Heat exchange – Geographical
Patent
1999-06-23
2000-11-14
Lazarus, Ira S.
Heat exchange
Geographical
16510433, 16510719, 361385, F28D 300
Patent
active
061455849
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is concerned with power equipment for use underwater, e.g. under the sea, such power equipment incorporating at least one power device.
In the context the term `power device` is to be interpreted generally as covering all forms of prime movers, e.g. engines, as well as power transmission devices (e.g. mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic), but the invention is particularly applicable to power equipment incorporating a power device in the form of an electrical sub-station incorporating a transformer and its associated control gear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Power equipment incorporating such power devices will always produce energy in the form of heat and it is necessary for heat to be removed from the equipment, e.g. by conduction, convection or radiation.
At first sight it might appear that for power equipment used underwater there would be no particular cooling problem since the water itself would provide a large heat sink. However, for certain equipment producing relatively large quantities of heat it will be necessary to take special and specific measures to ensure efficient and effective removal of heat from the power equipment into the surrounding water. Moreover, maintenance and repair operations of equipment used underwater is time-consuming and expensive, and there is a need to ensure that such equipment can operate with long maintenance intervals.
The object of the invention is to provide power equipment with an efficient cooling arrangement which will operate in an underwater location and without attention for long periods of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided power equipment for use when submerged in water, the power equipment comprising an exterior casing enclosing at least one power device of a type which produces heat when in use, the exterior casing being in heat exchange relationship with the at least one power device so as to put the at least one power device into heat exchange relationship with water surrounding the exterior casing when the power equipment is submerged, characterised in that the power equipment further comprises a passage penetrating the exterior casing and extending at least partially through the power equipment in heat exchange relationship with the at least one power device, which passage is open to ingress of the water surrounding the exterior casing so as to put the at least one power device into heat exchange relationship with water in the passage when the power equipment is submerged.
In a preferred embodiment the passage is provided by a substantially tubular element extending through the casing which passage is open at at least one end; preferably the substantially tubular element is of circular cylindrical form and is open at both ends.
It is envisaged that the substantially tubular element may be mounted for limited axial movement in the casing; with such an embodiment shock absorbing means may be provided to limit and/or control movement of the substantially tubular element.
At least one heat sink may be mounted in the casing adjacent to the passage to take up heat by conduction from within the casing.
Furthermore, a heat sink may be provided to discharge heat to the surrounding water, the heat sink being mounted on either the tubular element or the casing.
The casing may incorporate at least one array to take up convection heat; such an array of cooling vanes may be attached to said tubular element.
Furthermore, the or an array of cooling vanes may be mounted on the inner surface of the casing.
The casing may contain a fluid which, in use, circulates therein by natural circulation and/or by forced circulation.
According to a further aspect the invention provides power equipment for use underwater, the power equipment comprising a pressure vessel having a first chamber in which at least one power device (as hereinbefore defined) which produces heat, in use, is mounted and a second chamber at least partially filled with a fluid, the second chamber bein
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Baynes Graham Tolhurst
Rodwell Christopher
Alstom UK Ltd.
Frank Robert J.
Lazarus Ira S.
McKinnon Terrell
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