of vibrating devices and a controller arranged for controlling the vibrating devices to vibrate the heat exchanger in phase.
Heat exchanger according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the anti-fouling system is arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging elements with a frequency in the range of 20 to 100 kHz.
Heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-fouling system is arranged to vibrate the heat exchanging elements with an amplitude of 1 to 10 micrometer.
Heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vibrating device comprises an ultrasonic transducer, preferably a piezoelectric transducer. 7. Heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, arranged for placement in a
compartment of a vessel, wherein the heat exchanging elements are arranged for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water in the compartment.
Heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein the base comprises a wet section arranged to extend in the compartment and from which the heat exchanging elements protrude and a dry section provided with the inlet and the outlet and arranged to extend outside of the compartment, wherein the vibrating device is provided on the dry section of the base.
9. Heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-fouling system further comprises a sensor for sensing the vibrating amplitude and/or frequency of the heat exchanging elements and which is connected to a controller, wherein the controller is arranged to control the vibrating device in dependency of the sensed vibrating amplitude and/or frequency by the sensor for vibrating the heat exchanging elements with a predetermined frequency and/or amplitude.
10. Heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of transducers as vibrating devices, wherein at least one of the vibrating devices is arranged as the sensor for sensing the vibrating amplitude and/or frequency.
11. Heat exchanger according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the sensor comprises an ultrasonic transducer, preferably a piezoelectric transducer.
12. Vessel with a heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims.
13. Vessel according to claim 12 with a compartment provided with a heat exchanger according to at least claim 7.
14. Anti-fouling system for use with a heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises at least one vibrating device and controller for controlling said vibrating device.
15. Method for reducing fouling of a heat exchanger arranged in a vessel, which is provided with heat exchanging elements and a base with an inlet and outlet which are connected to the heat exchanging elements for transporting a liquid from the inlet through the heat exchanging elements to the outlet for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water, wherein the method comprises the step of vibrating the heat exchanging elements to reduce fouling thereof.
16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the step of vibrating comprises vibrating the heat exchanging elements with a frequency in the range of 20 to 100 kHz.
17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the step of vibrating comprises vibrating the heat exchanging elements with an amplitude of 1 to 10 micrometer.
18. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger is arranged in a compartment of the vessel, wherein the heat exchanging elements are arranged for exchanging heat between said liquid and outboard water in the compartment.
PCT/EP2014/069858 2013-09-19 2014-09-18 Heat exchanger for a vessel with anti-fouling system WO2015040096A1 (en)

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