Patent Description:
Cooling apparatus, e.g. cooling tower, are used in buildings to cool water to be used in a building, e.g. for air-conditioning. In a conventional cross-flow cooling apparatus, dry ambient air passes horizontally through an infill while water flows vertically down through the infill, thereby crossing the water flow, hence the cross-flow cooling apparatus. However, such cross-flow cooling apparatus has a relatively low thermal effectiveness and efficiency. As the airflow crosses the water flow, the air gets saturated with water vapour and, in turn, cools the water through the infill. However, the air exiting the infill through its upper end is heated up due to the higher temperature water entering the infill, while the air exiting the infill at its lower end is comparatively cooler since the water loses heat as it falls through the infill. Hence, lower end of the infill is kept at a lower temperature. The air is then exhausted by an exhaust fan at the top portion of the cooling apparatus. The exiting air is a mixture of hot saturated and cool saturated airflows. This mixture limits the thermal effectiveness of the conventional cooling apparatus. Counter-flow cooling tower are design to overcome this limitation. While this limitation is resolved, the airflow resistance for such cooling tower is very high, such that the amount of airflow through the cooling apparatus is reduced. Consequently, the moisture carrying capacity of the airflow is reduced which again limits the thermal effectiveness of the cooling apparatus.

<CIT> discloses a hybrid cooling tower to reduce a noise due to falling water drops, improve the cooling efficiency, and reduce the cost for operating a cooling tower.

<CIT> discloses a <NUM>-way suction type cooling tower is provided to uniformly and stably move air by installing a wind baffle inside a housing.

<CIT> discloses a cooling tower with air ducts. The cooler has troughs (<NUM>) distributed on the circumference of the cooling tower containing water to be cooled with water boxes (<NUM>) with water distribution material (<NUM>) thereunder. The water bowls have a slatted frame at the bottom. The boxes form a space in the centre of the tower and have a downwardly projecting rim (<NUM>) bordering the space. The space between the layers of boxes form a shaft (<NUM>). The shaft is divided into two parts by a wall <NUM>. Adjustable air flaps (<NUM>) are arranged on the outer sides of the boxes to regulate air into the air inlet. At the bottom of the tower, a sloping guide surface (<NUM>) is arranged for guiding the falling water on both sides of the wall to the collecting channel (<NUM>) so that costly water basin can be omitted.

<CIT> discloses a cooling tower with a film fill assembly having an inclined principal plane adjacent a gas inlet at the same general elevation. The assembly comprises a number of sheets (preferably of the corrugated type) with ample spacing therebetween for the passage of gas and liquid. Multiple spaced-apart assemblies may be utilized for various tower applications. Also, splash-type fill may be disposed to the interior or exterior of the film fill assembly for increased gas-liquid contact.

Therefore, it is necessary to improve the thermal effectiveness and efficiency of such cooling apparatus.

According to the present invention there is provided a cooling apparatus, for cooling a waterflow, as defined in the appended claim <NUM>. Further optional features are recited in the associated dependent claims.

According to various embodiments, the deflector may include a first side and a second side behind the first side, such that the deflector may be adapted to direct the waterflow from the counterflow evaporative cooler to the crossflow evaporative cooler on the first side and allow the airflow therethrough from the crossflow evaporative cooler to the counterflow evaporative cooler to flow from the second side to the first side.

According to various embodiments, the deflector may include a base layer comprising a plurality of openings adapted to allow the airflow through and a plurality of overhangs spaced apart from each other and overhanging the plurality of openings, such that the plurality of overhangs are adapted to allow the airflow from the plurality of openings to flow therebetween and prevent the waterflow into the plurality of openings and direct the waterflow into the crossflow evaporative cooler.

According to various embodiments, the deflector may include a louvred panel comprising a plurality of overlapping panels and a plurality of gaps therebetween, such that, in operation, the waterflow from the counterflow evaporative cooler flows onto the plurality of overlapping panels and may be directed into the crossflow evaporative cooler and the airflow from the crossflow evaporative cooler flows through the plurality of gaps.

According to various embodiments, the base layer may include the plurality of openings adapted to allow the airflow through, such that the base layer may be adapted to receive and channel the waterflow to the crossflow evaporative cooler, and a top layer having the plurality of overhangs spaced apart from each other and overhanging the plurality of openings, such that the each of the plurality of overhangs may be adapted to receive and channel the waterflow to the base layer.

According to various embodiments, the base layer may include a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other to form the plurality of openings therebetween, such that the plurality of channels may be adapted to channel the waterflow to the crossflow evaporative cooler, and such that the plurality of overhangs may include a plurality of channels.

According to various embodiments, the cooling apparatus may further include a plurality of guides spaced apart from each other and adapted to guide the airflow from the crossflow evaporative cooler to the counterflow evaporative cooler.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of guides may be adapted to guide the airflow from the crossflow evaporative cooler to the deflector.

According to various embodiments, the counterflow evaporative cooler may be disposed above the crossflow evaporative cooler.

Also provided is a cooling method adapted to cool a waterflow as defined in the appended claim <NUM>. Further optional features are recited in the associated dependent claims.

According to various embodiments, deflecting the waterflow and allowing the airflow may include channelling the waterflow from the counterflow evaporative cooler to the crossflow evaporative cooler and allowing the airflow from the crossflow evaporative cooler to the counterflow evaporative cooler through the deflector.

According to various embodiments, deflecting the waterflow and allowing the airflow may include directing the waterflow from the counterflow evaporative cooler to the crossflow evaporative cooler on a first side of the deflector and allowing the airflow from the crossflow evaporative cooler to the counterflow evaporative cooler to flow from a second side of the deflector to the first side.

According to various embodiments, deflecting the waterflow and allowing the airflow may include allowing the airflow through a plurality of openings of a base layer, allowing the airflow through the plurality of openings to flow between a plurality of overhangs spaced apart from each other and overhanging the plurality of openings, preventing the waterflow into the plurality of openings and directing the waterflow into the crossflow evaporative cooler.

According to various embodiments, deflecting the waterflow and allowing the airflow may include allowing the airflow through a plurality of openings of a base layer for receiving and channelling the waterflow to the crossflow evaporative cooler, receiving and channelling the waterflow to the base layer via a top layer comprising a plurality of overhangs spaced apart from each other and overhanging the plurality of openings.

According to various embodiments, the cooling method may further include guiding the airflow from the crossflow evaporative cooler to the counterflow evaporative cooler.

According to various embodiments, the cooling method may further include guiding the airflow from the crossflow evaporative cooler to the deflector evaporative cooler.

In the following examples, reference will be made to the figures, in which identical features are designated with like numerals.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a cooling apparatus <NUM> for cooling a waterflow <NUM>. Cooling apparatus <NUM> includes a first evaporative cooler <NUM> adapted to cool the waterflow <NUM> therethrough, a second evaporative cooler <NUM> adapted to receive and cool the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> therethrough. Second evaporative cooler <NUM> is adapted to receive an airflow <NUM> therethrough to cool the waterflow <NUM> therethrough and the first evaporative cooler <NUM> is adapted to receive the airflow <NUM> therethrough from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to cool the waterflow <NUM> therethrough. Cooling apparatus <NUM> includes a deflector <NUM> adapted to deflect the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM> and allow the airflow <NUM> therethrough from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. First evaporative cooler <NUM> of the cooling apparatus <NUM> of the present invention may provide a thermal barrier to the waterflow <NUM> entering the cooling apparatus <NUM> such that the waterflow <NUM> may be evaporative cooled by the cooled airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Cooled waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> is directed to the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to be further cooled. Compared to the conventional cooling tower with a heated waterflow entering the chamber and the infill, the thermal efficiency and effectiveness of the cooling apparatus <NUM> is relatively higher. Moreover, the waterflow <NUM> that is further cooled by the second evaporative cooler <NUM> cools the airflow <NUM> entering the cooling apparatus <NUM> further to a lower temperature as compared to the airflow temperature entering the conventional cooling tower via the cross-flow infill. Hence, the cooler airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be directed to the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to further cool the waterflow <NUM> entering the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. As clearly shown the cooling effectiveness and efficiency of the cooling apparatus <NUM> is better and higher than the conventional cooling tower.

As shown in <FIG>, the cooling apparatus <NUM> may include a chamber <NUM> having a top section 140T, a centre section 140C and a bottom section 140B. First evaporative cooler <NUM> may be disposed at the top section 140T and the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be disposed at the bottom section 140B such that the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may be disposed above the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Deflector <NUM> may be disposed in the centre section 140C between the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. In terms of waterflow <NUM>, the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may be considered to be disposed at upstream of the deflector <NUM> and the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be considered to be disposed downstream thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, the cooling apparatus <NUM> may include a water inlet <NUM> at the top section 140T and a water outlet <NUM> at the bottom section 140B such that the waterflow <NUM> enters the chamber <NUM> at the top section 140T and exits it at the bottom section 140B. Cooling apparatus <NUM> may include a plurality of nozzles 142N connected to the water inlet <NUM> and extending horizontally or laterally across the chamber <NUM> to distribute the waterflow <NUM> evenly across the width of the chamber <NUM>. Cooling apparatus <NUM> may include an air inlet <NUM> at the bottom section 140B of the chamber <NUM> and an air outlet <NUM> at the top section 140T such that airflow <NUM> may enter the chamber <NUM> via the air inlet <NUM> at the bottom section 140B and exits via the air outlet <NUM> at the top section 140T. Cooling apparatus <NUM> may include more than one air inlet <NUM> and more than one water outlet <NUM>. First evaporative cooler <NUM> may be disposed downstream or below the water inlet <NUM> to receive the waterflow <NUM>. First evaporative cooler <NUM> may extend laterally or horizontally across the chamber <NUM> such that the waterflow <NUM> has to pass through it before being directed to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. First evaporative cooler <NUM> may be disposed below the plurality of nozzles 142N to receive the waterflow <NUM>. Cooling apparatus <NUM> may include a fan <NUM> disposed across the air outlet <NUM> to draw the airflow <NUM> out from the chamber <NUM> from the top. As shown in <FIG>, the fan <NUM> may be disposed above the plurality of nozzles 142N. First evaporative cooler <NUM> may be disposed below the fan <NUM>. Second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be connected to the air inlet <NUM> to allow airflow <NUM> therethrough when it enters the chamber <NUM> and connected to the water outlet <NUM> to allow waterflow <NUM> therethrough when it exits the chamber <NUM>. Second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be disposed downstream of the air inlet <NUM> to receive the airflow <NUM> entering the chamber <NUM> and upstream of the water outlet <NUM> to allow the waterflow <NUM> out of the chamber <NUM>. Waterflow <NUM> exiting the chamber <NUM> may be collected in a water pan <NUM> fluidly connected to chamber <NUM>. Water pan <NUM> may include a water channel <NUM> to channel the cooled water collected to be used where required, e.g. a condenser of a building. Waterflow <NUM> may be channelled directly from the water outlet <NUM> without a water pan <NUM>. Second evaporative cooler <NUM> may extend longitudinally or vertically. As shown in <FIG>, the waterflow <NUM> flows through the second evaporative cooler <NUM> longitudinally and the airflow <NUM> flows through the second evaporative cooler <NUM> laterally thus forming a cross-flow. Second evaporative cooler <NUM> may include one or more infills. As shown in <FIG>, the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may include two infills disposed opposite each other at opposite sides of the chamber <NUM>. Second evaporative cooler <NUM> may extend along the perimeter of the chamber <NUM> to surround the chamber <NUM>. While the cooling apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> is shown as a vertical configuration, e.g. first evaporative cooler <NUM> disposed above the second evaporative cooler <NUM>, it is possible for the cooling apparatus <NUM> to be arranged in a horizontal configuration such that the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be disposed laterally at the same height from the ground and the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may be pumped into the second evaporative cooler <NUM> and the airflow <NUM> may be drawn laterally across both the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and the second evaporative cooler <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of a cooling method <NUM> adapted to cool the waterflow <NUM>. Method <NUM> includes receiving an airflow <NUM> through a first evaporative cooler <NUM> from a second evaporative cooler <NUM> to cool the waterflow <NUM> through the first evaporative cooler <NUM> in block <NUM>. Method <NUM> further includes receiving the airflow <NUM> through the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to cool the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> through the second evaporative cooler <NUM> in block <NUM>. Method <NUM> further includes deflecting the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and allowing the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to the first evaporative cooler <NUM> by a deflector <NUM> in block <NUM>. As described, the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may be adapted to allow the waterflow <NUM> from the plurality nozzles 142N to flow downwardly therethrough and the airflow <NUM> from the deflector <NUM> to flow upwardly therethrough. In this way, the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may be adapted to allow a counterflow between the waterflow <NUM> and the airflow <NUM>. Consequently, the waterflow <NUM> may be cooled evaporatively as the airflow <NUM> passes through it. Second evaporative cooler <NUM> is adapted to allow the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to flow downwardly therethrough and the airflow <NUM> to flow across therethrough. In this way, the second evaporative cooler <NUM> is adapted to allow a crossflow between the waterflow <NUM> and the airflow <NUM>. Consequently, the waterflow <NUM> may be cooled evaporatively as the airflow <NUM> passes it. As such, the cooling apparatus <NUM> may be a two-stage cross-counter flow cooling apparatus <NUM>.

When the cooling apparatus <NUM> is in operation, the waterflow <NUM>, which may come from a heat source, e.g. condensers of buildings, has a relatively high temperature and may be channelled into the chamber <NUM> of the cooling apparatus <NUM>. First evaporative cooler <NUM> may be adapted to receive the "heated" waterflow <NUM> therethrough. As the water is being sprayed from the plurality of nozzles 142N, it enters from top side of the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and exits from its bottom side. At the same time, the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be adapted to receive the airflow <NUM> therethrough from the ambient air. As the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> flows from the bottom side of the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and exits its top side, the airflow <NUM> evaporatively cools the waterflow <NUM> therethrough, i.e. counterflow. The downward waterflow <NUM> is made to contact the upward airflow <NUM> thus cooling down the waterflow <NUM> therethrough. The temperature of the waterflow <NUM> that exits the first evaporative cooler <NUM> is cooler than the temperature of the "heated" waterflow <NUM> that enters the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. In turn, the airflow <NUM> is heated to nearly the temperature of the incoming waterflow <NUM> and is saturated with water vapour. In this way, the thermal cooling capacity of the first evaporative cooler <NUM> is maximized. Preferably, the temperature of exiting the first evaporative cooler <NUM> is uniform across it and the temperature of airflow <NUM> exiting from the top side of the first evaporative cooler <NUM> is uniform across it.

Waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> is deflected into the second evaporative cooler <NUM> by the deflector <NUM>. Second evaporative cooler <NUM> receives the waterflow <NUM> therethrough and as the airflow <NUM> flows therethrough, the waterflow <NUM> may be evaporatively cooled by the airflow <NUM>, e.g. cross-flow. Hence, the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> exiting the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be cooler than the temperature entering the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Consequently, the airflow <NUM> picks up heat and moisture from the waterflow <NUM>. Airflow <NUM> that subsequently enters the chamber <NUM> via the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be cooled by the "cooled" second evaporative cooler <NUM> and the cooled airflow <NUM> is then be directed through the deflector <NUM> and the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to further cool the waterflow <NUM> through the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. In this way, the waterflow <NUM> is cooled before entering the second evaporative cooler <NUM> which cools the airflow <NUM> therethrough. As shown, the continuous cooling cycle improves the thermal efficiency and effectiveness of the cooling apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the deflector <NUM> may include a first side 130F and a second side <NUM> behind the first side 130F. Deflector <NUM> may be adapted to direct the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM> on the first side 130F and allow the airflow <NUM> therethrough from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to flow from the second side <NUM> to the first side 130F. Due to the design of the deflector <NUM>, the waterflow <NUM> may not flow from the first side 130F to the second side <NUM>. In addition, the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may be directed into the second evaporative cooler <NUM> and prevented from escaping into the second side <NUM>, e.g. into the water pan <NUM>, and mixed with the cooled water therein without first being used to cooled by the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Deflector <NUM> may also achieve the effect of separating the waterflow <NUM> and the airflow <NUM>, such that the waterflow <NUM> exiting from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may be directed to the top of the second evaporative cooler <NUM>.

Deflector <NUM> may include a base layer 130B having a plurality of openings 130P adapted to allow the airflow <NUM> through and a plurality of overhangs 130V spaced apart from each other and overhanging the plurality of openings 130P. Plurality of overhangs 130V may be adapted to allow the airflow <NUM> from the plurality of openings 130P to flow therebetween and prevent the waterflow <NUM> into the plurality of openings 130P and direct the waterflow <NUM> into the second evaporative cooler <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the deflector <NUM> may include a louvred panel <NUM> having a plurality of overlapping panels 132P and a plurality of gaps <NUM> therebetween. In operation, the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> flows onto the plurality of overlapping panels 132P and is directed into the second evaporative cooler <NUM> and the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> flows through the plurality of gaps <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a deflector <NUM>. <FIG> is a sectional view along line A-A in <FIG>. Deflector <NUM> may include the base layer 330B having the plurality of openings 330P adapted to allow the airflow <NUM> through. Base layer 330B may also be adapted to receive and channel the waterflow <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). Deflector <NUM> may also include a top layer 330T having the plurality of overhangs 330V spaced apart from each other and overhanging the plurality of openings 330P. Each of the plurality of overhangs 330V may be adapted to receive and channel the waterflow <NUM> to the base layer 330B. As shown in <FIG>, the base layer 330B may be a covered tray and the plurality of openings 330P may be a plurality of through holes for the airflow <NUM> to go through. Base layer 330B may be in fluid communication with the second evaporative cooler <NUM> such that waterflow <NUM> collected therein may be channelled to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Each of the plurality of overhangs 330V may extend from the base layer 330B. Each of the plurality of overhangs 330V may include a funnel <NUM> with a wide top 330W that overhangs the openings 330P and a narrow bottom 330B connected to the base layer 330B. Each of plurality of overhangs 330V may be in fluid communication with the base layer 330B such that the waterflow <NUM> flowing thereinto may flow into the base layer 330B, which may direct the waterflow <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Top layer 330T may include a plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 overhanging the plurality of overhangs 330V. Each of the plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 may extend from the base layer 330B and extend through the plurality of overhangs 330V. Each of the plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 may be adapted to receive and channel the waterflow <NUM> to the base layer 330B. Each of the plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 may include the funnel <NUM> with a wide top 330W that overhangs a plurality of spaces (as shown in <FIG>) formed by the plurality of overhangs 330V and a narrow bottom 330B connected to the base layer 330B. Each of plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 may be in fluid communication with the base layer 330B such that the waterflow <NUM> flowing thereinto may flow into the base layer 330B, which may direct the waterflow <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Base layer 330B may be inclined to improve the waterflow <NUM> therein to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the deflector <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of overhangs 330V may form a plurality of spaces <NUM> between each other. Airflow <NUM> from the plurality of openings 330P may flow through the plurality of spaces <NUM>. Plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 may be adapted to overhang the plurality of spaces <NUM> to prevent the waterflow <NUM> into the plurality of spaces <NUM>. Plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 may form a plurality of secondary spaces 330S2 between each other. Waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may flow into the plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 to be directed into the base layer 330B and the plurality of secondary spaces 330S2. Portions of the waterflow <NUM> that flows through the plurality of secondary spaces 330S2 may be received by the plurality of overhangs 330V and directed into the base layer 330B. Airflow <NUM> from the plurality of spaces <NUM> may flow through the plurality of secondary spaces 330S2 and to the first evaporative cooler <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the deflector <NUM> may be adapted to direct the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) to the second evaporative cooler <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) without allowing the waterflow <NUM> therethrough and allow the airflow <NUM> therethrough from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, while it is shown that the plurality of overhangs 330V and the plurality of secondary overhangs 330V2 may have a circular top profile, they may have other top profiles, e.g. square, octagonal, etc. From the top view of the deflector <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the deflector <NUM> may provide a complete barrier to the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and direct the waterflow <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. At the same time, the deflector <NUM> may allow the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to pass through to the first evaporative cooler <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a deflector <NUM>. <FIG> is a sectional view along line B-B in <FIG>. Deflector <NUM> may include the base layer 430B having the plurality of openings 430P adapted to allow the airflow <NUM> therethrough and the plurality of overhangs 430V spaced apart from each other and overhanging the plurality of openings 430P. Plurality of overhangs 430V may be adapted to allow the airflow <NUM> from the plurality of openings 430P to flow therebetween and prevent the waterflow <NUM> into the plurality of openings 430P. In addition, the plurality of overhangs 430V may be adapted to direct the waterflow <NUM> into the second evaporative cooler <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the base layer 430B may include a plurality of bottom channels 430CB spaced apart from each other to form the plurality of openings 430P therebetween, such that the plurality of bottom channels 430CB may be adapted to channel the waterflow <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Plurality of overhangs 430V may include a plurality of top channels 430CT adapted to direct the waterflow <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Plurality of top channels 430CT may form the plurality of spaces <NUM> therebetween. Plurality of top channels 430CT may be disposed above the plurality of openings 430P and overlap the plurality of bottom channels 430CB to ensure that the waterflow <NUM> that flows through the plurality of spaces <NUM> may be received by the plurality of bottom channels 430CB to be directed to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. At the same time, the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may pass through the plurality of openings 430P and the plurality of spaces <NUM> to first evaporative cooler <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the exemplary embodiment of the deflector <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of bottom channels 430CB may form a plurality of openings 430P therebetween and the plurality of top channels 430CT may be disposed over the plurality of openings 430P and overlap the plurality of bottom channels 430CB to prevent the waterflow <NUM> through the plurality of spaces <NUM> to enter the plurality of openings 430P. Deflector <NUM> may include a side channel 430D in fluid communication with the plurality of base layer 430B and the plurality of overhangs 430V, such that the side channel 430D may be adapted to receive the waterflow <NUM> from the base layer 430B and the plurality of overhangs 430V and direct the waterflow <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). From the top view of the deflector <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the deflector <NUM> may provide a complete barrier to the waterflow <NUM> from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and direct the waterflow <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. At the same time, the deflector <NUM> may allow the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to pass through to the first evaporative cooler <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side elevation view of the exemplary embodiment of the deflector <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of top channels 430CT may be disposed above the plurality of bottom channels 430CB. Both the plurality of top channels 430CT and the plurality of bottom channels 430CB may be inclined to direct the waterflow <NUM> to the side channel 430D. Both the plurality of top channels 430CT and the plurality of bottom channels 430CB may form a set of channels and there may be more than one set of channels disposed above each other in a deflector <NUM>. Further, the sets of channels may be inclined alternately to form a zig-zag configuration.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the cooling apparatus <NUM>. Cooling apparatus <NUM> may include the features described in the cooling apparatus <NUM> in <FIG>. Cooling apparatus <NUM> may further include a plurality of guides <NUM> spaced apart from each other and adapted to guide the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. Plurality of guides <NUM> may include a plurality of parallel panels adapted to direct the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to the deflector <NUM>.

Second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be sectioned into a plurality of portions, e.g. a top portion 520T, bottom portion 520B and a middle portion <NUM> between the top portion 520T and the bottom portion 520B. As the waterflow <NUM> flows through the second evaporative cooler <NUM> from the top portion 520T to the bottom portion 520B, the waterflow <NUM> is cooled by the airflow <NUM> as it flows downwards. As a result, the waterflow <NUM> cools down further as it flows down the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. As it can be appreciated, the waterflow <NUM> at the top portion 520T of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> has a higher temperature than the waterflow <NUM> at the bottom portion 520B of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> due to the cooling effect downstream. Therefore, the temperature of the waterflow <NUM>, hence the temperature at the bottom portion 520B of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be cooler than the temperature at its top portion 520T. The airflow <NUM> exiting the second evaporative cooler <NUM> is saturated and at the same time, the temperature of the airflow <NUM> exiting from the top portion 520T of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may consequently be higher than the airflow <NUM> exiting from the bottom portion 520B of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> due to the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> therethrough. As such, it can be appreciated that there is a temperature gradient along the longitudinal direction, i.e. vertical direction, of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> such that the temperature of the airflow <NUM> and waterflow <NUM> therethrough gradually reduces from the top portion 520T of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to its bottom portion 520B. It can also be appreciated that the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> exiting the first evaporative cooler <NUM> may be the same or nearly the same as the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> entering the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. As the waterflow <NUM> flows downwardly from the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to the second evaporative cooler <NUM> the waterflow <NUM> is evaporatively cooled by the airflow <NUM> flowing in the opposite direction. Hence, the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> entering the second evaporative cooler <NUM> is lower than the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> exiting first evaporative cooler <NUM>. It can be appreciated that due to the temperature gradient of the airflow <NUM> exiting from the second evaporative cooler <NUM>, the average temperature of the airflow <NUM> entering the first evaporative cooler <NUM> is always lower than the temperature of waterflow <NUM> exiting the first evaporative cooler <NUM>, regardless the external conditions of the water and air, i.e. temperature of water entering the cooling apparatus <NUM> from the condensers, and the temperature and humidity of the ambient air.

First evaporative cooler <NUM> may also be sectioned into a plurality of portions, e.g. a left side portion <NUM>, a right side portion 510R and a centre portion 510C between the left side portion <NUM> and the right side portion 510R. Plurality of guides <NUM> may be adapted to guide airflow <NUM> from one portion of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to one portion of the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. For example, the plurality of guides <NUM> may be adapted to guide the airflow <NUM> from the top portion 520T of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to one of the left side portion <NUM> and right side portion 510R, the airflow <NUM> from the bottom portion 520B to the centre portion 510C. In this way, the airflow <NUM> from the plurality of portions of the second evaporative cooler <NUM>, which have varying temperatures, e.g. warmest at the top portion 520T and coolest at the bottom portion 520B, may not be mixed as it flows from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. Plurality of guides <NUM> may include a plurality of bottom guides 560B disposed between the second evaporative cooler <NUM> and the deflector <NUM> to guide the airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> to the deflector <NUM>. Plurality of guides <NUM> may include a plurality of top guides 560T disposed between the deflector <NUM> and the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to guide the airflow <NUM> from the deflector <NUM> to the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. As the portions of airflow <NUM> from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> are guided by the plurality of bottom guides 560B to the deflector <NUM> and flows through the deflector <NUM>, the same portions of airflow <NUM> may be guided by the plurality of top guides 560T from the deflector <NUM> to the respective portions of the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. For example, the portion of airflow <NUM> at the top portion 520T of the left side and right side of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be directed to the left side portion <NUM> and right side portion 510R of the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. The portion of airflow <NUM> at the bottom portion 520B of the left side and right side of the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be directed to the centre portion 510C of the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. In this way, the airflow <NUM> exiting from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be directed to the first evaporative cooler <NUM> with minimal interference hence reducing the resistance of the water flow and airflow <NUM> between the airflow <NUM> and waterflow <NUM>.

It can be appreciated that the cooling apparatus <NUM> provides a stable feedback cooling loop. When the water, e.g. from the condenser at high temperature, enters the cooling apparatus <NUM> via the water inlet <NUM>, the waterflow <NUM> is being sprayed onto the first evaporative cooler <NUM> using the plurality of nozzles 542N. As the waterflow <NUM> flows through the first evaporative cooler <NUM>, it is cooled by the counterflow airflow <NUM> before exiting the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. A cooling effect is produced through the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and especially at the bottom side thereof, thus reducing the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> exiting from the bottom side of the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. Consequently, the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> entering the second evaporative cooler <NUM> is reduced compared to a cooling apparatus <NUM> without the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. In turn, due to the cooling effect of the cross-flow between the waterflow <NUM> and the airflow <NUM> within the second evaporative cooler <NUM>, the temperature of the waterflow <NUM> exiting the second evaporative cooler <NUM> at its bottom portion 520B is further reduced. As such, the temperature of the airflow <NUM> exiting from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> is much lower compared to the waterflow <NUM> entering the second evaporative cooler <NUM>. Due to the lowered temperature of the waterflow <NUM> in the second evaporative cooler <NUM> as a result of the cooling effect by the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and the second evaporative cooler <NUM>, the incoming airflow <NUM>, i.e. ambient air, into the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be cooled to a temperature lower than that of a conventional cooling tower. Consequently, the cooled airflow <NUM> exiting from the second evaporative cooler <NUM> may be channelled into the first evaporative cooler <NUM> to improve the cooling effect at the first evaporative cooler <NUM>. The cooled airflow <NUM> may be evaporatively cooled further in the first evaporative cooler <NUM> and at the same time, due to the cooled first evaporative cooler <NUM>, the waterflow <NUM> through it may be cooled further before being directed into the second evaporative cooler <NUM> again. As one may appreciate, the feedback cooling loop enhances the thermal effectiveness of the cooling apparatus <NUM> and produces colder waterflow <NUM> as compared to a conventional cross-flow cooling tower. Further, the present cooling apparatus <NUM> produces a lower air-flow resistance as compared to a conventional counterflow cooling tower.

Claim 1:
A cooling apparatus (<NUM>,<NUM>) for cooling a waterflow, the cooling apparatus (<NUM>,<NUM>) comprising:
a counterflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) adapted to cool the waterflow therethrough,
a crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) adapted to receive and further cool the waterflow from the counterflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) therethrough longitudinally,
wherein the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is adapted to receive an airflow to flow laterally therethrough to further cool the cooled waterflow therethrough forming a crossflow with the cooled waterflow, and the counterflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is adapted to receive the cooled airflow therethrough longitudinally from the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) to cool the waterflow therethrough, and
a deflector (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) disposed between the counterflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) and the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) and adapted to deflect the cooled waterflow from the counterflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) to the top position of the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) and allow the cooled airflow to flow from the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) to the counterflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) therethrough, and separate the cooled airflow exiting the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) from the cooled waterflow entering the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), wherein the cooled airflow from the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is directed through the deflector to the counterflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), wherein the cooled waterflow is cooled further by the cooled airflow before entering the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) such that the temperature of the further cooled waterflow entering the crossflow evaporative cooler (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is lower than the temperature of the waterflow exiting the counterflow evaporative cooler.