RU2838610C1 - Heat exchanger with tubular membranes - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: heat exchange.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to heat exchangers, in particular to heat exchangers equipped with tubular membranes, which provide heat exchange between two fluids. According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger module with tubular membranes is proposed, which includes an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. Inlet manifold is made with possibility of connection with the adjacent module of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes and thus forming the above-located wetted compartment. Outlet manifold is made with possibility of connection with adjacent downstream module of heat exchanger with tubular membranes and thus formation of downstream wetted compartment. Heat exchanger module with tubular membranes additionally includes tubular membranes connecting the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold. Tubular membranes allow the process fluid to flow from the above wetted compartment to the lower wetted compartment.

EFFECT: tubular membranes provide possibility of mass exchange between process fluid medium in tubular membranes and outer surfaces of tubular membranes in contact with fluid medium.

66 cl, 35 dwg

Description

Link to related application

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/121,063, filed December 3, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field of technology to which the present invention relates

[0002] The present invention relates to heat exchangers, in particular to heat exchangers provided with tubular membranes that provide heat exchange between two fluid media.

Prior art of the present invention

[0003] Heat exchangers come in a variety of configurations and are used in a variety of applications. One type of heat exchanger is a hollow fiber membrane heat exchanger. Hollow fiber membrane heat exchangers are characterized by hollow fibers with an internal diameter of less than 1 mm through which a process fluid flows. Another fluid, such as air, flows over the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes. The hollow fiber membranes are provided with sidewalls that provide heat exchange between the fluid streams inside and outside the hollow fiber membranes.

Brief summary of the present invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger module with tubular membranes is proposed, which includes an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. The inlet manifold is configured to be connected to an adjacent upstream module of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes and thereby form an upstream wetted compartment. The outlet manifold is configured to be connected to an adjacent downstream module of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes and thereby form a downstream wetted compartment. The heat exchanger module with tubular membranes further includes tubular membranes connecting the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold. The tubular membranes provide flow of process fluid from the upstream wetted compartment to the downstream wetted compartment. The tubular membranes also provide mass exchange between the process fluid in the tubular membranes and the outer surfaces of the tubular membranes in contact with the fluid. Wetted compartments formed by connecting the inlet and outlet manifolds to adjacent diaphragm heat exchanger modules function as internal manifolds that collect and distribute process fluid between the diaphragms of the connected diaphragm heat exchanger modules.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tubular membranes are characterized by a circular cross-section and lumens with an internal diameter that provides a highly laminar flow of the process fluid in the tubular membranes. The laminar flow provides a rapid occurrence of the phenomenon of diffusion and heat transfer within the lumen. The internal diameter of the lumens of the tubular membrane can be at least 1 mm; for example, it can be in the range from about 1 mm to about 10 mm; for example, in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. It is intended that the term "about" in the context of the present document with respect to the diameter of the lumens of the tubular membranes reflects a manufacturing tolerance, such as +/- 0.2 mm.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a modular heat exchanger system is proposed, which includes an upstream module of a heat exchanger with tubular membranes and a downstream module of a heat exchanger with tubular membranes. The upstream module of a heat exchanger with tubular membranes is provided with an upstream inlet manifold for receiving a process fluid, an upstream outlet manifold and a plurality of upstream tubular membranes that provide flow of the process fluid from the upstream inlet manifold to the upstream outlet manifold.

[0007] The downstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger includes a downstream inlet manifold configured to be connected to an upstream outlet manifold of the upstream heat exchanger with tubular membranes. By connecting the upstream outlet manifold and the downstream inlet manifold, the downstream inlet manifold can receive process fluid from the upstream outlet manifold. The downstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger further includes a downstream outlet manifold and a plurality of downstream tubular membranes.

[0008] The upstream and downstream tubular membrane heat exchanger modules are a series of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules that sequentially perform heat exchange between a process fluid and a fluid external to the tubular membranes of the upstream and downstream tubular membrane heat exchanger modules. In addition, the upstream and downstream tubular membrane heat exchanger modules may be connected in series with one or more additional tubular membrane heat exchanger modules to provide additional heat exchange, if required for a particular application.

[0009] The present invention also provides a heat exchanger module with tubular membranes, characterized by the presence of an inlet manifold for receiving a process fluid, an outlet manifold and a plurality of tubular membranes connected to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, which provide a flow of the process fluid from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. The tubular membranes create tortuous flow paths for the process fluid from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. Each tortuous path includes a plurality of sharp turns or changes in the direction of movement of the process fluid. The tubular membranes can occupy the entire length of the tortuous path and include bends that redirect the process fluid. In another embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger module with tubular membranes includes one or more intermediate manifolds located along the tortuous path. For example, the tubular membranes may include a first, second and third plurality of straight tubular membranes, and the heat exchanger module with tubular membranes includes a first and second intermediate manifolds connecting the first, second and third plurality of straight tubular membranes. The first intermediate manifold changes the direction of movement of the process fluid from the first plurality to the second plurality of straight tubular membranes, and the second intermediate manifold changes the direction of movement of the process fluid from the second plurality to the third plurality of straight tubular membranes. The second plurality of straight tubular membranes extends transversely to the first and third plurality of tubular membranes in such a way that the first, second and third plurality of straight tubular membranes direct the process fluid in different directions along tortuous trajectories.

[0010] The tortuous paths of the process fluid create turbulence in the process fluid, which can improve heat exchange between the process fluid and a fluid external to the tubular membranes. Another advantage of the tortuous paths of the process fluid created in the tubular membranes is that longer tubular membranes can be used within the specified boundaries of a heat exchanger, such as a heat exchange column. For example, the tubular membranes can be directed around the internal structures of a cooling column, such as a fan or a support. In addition, longer tubular membranes make it possible to use fewer tubular membranes in a particular embodiment of the present invention, while covering the same area as a larger number of shorter tubular membranes. Fewer tubular membranes allow for fewer connections between the tubular membranes and the inlet/outlet manifolds, simplifying the fabrication and maintenance of the tubular membrane heat exchanger module.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, an air preparation system is proposed, which includes an external structure, a heat exchanger with tubular membranes, comprising tubular membranes in the external structure, and a fan configured to generate an air flow in the external structure in the direction of the tubular membranes. The air preparation system further includes a source of supply of a process fluid, configured to supply to the heat exchanger with tubular membranes, either a first process fluid, or a second process fluid, wherein the second process fluid comprises a liquid desiccant.

[0012] The air preparation system is provided with a controller, which is operatively connected to the fan and the process fluid supply source. The controller provides a standard operating mode, in which the process fluid supply source supplies the first process fluid to the tubular membrane heat exchanger for the purpose of performing heat exchange between the first process fluid and the air flow. The controller additionally provides a second operating mode, in which the second process fluid containing a liquid desiccant is supplied to the tubular membrane heat exchanger for the purpose of removing moisture from the air flow. Due to this, the air preparation system can perform different air preparation functions by changing the process fluid supplied to the tubular membranes of the tubular membrane heat exchanger.

Brief description of the drawings

[0013] Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat exchanger system including assembled heat exchangers provided with tubular membranes;

[0014] Fig. 1B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a cooling column with tubular membrane heat exchanger modules, wherein the upper and lower tubular membrane heat exchanger modules are arranged one on top of the other;

[0015] Fig. 1C is a side elevational view illustrating the connection between the receiving manifold and the upper module of the membrane tube heat exchanger in the cooling column shown in Fig. 1B;

[0016] Fig. 1D is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between the upper and lower modules of the tubular membrane heat exchangers in the cooling column shown in Fig. 1B;

[0017] Fig. 1E is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of one of the modules of the tubular membrane heat exchangers in the cooling column shown in Fig. 1B;

[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating a second cooling column with tubular membrane heat exchanger modules;

[0019] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third cooling column with tubular membrane heat exchanger modules;

[0020] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth cooling column including an adiabatic heat removal system with tubular membrane heat exchanger modules as pre-cooling means;

[0021] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth cooling column that can operate in a wet, dry or adiabatic mode and that includes tubular membrane heat exchanger modules as pre-cooling means;

[0022] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an evaporative heat removal system with tubular membrane heat exchanger modules in a forced draft, cross flow configuration;

[0023] Fig. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of a tubular membrane assembly that includes a tubular membrane, a fitting, and a portion of a collector plate assembled together and having a filler applied to opposite sides of the portion of the collector plate;

[0024] Fig. 7B shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane, a fitting, a portion of a collector plate, and a tubular high-pressure vessel extending within the lumen of the tubular membrane;

[0025] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an evaporative heat removal system including membrane tube heat exchanger modules in a forced draft, cross flow configuration and a closed shell and plate heat exchanger;

[0026] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an evaporative air cooling system including tubular membrane heat exchanger modules in a forced draft, cross flow configuration;

[0027] Fig. 10A shows a cross-section of the connection between the lower and upper collectors of the upper and lower modules of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes;

[0028] Fig. 10B shows a cross-section of the connection between the distribution chamber of the receiving manifold and the upper manifold of the heat exchanger module with tubular membranes;

[0029] Fig. 11A shows a cross-section of the connection between the lower manifold of the upper module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and the upper manifold of the lower module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger;

[0030] Fig. 11B shows a cross-section of the connection between the distribution chamber of the receiving manifold and the upper manifold of the upper module of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes;

[0031] Fig. 12A shows a cross-section of a snap-fit connection between the lower manifold of the upper module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and the upper manifold of the lower module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger;

[0032] Fig. 12B shows a cross-section of a snap-fit connection between the distribution chamber of the receiving manifold and the upper manifold of the upper module of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes;

[0033] Fig. 13A shows a cross-section of a sliding connection between the lower manifold of the upper module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and the upper manifold of the lower module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger;

[0034] Fig. 13B shows a cross-section of a sliding connection between the distribution chamber of the receiving manifold and the upper manifold of the heat exchanger module with tubular membranes;

[0035] Fig. 14 shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane assembly comprising a rod passing through the lumen of the tubular membrane that prevents displacement of the tubular membrane;

[0036] Fig. 15 shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane assembly comprising a rod and rings in the lumen of the tubular membrane that prevent displacement of the tubular membrane;

[0037] Fig. 16 shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane assembly comprising a helical support element that encircles the outside of a tubular membrane included in the tubular membrane assembly and that prevents displacement of the tubular membrane;

[0038] Fig. 17 shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane assembly comprising a helical support element in the lumen of the tubular membrane, which is part of the tubular membrane assembly, which prevents displacement of this tubular membrane;

[0039] Fig. 18 shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane assembly comprising an external spacer that prevents displacement of the tubular membrane included in the tubular membrane assembly;

[0040] Fig. 19 shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane assembly comprising an internal spacer that prevents displacement of the tubular membrane included in the tubular membrane assembly;

[0041] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating various configurations of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules for cooling columns of various sizes;

[0042] Fig. 21 shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane assembly comprising a tubular membrane, a tube, and a fitting connecting the tubular membrane to the tube;

[0043] Fig. 22 shows a cross-section of a tubular membrane assembly comprising a tube with an end connection;

[0044] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating tubular membrane heat exchanger modules comprising supports between intermediate manifolds of the tubular membrane heat exchanger modules;

[0045] Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes comprising a support element that connects a support plate of a heat exchanger module provided with tubular membranes to a surface;

[0046] Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes comprising a support member that connects the support plates to the collectors and tubes;

[0047] Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tubular membrane heat exchanger modules in a cooling column with support plates attached to the wall of the cooling column;

[0048] Fig. 27 shows a cross-section of the support plate of the heat exchanger module with tubular membranes, where one can see the tubular membranes passing through the openings in the support plate, and the annular surfaces of the openings in the support plate encircling the tubular membranes;

[0049] Fig. 28 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a support plate of a heat exchanger module with tubular membranes, showing the tubular membranes passing through slots in the support plate and the side surfaces of the slots in contact with the tubular membranes;

[0050] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a tubular membrane heat exchanger module comprising tubular membranes that extend in a tortuous path around a fan, the tubular membranes being characterized by straight sections and curved sections;

[0051] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger module with tubular membranes provided with supports that change the direction of the tubular membranes of the module and form bends of the tubular membranes;

[0052] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger module with tubular membranes provided with tubular membranes with radial inner wall sections that are shorter than the radial outer wall sections of the tubular membranes, resulting in an annular shape of the tubular membranes;

[0053] Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a tubular membrane heat exchanger module comprising an annular rod that supports the tubular membranes in an annular configuration;

[0054] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a tubular membrane heat exchanger comprising tubular membranes, an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold and intermediate manifolds configured to change the direction of flow of the process fluid;

[0055] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of an air preparation unit comprising heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes; and

[0056] Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating assembled tubular membranes comprising spiral tubular membranes.

Detailed disclosure of the present invention

[0057] Fig. 1A shows a heat exchanger system 10A that includes a heat exchanger 11A that receives heat, such as from inside a building, and transfers this heat to a process fluid, such as water or a water-glycol mixture. The process fluid may include a liquid and a gas, the proportion of which may vary as the process fluid passes through the heat exchanger system 10A. The heat exchanger system 10A includes a pump 31A configured to pump the fluid from the heat exchanger 11A to a heat rejection device, such as a cooling column 40A. The cooling column 40A includes one or more heat exchanger cassettes, such as heat exchanger modules 50A with tubular membranes. The tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 50A are removably or permanently connected to the receiving manifold 52A and the discharging manifold 54A. According to another approach, the cooling column 40A can receive heat and transfer it to the process fluid, while the heat exchanger 11A removes heat from the process fluid. The heat exchanger system 10A can be similar to the heat exchanger systems described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/891,598, filed June 3, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0058] Each module 50A of the tubular membrane heat exchanger includes an upper header or inlet header 70A that receives fluid from the receiving manifold 52A; one or more tubular membranes 74A through which the fluid flows; and a lower header or outlet header 72A that collects fluid coming from the tubular membranes 74A. The tubular membranes 74A are similar to the tubular membranes 39 shown in Fig. 1E and described below.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 1A, the tubular membranes 74A facilitate heat exchange and/or mass exchange between a first fluid in the tubular membranes 74A and a second fluid outside the tubular membranes 74A. As one example, the tubular membranes 74A can be made of a gas-permeable material that is also impermeable to liquids. The tubular membranes 74A receive a fluid that includes a mixture of liquid and gas that has been heated in the heat exchanger 11A. The tubular membranes 74A allow gas, such as vapor, that has been heated in the heat exchanger 11A to exit the tubular membranes 74A. In one example, the fluid entering the tubular membranes 74A can be a mixture of water and water vapor. The liquid passing through the tubular membranes 74A is cooled by a direct cooling method using an air flow washing the outer surfaces of the tubular membranes 74, with the discharge of high-energy water vapor through the tubular membranes 74A.

[0060] In another embodiment of the present invention, the tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 50A use pervaporation to exchange heat between a first fluid medium inside the tubular membranes 74A and a second fluid medium outside the tubular membranes 74A. For example, the tubular membrane heat exchanger module 50A receives heated liquid (such as water) from the heat exchanger 11A. Molecules of the heated liquid (for example, H ₂ O) are absorbed by the tubular membranes 74A. The liquid molecules absorbed by the tubular membranes 74A diffuse from the inner surfaces of the tubular membranes 74A to the outer surfaces of the tubular membranes 74A. The liquid molecules that have been diffused to the outer surfaces of the tubular membranes 74A are desorbed into the external fluid medium (for example, air) and take heat from the tubular membranes 74A. In the context of liquid water entering the module 50A of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes and ambient air directed through the outer surfaces of the tubular membranes, the diffused water molecules on the outer surface of the tubular membranes 74A evaporate into the surrounding atmosphere. In other embodiments of the present invention, the fluid molecules outside the tubular membranes can diffuse into the interior of the tubular membranes.

[0061] According to one approach, the fluid may be represented solely by gas upon reaching the tubular membranes 74A, wherein a portion of the gas stream permeates through the tubular membranes 74A and exits into the surrounding atmosphere, and the remaining gas in the gas stream enters the outlet manifold 72A in the form of a cooled gas, a gas-liquid mixture, or a liquid.

[0062] The tubular membranes 74A can be made, for example, of one or more polymers, such as polypropylene (PP), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In another example, the tubular membranes can be made of a microporous hydrophobic polysulfone material. According to some approaches, the tubular membranes 74A can be made of ceramic materials. Another material that can be used to make the tubular membranes 74A is graphene oxide.

[0063] The tubular membranes 74A provide for controlled diffusion of fluid molecules through the side walls of the tubular membranes 74A, while limiting the penetration of, for example, bacteria, chemicals, or foreign particles through the side walls of the tubular membranes 74A. Thus, the tubular membranes 74A perform the function of a barrier that prevents the passage of legionella or other microbes between the fluid inside the tubular membranes and the fluid outside the tubular membranes.

[0064] The tubular membranes 74A may be porous and have openings or pores that facilitate heat and/or mass transfer. The pores may have sizes ranging from 2.5 angstroms to 35 micrometers. For example, the pore size may vary from 1 nanometer to 20 nanometers. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tubular membranes 74A have pores that are less than 0.001 micrometers in size. In another embodiment of the present invention, the tubular membranes 74A have a pore size of less than 1 micrometer and greater than 0.001 micrometers.

[0065] The tubular membranes 74A may be flexible and relatively brittle, making it difficult to grip the tubular membranes 74A for connection to other components. For example, the tubular membranes 74A may be rigid enough to be placed vertically on a surface while maintaining their shape; but any external pressure exerted on the tubular membranes 74A causes them to bend and/or twist. The tubular membranes 74A may be made of or coated with a material that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, which prevents algae growth and/or blocks biocidal properties, suppressing the proliferation of bacteria.

[0066] The material of the tubular membranes 74A may be porous or dense. For example, the tubular membranes 74A may be membranes made of a hydrophobic porous material, wherein the transfer of water vapor to the outer surface of the tubular membranes 74A occurs primarily by diffusion through the pores of the tubular membranes 74A. The permeability of the tubular membranes may be affected by the pore size, overall porosity, surface porosity, and pore tortuosity of the tubular membranes. In one example, the pore size may vary in the micrometer range. For dense membrane materials, the transfer of water vapor occurs by dissolution-diffusion through the polymer layer itself, since there are no pores in the dense membrane material.

[0067] The tubular membranes 74A may be homogeneous membranes having only one layer that is impermeable to liquid but highly permeable to vapor. In other embodiments of the present invention, the tubular membranes 74A may have a complex shape that is characterized by the presence of a dense surface layer and a porous support layer. The support layer provides the membrane with mechanical strength, while the dense surface layer is responsible for the permeability and selectivity of the membrane.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 1A, the cooling column 40A includes one or more fans 14A. In one embodiment of the present invention, each fan 14A includes fan blades 16A and an electric motor 18A. In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more fans 14A may include a plurality of fans using a common electric motor. The fan 14A is configured to create an air flow in the direction of the tubular membranes 74A, for example, in an upward direction 75A along the length of the tubular membranes 74A, in a downward direction (opposite to the direction 75A) along the length of the tubular membranes 74A and/or in one or more other directions transverse to the length of the tubular membranes 74A, for example, perpendicular to the length of the tubular membranes 74A. The air flow can help remove gas from the outer surfaces of the tubular membranes 74A. As already mentioned above, the fluid medium can be water, and only pure water vapor can penetrate through the tubular membranes 74A, while contaminants such as foreign particles, solids dissolved or undissolved in water, scales and microorganisms remain inside the tubular membranes 74A. In addition, the tubular membranes 74A block the penetration of contaminants from the outside into the interior of the tubular membranes 74A.

[0069] Fig. 1B shows a cooling column 10 that is similar in many respects to the cooling column 40A described above in connection with Fig. 1A. The cooling column 10 includes a process fluid inlet 11, a process fluid outlet 12, a column housing 13, a fan 14, and optionally a fan guard 15. The fan 14 is configured to draw air in through air inlets 13A in the cooling column 10. The process fluid entering the process fluid inlet 11 is directed to a receiving manifold 16 that delivers the process fluid to one or more heat exchanger cassettes, such as tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 18. As shown in Fig. 1B, each module 18 of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes contains collectors 41, such as an upper collector 41B and a lower collector 41A, and tubular membranes 39, similar to the tubular membranes 41 described above. The modules 18 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes include pairs of modules consisting of upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes, located one on top of the other, which are configured to cool the process fluid as it flows through the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes. The cooling column 10 is provided with an outlet manifold 17, which collects the process fluid coming from pairs of modules consisting of upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of heat exchangers with tubular membranes, located one on top of the other, and directs the process fluid into an outlet branch pipe 12 for the process fluid.

[0070] The cooling column 10 includes detachable connections 30 and 30A between the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers and the receiving and discharging manifolds (16 and 17, respectively). The cooling column 10 includes connections 19 between each pair consisting of the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers, which allows the process fluid to pass from the upper module 18A of the tubular membrane heat exchanger to the lower module 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchanger.

[0071] Therefore, the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers included in each pair are connected in series. In addition, each pair of modules consisting of the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers is connected to the receiving and discharging manifolds (16 and 17, respectively) in parallel with other pairs consisting of the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers. The modular nature of the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers facilitates and simplifies efficient maintenance of the cooling column 10. For example, if it is necessary to replace one of the upper modules 18A of the tubular membrane heat exchangers, then this upper module 18 of the tubular membrane heat exchanger is disconnected from the receiving manifold 16 and from the corresponding lower module 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchanger, and then removed. Then, the upper module 18A of the tubular membrane heat exchanger for replacement is connected to the receiving manifold 16 and to the lower module 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchanger. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that if a pair of modules consisting of the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes is to be replaced, then this pair is disconnected from the receiving and outlet manifolds (16 and 17, respectively), after which it is removed from the cooling column 10, and a new pair of modules consisting of the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes is connected to the receiving and outlet manifolds (16 and 17, respectively). For larger embodiments of the cooling column, shut-off valves can be provided before and after each module 18 of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes, due to which each module 18 can be serviced and/or replaced without draining the entire system as a whole. In addition, the presence of shut-off valves before and after each module 18 of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes ensures the possibility of operation of other components of the cooling column during maintenance.

[0072] The cooling column 10 is provided with safety devices, such as screens 21, designed to protect the modules 18 of the tubular membrane heat exchangers from dirt, debris, sunlight and/or impact. The cooling column 10 is characterized by an artificial draft configuration and includes a fan 14 configured to draw air into the air intakes 13A along the tubular membranes 39 of the modules 18 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes and to discharge it to the outside through the air outlet 15 of the cooling column 10. It was found that the induced air flow entering the tubular membranes 39 creates a low air vacuum on the outside of the tubular membranes 39. The low air vacuum on the outside of the tubular membranes promotes the exit of gas from the tubular membranes 39 and increases the efficiency of the tubular membranes 39. However, it should be noted that the artificial forced upward or downward flow, as well as all cross-air flows of any structure, are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0073] The tube membrane heat exchanger modules 18 facilitate the transfer of heat from the process fluid at a low pressure of the process fluid. For example, the cooling column 10 uses a low pressure process fluid, such as less than 25 psig. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling column 10 can operate in an "open" configuration in which the process fluid is exposed to atmospheric pressure. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling column 10 can operate at higher pressures, such as about 150 psig or over 200 psig. For example, the internal pressure in the tube 770 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7B can reach 450 psig when the tube 770 is used to conduct a refrigerant.

[0074] Fig. 1C is a more detailed view illustrating a cooling column 10 comprising detachable connections 30 between a receiving manifold 16 and upper modules 18A of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes. In particular, the receiving manifold 16 includes a main tube 16A with branch tubes 16B diverging from it. The receiving manifold 16 further comprises a distributor, such as a distribution chamber 16C, each of which is provided with a flange 16D, which is connected to a flange 41C of an inlet manifold 41B of an upper module 18 of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes. The distribution chamber 16C can have a shape resembling a square truncated pyramid; and optionally includes a deflector configured to distribute process fluid flowing from the distribution chamber 16C to the upper manifold 41B. The flanges 16D and 41C may be removably connected to each other, such as by one or more fasteners. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sealing element, such as a gasket, is provided between the flanges 16D and 41C. To connect the upper module 18A of the heat exchanger equipped with tubular membranes to the receiving manifold 16, the user positions the inlet manifold 41B below the distribution chamber 16C and fastens their flanges 16D and 41C using fasteners or other devices. In another embodiment of the present invention, the connections 30 are permanent.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 1D, the connection 19 between the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers includes flanges 41C and 41D on the housings 80 of the lower and upper headers 41A and 41B. The flanges 41C and 41D are connected to each other permanently or with the possibility of removal. When connected to each other, the upper and lower headers 41A and 41B form a wetted compartment 43, which receives the process fluid from the tubular membranes of the upper module 18A of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and which directs the process fluid to the tubular membranes of the lower heat exchanger 18B with tubular membranes.

[0076] The wetted compartment 43 formed between the modules 18 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes provides the possibility of connecting the modules 18 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes together, forming a longer heat exchanger. The connected modules 18 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes can form a longer heat exchanger without the need for additional manifolds and corresponding pipelines. The wetted compartment 43 can be a higher compartment in comparison with the illustrated one, which improves the mixing of the fluid, or a shorter compartment in comparison with the illustrated one, which provides a more compact connection. In one embodiment of the present invention, the wetted compartment 43 includes fluid mixers, such as stationary or moving elements, which are located inside the wetted compartment 43.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connection 19 includes one or more fasteners, such as sets of bolts, nuts and washers, which are configured to connect together the flanges 41C and 41D so that they can be subsequently removed. In other examples, the flanges 41C and 41D can be connected to each other using an adhesive, welded to each other, or connected to each other by mating parts of the lower and upper manifolds 41A and 41B. The connection 19 can include a sealing element, such as a gasket, and/or an adhesive, such as epoxy resin.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 1E, the upper and lower modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers may be identical, and they are described in connection with the heat exchanger 18 with tubular membranes. The collector body 80 of each of the modules 18A and 18B of the tubular membrane heat exchangers includes a portion 42 of the collector plate provided with a plurality of openings for receiving connectors, such as fittings 166, which connect the tubular membranes 39 to the upper and lower headers 41B and 41A. The upper and lower headers 41B and 41A further include a grouting 170 and 171 for connecting the tubular membranes 39 to the fittings 166. For clarity, the upper and lower headers 41B and 41A are shown in Fig. 1D without the grouting 170 and 171.

[0079] Fig. 1B shows connections 30A between the lower modules 18B of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes and the outlet manifold 17, which may be similar to the connections 30 located between the intake manifold 16 and the upper modules 18A of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes. The outlet manifold 17 includes collection headers 17B similar to the distribution chamber 16C described above in connection with Fig. 1C. The collection headers 17B are provided with flanges configured to be detachably or permanently connected to the flange 41D of the lower header 41A of the lower module 18B of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes.

[0080] According to one approach, the modules 18 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes are made bidirectional, which means that the modules 18 of the heat exchangers equipped with tubular membranes can be installed either with an inlet manifold 41B, which is located in an upper position, or with an outlet manifold 41A, which is located in an upper position. In addition, each manifold of the receiving and outlet manifolds 16 and 17 can function as a receiving manifold or an outlet manifold depending on the direction of flow of the process fluid. For example, in some applications, the process fluid can change its direction of flow so that the process fluid exits the manifold 17 through the heat exchangers 18 with tubular membranes and enters the manifold 16. In other embodiments of the present invention, the modules 18 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes can be unidirectional.

[0081] Fig. 1E also shows that the intake manifold 41B and the exhaust manifold 41A include portions 42 of the manifold plate provided with openings 164 for receiving fittings 166. The fitting 166 is characterized by having end portions 160 connected to the portions 42 of the manifold plate. In one embodiment of the present invention, the end portion 160 of each fitting 166 has a maximum width greater than the minimum width that overlaps the corresponding opening 164. The mutual overlap of the end portion 160 of the fitting 166 and the portion 42 of the manifold plate prevents the fitting 166 from being pulled out. The fittings 166 are characterized by the presence of opposite end portions 162 connected to the tubular membranes 39. The end portions 162 of the fittings 166 enter the lumens 168 of the tubular membrane 39. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lumens 168 are characterized by a circular cross-section with an initial internal diameter, and each end portion 162 of the fittings 166 is characterized by an outer diameter greater than the initial internal diameter of the lumen 168, which creates an obstacle that holds the end portion 162 of the fitting in engagement with the tubular membrane 39. According to one approach, the end sections 162 of the fittings are pressed into the lumens 168 of the tubular membranes 39. The fittings 166 can be made of a harder plastic, and the tubular membrane can be made of a softer plastic, as a result of which the tubular membrane 39 is deformed radially outward, fitting into the end section 162 of the fitting.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 1E, the fill 170 and 171 of the inlet and outlet manifolds 41B and 41A contacts the outer surface 172 of the membranes 39 at the end portions 174 of the tubular membranes 39. The fill 170 and 171 connects the membranes 39 to the fittings 166. The process fluid can flow in the direction 176, passing through the openings 164 of the fittings 166 of the upper manifold 41B, enter the lumens 168 of the tubular membranes 39 and exit out through the fittings 166 of the lower manifold 41A. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger module 18 with tubular membranes includes a support 180 provided with openings 182 for the tubular membranes 39, which hold the membranes 39 in a substantially straight position with a parallel orientation.

[0083] Fig. 2 shows a cooling column 200, which is similar to the cooling column 10 described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The cooling column 200 includes a column body 202, an air inlet 204, an air outlet 206, a fan 208 and an assembly 210 of modules 212 of heat exchangers with tubular membranes. For taller cooling columns, the modules 212 of heat exchangers with tubular membranes include at least one pair of modules consisting of an upper and lower modules 212A and 212B of heat exchangers with tubular membranes. For shorter cooling columns, only one module 212 with tubular membranes can be provided. The fan 208 is configured to induce an air flow through the air inlet 204 along the modules 212 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes and to discharge it outside through the air outlet 206. In other embodiments of the present invention, the cooling column 200 can be designed in such a way that the fan 208 pumps air into the modules 212 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes, and does not induce an air flow through the modules 212 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes. Pairs consisting of upper and lower modules 212A and 212B of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes are arranged in a row in the body 202 of the column. Pairs of modules consisting of upper and lower modules 212A and 212B of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes form an upper level 229 and a lower level 231 of the heat exchangers 212 with tubular membranes.

[0084] In addition, the illustrated cooling column 200 comprises layers 230, 232 and 234 of pairs consisting of modules 212A and 212B of heat exchangers with tubular membranes, as a result of which the air flow entering the air inlet 204 sequentially passes through layers 230, 232 and 234 of modules 212A and 212B of heat exchangers with tubular membranes. The number of layers of modules 212 of heat exchangers with tubular membranes can be selected depending on the specific amount of heat transfer required for a particular application.

[0085] The cooling column 200 includes a receiving manifold 214 and a discharge manifold 216. Each of the modules 212A of the tubular membrane heat exchangers is characterized by having a connection 220 with the receiving manifold 214 and a connection 222 with a lower module 212B of the tubular membrane heat exchanger. For shorter cooling columns, each of the layers 230, 232 and 234 may comprise a single layer of the tubular membrane heat exchangers 212. For taller cooling columns, three or more levels of the tubular membrane heat exchangers 212 may be provided, provided with connections 222 that interconnect the tubular membrane heat exchangers 212.

[0086] The lower module 212B of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes further includes a connection 224 with a lower manifold 216. The receiving manifold 214 and the outlet manifold 215 are similar to the receiving and outlet manifolds 16 and 17 described above in connection with Figs. 1B and 1C. In addition, the connections 220, 222 and 224 are similar to the connections 30, 19 and 30A described above in connection with Figs. 1B and 1D. The connections 220, 222 and 224 can be detachable or permanent.

[0087] Fig. 3 shows a cooling tower 300, which in one configuration is implemented as a two-sided cooling tower with artificial draft. The cooling tower 300 is similar in many respects to the cooling towers described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The cooling tower 300 includes air inlets 302 and 304 with safety devices, such as louvers or screens 306; at least one fan 308; and an air outlet 310. The cooling tower 300 includes assemblies 310 and 312 of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules. In one embodiment of the present invention, the assemblies 310 and 312 of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules are in fluid communication with each other and receive the same process fluid. In another embodiment of the present invention, the assemblies 310 and 312 of the tubular membrane heat exchanger modules are not in communication with each other and are fed with different process fluids.

[0088] Each assembly 310 of heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes includes heat exchanger modules 314 with tubular membranes located one on top of the other, which are connected to the upper and lower manifolds 316 and 318, respectively, by means of detachable connections 320 and 322. The heat exchanger modules 314 with tubular membranes can include upper modules 324 of heat exchangers with tubular membranes and lower modules 326 of heat exchangers with tubular membranes, which are connected to each other by means of a connection 328, which is made detachable or permanent. In each assembly 310 of heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes, a number of heat exchanger modules 314 with tubular membranes can be provided, for example, depending on the dimensions of the cooling column.

[0089] As an example and in connection with Fig. 20, a single-level assembly 2002 of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules is provided, comprising one level of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 2006 connected to a receiving manifold 2008 and an outlet manifold 2010. For larger cooling columns, two-level assemblies 2012 and 2013 of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules are provided, each of which comprises a first level 2014 and a second level 2016 of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 2006 with a connection 2018 therebetween, which is similar to the connection 19 described above in connection with Fig. 1D. For even larger cooling columns, three-level assemblies 2020 and 2021 of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules are provided, which comprise a first level 2022, a second level 2024 and a third level 2026 of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 2006. The tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 2006 are connected by connections 2028 similar to the connection 19 described above in connection with Fig. 1D. The number of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules located one on top of the other in each assembly of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules can be selected depending at least in part on the desired cooling capacity and space constraints within the cooling column.

[0090] The cooling column 300 further includes a valve 330 for make-up process fluid, a supply source 332 for make-up process fluid, a drain valve 334 and a drain pipe 336. The cooling column 300 may include a controller 360 that controls the drain valve 334 and the valve 330 for make-up process fluid in order to remove the process fluid with a high content of dissolved solids therein and to add a clean process fluid with a low content of dissolved solids therein. Thus, the controller can control the drain valve 334 and the valve 330 for make-up process fluid in order to compensate for evaporation and to perform a purge.

[0091] Fig. 4 shows a cooling column 400, which in one of its configurations is implemented as a two-sided adiabatic cooling column with artificial draft. The cooling column 400 is similar to the cooling columns described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The cooling column 400 includes assemblies 402 and 404 of modules of heat exchangers with tubular membranes, which function as pre-cooling means or pre-cooling heat exchangers for indirect heat exchangers, such as a dry indirect heat exchanger 406 of the cooling column 400. Indirect heat exchangers 406 can include one or more finned tube heat exchangers, one or more plate (cassette) heat exchangers and/or any other type of indirect heat exchangers. The 402 and 404 tubular membrane heat exchanger assemblies provide an advantage over some existing adiabatic air pre-cooling units that use evaporative cooling cassettes because the 402 and 404 tubular membrane heat exchanger assemblies may not shift, foul, or dry rot.

[0092] Each assembly 404 of heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes includes one or more heat exchanger modules 410 and 412 with tubular membranes that are connected to upper and lower manifolds 410 and 412. The cooling column 400 includes a process fluid circulation loop 430 for the assemblies 402 and 404 of heat exchangers with tubular membranes and a pump 424 configured to direct the process fluid between the assemblies 402 and 404 of heat exchangers with tubular membranes. The cooling column 400 is provided with a fan 414, which induces the passage of an air flow through the inlets 416, through the assemblies 402 and 404 of the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes and through the dry heat exchangers 406 before the air is discharged to the outside through the outlet 418 of the cooling column 400. In some embodiments, the direction of the air flow can be reversed with a transition to a forced draft configuration. The dry indirect heat exchangers 406 include connections 420 and 422 for the process fluid. The cooling column 400 further includes a make-up valve 426, a make-up source 428, a drain valve 430 and a drain pipe 432 for the purpose of compensating for evaporation and performing a purge.

[0093] Fig. 5 shows a cooling tower 500, which in one of its configurations is implemented as a two-way hybrid cooling tower with artificial draft. The cooling tower 500 can operate in a wet, adiabatic or dry mode. In the wet mode, injected water from the injection water distribution system 520 is sprayed directly onto the indirect heat exchanger 514, resulting in evaporative heat transfer. In the adiabatic mode, water is supplied through a three-way valve 510 and 512 to tubular membranes 506, which provide adiabatic saturation and pre-cooling of air, which washes the dry indirect heat exchanger 514. In the dry mode, the pump 552 is turned off, and there is no flow of process fluid. The indirect heat exchanger 514 is cooled in a dry mode only by passing air through the indirect heat exchanger 514. The cooling column 500 is characterized by many features that are similar to the features of the cooling columns described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below.

[0094] The cooling column 500 includes assemblies 502 and 504 of tubular membrane heat exchanger modules, each of which contains one or more tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 506. The assemblies 502 and 504 of the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes are connected to the upper manifold or upper header 508, the lower manifold or lower header 510 and three-way valves 510 and 512. The cooling column 500 further includes one or more indirect heat exchangers 514, such as plate heat exchangers, which receive the working fluid from the inlet 516 and direct the working fluid to the outlet 518. The cooling column 500 is provided with a pump 552 for circulating the process fluid, such as water, in the assemblies 502 and 504 of the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes and/or the indirect heat exchangers 514. The cooling column 500 is provided with a controller 550 that controls the three-way valves 510 and 512, directing the process fluid to the assemblies 502 and 504 of the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes or to the indirect heat exchangers 514 in accordance with the requirements of a particular operating mode. The assemblies 502 and 504 of the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes use pervaporation to remove heat from the process fluid, when the three-way valves 510 and 512 direct the process fluid to the assemblies 502 and 504 of the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes.

[0095] The cooling column 500 further includes a process fluid distribution system 520 that distributes the process fluid to the indirect heat exchangers 514, and a process fluid collection system 522 designed to collect the process fluid distributed to the indirect heat exchangers 514. A portion of the process fluid distributed to the indirect heat exchangers 514 evaporates, taking heat from the working fluid in the indirect heat exchangers 514. The collected process fluid is directed back to the fluid circulation loop 550 through the three-way valves 512.

[0096] The cooling column 500 further includes one or more droplet separators 530 configured to remove water droplets from the air before the air is discharged to the outside through the outlet 532 of the cooling column 500 by means of the fan 534 of the cooling column 500. The cooling column 500 further includes a valve 536 for make-up process fluid, a supply source 538 for make-up process fluid, a drain valve 540 and a drain pipe 542, which are configured to compensate for evaporation and perform a purge.

[0097] Fig. 6 shows a cooling tower 600, which in one of its configurations is implemented as a cooling tower with a forced draft. The cooling tower 600 is similar in many respects to the cooling towers described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The cooling tower 600 includes one or more air inlets 602; fans 604 that draw air into the cooling tower 600; one or more assemblies 606 of tube membrane heat exchanger modules; and an outlet 608 protected by a screen 610. The assemblies 606 of tube membrane heat exchanger modules receive process fluid from the process fluid inlet 612, cool the process fluid and direct it to the process fluid outlet 614. The assemblies 606 of the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes may include, for example, the heat exchanger modules 620 with tubular membranes arranged in a series and/or parallel configuration. The configuration of the cooling column 600 may be generally described as a counter-current cooling column.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 620 include tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 620A, 620B, and 620C arranged in series on top of each other and provided with permanent or detachable connections 624 and 626 therebetween. The membrane tube heat exchanger modules 620C and 620A further include permanent or detachable connections to an outlet manifold 628 and a receiving manifold 630. A return elbow 634 connects the outlet manifold 628 to a second receiving manifold 636 that directs the process fluid through the membrane tube heat exchanger modules 620D, 620E, and 620F until the process fluid reaches the outlet manifold 638. The membrane tube heat exchanger modules 620, 620E, and 620F may be permanently or detachably connected to each other and to the receiving and outlet manifolds 636 and 638. In another embodiment of the present invention, the membrane tube heat exchanger modules 620 membranes can be used as pre-cooling means together with an air-cooled heat exchanger in an adiabatic cooling column.

[0099] Fig. 7A shows a tubular membrane assembly 700 that serves as one potentially useful example of a connection between tubular membranes and manifolds of any of the tubular membrane heat exchanger modules described herein. The assembled tubular membrane 700 includes a tubular membrane 702, which is characterized by the presence of a lumen, a side wall 706 and an end portion 708. The end portion 708 is engaged with a fitting 710 and is connected to the fitting 710 by means of a casting 712. The assembled tubular membrane 700 further includes a tube sheet, such as a part 714 of a collector plate, and a casting 716. The fitting 710 passes through an opening 720 in the part 714 of the collector plate and is characterized by the presence of an end portion 722, protruding beyond the inner surface 724 of the part 714 of the plate. Filling 712, 716 is applied to the outer surface 726 and the inner surface 724 of the part 714 of the collector plate, connecting the tubular membrane 702 with the fitting 710, and the fitting 710 with the part 714 of the collector plate to prevent the tubular membrane 702 and the fitting 710 from being pulled in the direction 730.

[00100] Fig. 7B shows a tubular membrane assembly 750, which is similar in many respects to the tubular membrane assembly 700 described above in connection with Fig. 7A, and which can be used in any of the tubular membrane heat exchanger modules described herein. The tubular membrane assembly 750 includes a tubular membrane 752, which is characterized by having a lumen 754 and a side wall 756 surrounding it. The tubular membrane assembly 750 includes a fitting 758, a portion 759 of a collector plate, and a casting 762, 764 connecting the fitting 758 and the end section 760 of the tubular membrane 752 relative to the portion 759 of the collector plate.

[00101] The tubular membrane assembly 750 includes a pressure vessel, such as a tube 770, located in a lumen 754 of the tubular membrane 752. The presence of the tube 770 in the tubular membrane 752 helps to form an annular space 722 surrounding the tube 770. The tube 770 has a lumen 774 and an end portion 771 connected to a tube sheet, such as a collector plate 776. The tube 770 can be connected to the manifold plate 776, for example, by means of an adhesive or by means of a weld 778. The tube 770 allows the fluid to flow from the manifold plate 776 into the lumen 774 of the tube 770 in the direction 780. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid in the annular space 772 flows in the opposite direction to the direction 780. The fluid in the lumen can be under high pressure, for example, 100 psi or more, and it is cooled by the fluid in the annular space 772. In one example, the fluid in the lumen 774 can be ammonia, and the fluid in the annular space 772 can be water.

[00102] The tube 770 can be made of, for example, a metal, plastic or ceramic material. The tube 770 provides for maintaining the pressure and mass of a coolant, such as a liquid, gas, transcritical fluid or supercritical fluid, in the lumen 774, while the liquid flowing in the annular space 772 indirectly cools the fluid in the lumen 774. In some examples, the tubular membrane 750 can be used in applications that involve condensation and cooling of gases.

[00103] Fig. 8 shows a cooling column 800, which in one of its configurations is implemented as a cooling column with a closed loop and artificial draft. The cooling column 800 is similar in many respects to the cooling columns described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The cooling column 800 includes one or more assemblies 802 of heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes, each of which includes two or more heat exchanger modules 804 with tubular membranes that are connected to each other, as well as to a receiving manifold 806 and an outlet manifold 808. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling column 800 includes individual heat exchanger modules 804 with tubular membranes connected to the receiving and outlet manifolds 806 and 808.

[00104] The cooling column 800 includes a fan 834 for drawing air through an inlet 805 with its passage through the modules 804 of heat exchangers with tubular membranes into the interior space 810 of the cooling column 800 and its discharge to the outside through an outlet 836 of the cooling column 800. The assembly 802 of heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes takes heat from the process fluid flowing through the assembly 802 of heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes and gives it to the air washing the tubular membranes of the assembly 802 of heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes on the outside, as a result of which the air is heated.

[00105] In the interior space 810, the cooling column 800 further comprises an indirect closed-loop heat exchanger, such as a shell and plate heat exchanger 814. The shell and plate heat exchanger 814 includes plates 816 that receive process fluid at an inlet 818 and direct the process fluid to an outlet 819. The plates 816 are disposed in a housing or shell 820. The shell 820 receives process fluid, such as water, from the membrane tube heat exchanger module assemblies 802, via a pump 822, a nozzle 824, and an inlet 826. Cooler process fluid in the housing 820, received through the outlet of the membrane tube heat exchanger 804, interacts with the outer surfaces of the plates 816, indirectly cooling the hotter process fluid as it passes through the plates 816. The now heated process fluid exits through the outlet 830, passes through the nozzle 832 and returns to the assembly 802 of the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes. The cooling column 800 further includes a make-up valve 840, a make-up source 842, a drain valve 844 and a drain nozzle 846, which are configured to compensate for evaporation and perform a purge.

[00106] Fig. 9 shows a cooling column 900, which is similar in many respects to the cooling columns described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The cooling column 900 includes an assembly 902 of heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes, comprising one or more heat exchanger modules 904 with tubular membranes that are removably connected to each other, as well as to upper and lower manifolds 906 and 908. The cooling column 900 includes a pump 910, a fan 912 and a process fluid recirculation loop 914. Fan 912 draws air through inlet 916 through tube membrane heat exchanger modules 902 and exhausts it out through outlet 918. Cooling tower 900 has a configuration that is commonly referred to as an "evaporative cooling tower" that pre-cools air, typically before it enters a storage building or a home, without requiring the use of a refrigeration system. Evaporative cooling towers are often used in climates with low humidity and high dry bulb temperatures. Tube membrane heat exchanger assemblies 902 are an improvement over conventional devices that provide evaporation in evaporative coolers, since tube membrane heat exchanger assemblies 902 may not shift, clog, or dry rot. The cooling column 900 further includes a valve 920 for make-up process fluid, a source 922 for supplying make-up process fluid, a drain valve 924 and a drain pipe 926, which are configured to compensate for evaporation and perform purging. The cooling column 900 may further include a drying section using solid or liquid desiccants. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling column 900 may include a heating coil that provides heating of air inside the cooling column 900.

[00107] Fig. 10A shows a connection 1030 between a lower manifold 1031 of an upper module 1028 of a heat exchanger with tubular membranes and an upper manifold 1032 of a lower module 1029 of a heat exchanger with tubular membranes. The connection 1030 can be used to connect the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes described in this document. The connection 1030 includes fasteners, such as bolt, nut and washer kits 1033, for securing connecting elements, such as flanges 1035 of the upper and lower manifolds 1032 and 1031. The connection 1030 includes a sealing element 1034, such as a gasket, foam tape and/or butyl insulating tape. The upper and lower collectors 1032 and 1031 include parts 1056 of the collector plate with openings into which tubular membranes and a filler (not shown for clarity), similar to the parts of the collector plate described above. The upper and lower collectors 1032 and 1031 are characterized by the presence of walls 1038 passing between the parts 1036 of the plate and the corresponding flanges 1035, which form a wetted compartment during the assembly of the upper and lower modules 1028 and 1029 of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes with the application of a filler on the outer surface 1042 of the parts 1056 of the plate.

[00108] Fig. 10B shows a connection 1060 between the upper manifold 1061 of the heat exchanger module with tubular membranes and the distribution chamber 1062 of the receiving manifold. The connection 1060 can be used to connect the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes, distribution chambers and collection manifolds described in this document. The upper manifold 1061 is provided with a flange 1048, which is connected to the flange 1055 of the distribution chamber 1062 using, for example, one or more fasteners, such as sets 1053 consisting of a bolt, nut and washer. The joint 1060 includes one or more sealing elements 1054, such as a gasket, foam tape and/or butyl insulating tape, which are located between the flanges 1055 and 1048.

[00109] The distribution chamber 1062 is characterized by the presence of an inlet nozzle 1063 for the process fluid, and also optionally contains a deflector plate 1064. The deflector plate 1064 directs the process fluid into the tubular membranes that are mated with the openings 1056A on the outer edges of the portion 1056 of the collector plate 1061. The deflector plate 1064 helps to distribute the process fluid evenly across all the tubular membranes. The upper manifold 1061 of the heat exchanger module 1059 with tubular membranes includes one or more walls 1058 that extend between the portion 1056 of the collector plate and the flange 1048, forming a recess 1070 for receiving the fill.

[00110] Fig. 11A shows a connection 1170 between the lower manifold 1171 of the upper module 1158 of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and the upper manifold 1172 of the lower module 1159 of the tubular membrane heat exchanger. The connection 1170 is similar in many respects to the connection 1030 described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. For example, the connection 1170 includes flanges 1173 of the upper and lower manifolds, which are fastened to each other using an adhesive, such as epoxy resin 1174. The upper and lower manifolds 1172 and 1171 can be made of plastic such that the material of the flanges 1173 is bonded by the epoxy resin 1174. The connection 1170 can further include one or more fasteners for pressing the flanges 1173 against each other.

[00111] Fig. 11B shows a connection 1180 between the upper manifold 1181 of the heat exchanger module with tubular membranes and the distribution chamber 1182, which is similar to the connection 1060 described above, and the differences will be especially noted below. The distribution chamber 1182 and the upper manifold 1181 are provided with flanges 1185, which are fastened with an adhesive substance, such as epoxy resin. The distribution chamber 1182 further includes an inlet nozzle 1183 for the process fluid and a distribution board 1184. The distribution board 1184 ensures uniform distribution of the process fluid over the tubular membranes connected to a part 1190 of the plate of the upper manifold 1181.

[00112] Fig. 12A shows a snap-fit connection between the lower manifold 1291 of the upper heat exchanger 1288 with tubular membranes in assembly and the upper manifold 1292 of the lower heat exchanger 1289 with tubular membranes. The snap-fit connection 1290 can be used to connect heat exchanger modules equipped with tubular membranes, which are described in this document. The lower manifold 1291 is characterized by a male configuration, including a connecting part 1287 in the form of one or more walls, which is configured to enter the opening 1286 of the connecting part 1286A of the upper manifold 1292. Part 1287 of the lower manifold 1291 includes a snap-in connection element, such as one or more projections 1285, which are configured to engage with a snap-in connection element in the upper manifold 1292, such as one or more parts 1295 of the wall with one or more recesses 1284. The snap-in connection 1290 can be made detachable or permanent.

[00113] The connection 1290 may further include a sealing element, such as a gasket or an O-ring 1293, that facilitates sealing of the connected manifolds, such as the upper manifold 1292 and the lower manifold 1291. The upper and lower manifolds 1292 and 1291 may include parts 1256 of the manifold plate with openings for tubular membranes and/or fittings for connecting the tubular membranes to the parts 1256 of the plate. The upper and lower manifolds 1292 and 1291 may further include parts 1257 and 1258 of the wall that form recesses on opposite sides of the parts 1256 of the manifold plate for receiving the fill.

[00114] Fig. 12B shows a snap-fit connection between the distribution chamber 1202 and the upper manifold 1201 of the membrane tube heat exchanger module 1299. The connection 1200 is similar in many respects to the connection 1290 described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The connection 1200 can be used to connect the membrane tube heat exchanger modules, distribution chambers, and collection manifolds described herein.

[00115] The distribution chamber 1202 is characterized by a male configuration with a portion 1206 in the form of one or more walls, which is configured to enter into an opening 1208 in the upper manifold 1201. The portion 1206 of the distribution chamber 1202 includes one or more snap-fit connection elements, such as projections 1210, which engage with one or more snap-fit connection elements in the upper manifold 1201, such as one or more recesses 1212 in the walls 1213. The connection 1200 may further include one or more sealing elements, such as a gasket or a sealing ring 1205. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element comprises an adhesive, such as an epoxy resin. The distribution chamber 1202 includes an inlet nozzle 1203 for the process fluid and, optionally, a deflector plate 1204 distributing the process fluid over the tubular membranes of the upper manifold 1201.

[00116] Fig. 13A shows a sliding connection 1310 between the lower manifold 1391 of the upper module 1394 of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes and the upper manifold of the lower module 1396 of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes. The sliding connection 1310 can be used to connect the heat exchangers with tubular membranes described above. The upper and lower manifolds 1392 and 1391 include portions 1398 of a plate with the same openings as in the manifolds described above. The sliding connection 1310 includes engagement portions 1312 configured to ensure the connection of the upper and lower manifolds 1392 and 1391 in a sliding manner. In one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement portions 1312 include one or more projections, such as the walls 1302 of the lower manifold 1391 and a recess, such as the groove 1304 in the connecting portion 1304A of the upper manifold 1392. The sliding connection 1310 can be made detachable or permanent. For example, the upper and lower manifolds 1392 and 1391 can be provided with a sealing element located between them, such as a gasket, and fasteners for detachably connecting the upper and lower manifolds 1392 and 1391 to each other. In another example, the upper and lower manifolds 1392 and 1391 can be glued to each other to connect the upper and lower manifolds 1392 and 1391 to each other and to create a seal between them.

[00117] Fig. 13B shows a sliding connection 1320 between the distribution chamber 1322 and the upper manifold 1321 of the heat exchanger module with tubular membranes, which in many respects is similar to the sliding connection 1310 described above. The sliding connection 1320 can be used to connect the heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes, distribution chambers and collection manifolds described above.

[00118] The sliding connection 1320 includes engagement parts of the distribution chamber 1322 and the upper manifold 1321, such as walls 1326 of the distribution chamber 1322, configured to slide into the recesses 1328 of the upper manifold 1321. Due to this, the heat exchanger module 1324 with tubular membranes is slidably entered into connection with the distribution chamber 1322. The connection 1320 can be made detachable or permanent, and it can include a sealing element. For example, the distribution chamber 1322 and the upper manifold 1321 can be glued to each other, connecting the distribution chamber 1322 and the upper manifold 1321 and/or providing a seal between them.

[00119] In Fig. 14 shows a tubular membrane assembly 1420 that includes a tubular membrane 1401 with a lumen 1404 and a support configured to resist displacement, deformation and/or twisting of the tubular membrane 1401. In one embodiment of the present invention, the support includes a rod 1421 extending in the lumen 1404. The rod 1421 is characterized by having an outer surface 1440 that is positioned such that it contacts an inner surface 1442 of a side wall 1444 of the tubular membrane 1401 after the tubular membrane 1401 is displaced relative to the rod 1421. The rod 1421 is spaced from the inner surface 1442 of the tubular membrane by a certain distance and allows the tubular membrane 1401 to perform small movements, as well as the ability to expand and contract in radial direction, while maintaining the tubular membrane 1401, in a generally straight position and at a certain distance from the adjacent tubular membranes 1401.

[00120] The rod 1421 may extend along a portion of the lumen 1404 or along its entire length. The rod 1421 may have a circular or non-circular cross-section. The rod 1421 may have a non-separable one-piece design. In another embodiment of the present invention, the support includes a plurality of rods 1421 in the lumen 1404.

[00121] The rod 1421 also reduces the thickness of the process fluid in the lumen 1404 in a direction perpendicular to the length of the rod 1421. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rod 1421 and the tubular membrane 1401 are characterized by a circular cross-section, and the rod 1421 reduces the radial thickness of the process fluid, such as water, in the lumen 1404. In those applications where water cooling is used, the reduced thickness of water in the lumen 1404 can increase the efficiency of the tubular membrane 1420 in the assembly for removing heat. In some examples, the rod 1421 can be made of a metal, plastic or ceramic material. The rod 1421, for example, can be monolithic or tubular.

[00122] The tubular membrane assembly 1420 includes a portion 1402 of the manifold plate 1432 with an opening 1424 into which the fitting 1403 enters. The tubular membrane 1401 is characterized by the presence of an end portion 1407, placed on the end portion 1426 of the fitting 1403. The manifold 1432 includes a filler 1409, fastening the end portion 1407 of the tubular membrane to the fitting 1403. The fitting 1403 includes an end portion 1405, extending from the portion 1402 of the manifold plate. The manifold 1432 includes a filler 1410 that secures the fitting 1403 to the part 1402 of the manifold plate and prevents the fitting 1403 from being pulled out in the direction 1411. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rod 1421 is provided with an end section 1430 connected to the wall of the manifold 1432 opposite the part 1402 of the manifold plate.

[00123] Fig. 15 shows a tubular membrane assembly 1530 similar to the tubular membrane assembly 1420, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The assembled tubular membrane 1530 includes a tubular membrane 1501, a fitting 1503, a part 1502 of a collector plate and a casting 1509, 1510. The assembled tubular membrane 1530 includes a support 1512 that prevents the displacement and/or deformation of the tubular membrane 1501. In one embodiment of the present invention, the support 1512 includes a rod 1521 and rings 1531 in a lumen 1504 of the tubular membrane 1501. The rings 1531 are located radially outside the rod 1521 and are characterized by the presence of radially outer edges that contact the inner surface 1542 of the side wall 1544 of the tubular membrane 1501 or are slightly spaced from the said surface, preventing displacement and/or deformations of the tubular membrane 1501. In one embodiment of the present invention, the support 1512 includes disks, the portions of which, located radially outward, are disks 1531, and these disks contain openings or windows located between them, allowing the process fluid to pass behind the rings 1531. In another embodiment of the present invention, the rings 1531 are spaced at a certain distance from the rod 1521 in the radial direction, and the support 1512 includes spokes connecting the rings 1531 to the rod 1521. In some embodiments of the present invention, the rod 1521 and the rings 1531 can be characterized by an inseparable one-piece configuration, and in other embodiments of the present invention they can be an assembly consisting of separate parts.

[00124] Fig. 16 shows a tubular membrane assembly 1640 similar to the tubular membrane assemblies described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The tubular membrane assembly 1640 includes a tubular membrane 1601, a fitting 1603 and a portion 1602 of a collector plate. The tubular membrane assembly 1640 further includes an external support, such as a helical support member 1641 that encloses an outer surface 1642 of the tubular membrane 1601. The process fluid can flow through the lumen 1622 of the tubular membrane 1601, while the helical support member 1641 serves as a support for the outer surface of the tubular membrane 1601.

[00125] The helical support element 1641 is characterized by having an end portion 1644 connected to the part 1602 of the collector plate, for example, by embedding the end portion 1644 in a casting 1609 on the outer surface 1608 of the part 1602 of the collector plate. In one embodiment of the present invention, the helical support element 1641 includes a helical spring. The helical spring can be made, for example, of a metal or plastic material.

[00126] The helical support element 1641 is characterized by the presence of turns 1648, which are put into a state of tension and/or bend due to the displacement of the tubular membrane 1601. The helical support element 1641 has sufficient strength to prevent the displacement of the tubular membrane 1601 and to maintain the rectilinear configuration of the tubular membrane 1601. In one embodiment of the present invention, the helical support element 1641 can be made elastic and with the possibility of applying a restoring force to the tubular membrane 1601, which increases as the tubular membrane 1601 displaces the helical support element 1641 similar to how a spring does. The spiral support element 1641 can also prevent deformation of the tubular membrane 1601, such as radial expansion and longitudinal stretching. The spiral support element 1641 can prevent longitudinal stretching by limiting the outward deflection of the tubular membrane 1601 and maintaining a substantially rectilinear configuration of the tubular membrane 1601.

[00127] The tubular membrane 1640 assembly further includes a casting 1610 on the inner surface 1606 of the part 1602 of the manifold plate for connecting the end portion 1605 of the fitting 1603 to the part 1602 of the manifold plate in such a way that said end portion does not stretch in the direction 1611. The tubular membrane 1601 is characterized by the presence of an end portion 1607, which is put on the end portion 1646 of the fitting 1603. The end portion 1644 of the helical support element 1641 in combination with the casting 1609 prevents the radial expansion of the end portion 1607 of the tubular membrane and holds the end portion 1607 of the tubular membrane in a state of engagement with the end portion 1646 of the fitting.

[00128] Fig. 17 shows a tubular membrane assembly 1750 similar to the tubular membranes described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The tubular membrane assembly 1750 includes a tubular membrane 1701, a fitting 1703, and a portion 1702 of a collector plate. The tubular membrane assembly 1750 includes an internal support, such as a spiral support element 1741 in a lumen 1722 of the tubular membrane 1701.

[00129] The helical support element 1741 is characterized by having an end portion 1742 inserted into a through hole 1744 of the fitting 1703. The helical support element 1741 is connected to the fitting 1703. In one embodiment of the present invention, the through hole 1744 and the end portion 1742 have a circular cross-section with an outer diameter of the end portion 1742 that allows a press connection to be formed with an inner diameter of the fitting through the hole 1744. The press connection serves as an attachment point for the helical support element 241, due to which the end portion 1742 of the helical support element 1741 remains rigidly connected to the fitting 1703, while the intermediate portion 1746 of the helical support element 1741 can move and bend as the intermediate portion 1746 prevents deformation of the tubular membrane 1701. In another embodiment of the present invention, the end portion 1742 of the helical support element can be connected to the fitting 1703, for example, by means of an adhesive, epoxy resin, welding, mechanical fasteners and/or structural engagement elements on the helical support element 1741 and the fitting 1703.

[00130] The helical support element 1741 is characterized by the presence of turns 1750 with outer surfaces 1752 configured to come into contact with the inner surface 1754 of the side wall 1756 of the tubular membrane 1701. The turns 1750 pass around the central through hole 1757, which allows the process fluid to pass through the helical support element 1741 in the lumen 1722 of the tubular membrane 1701. In one embodiment of the present invention, the helical support element 1741 includes a helical spring. The helical support element 1741 can be made of a metal or plastic material. The tubular membrane assembly 1750 includes a filler 1709 connecting the end portion 1707 of the tubular membrane 1701 to the fitting 1703, and a filler 1710 connecting the fitting 1703 to the portion 1702 of the collector plate.

[00131] Fig. 18 shows a tubular membrane assembly 1860, which is similar in many respects to the tubular membrane assemblies described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The tubular membrane assembly 1860 includes a tubular membrane 1801, a fitting 1803, a part 1802 of a collector plate and a filling 1809, 1810. The membrane assembly 1860 also includes an external support, such as a spacer 1861, which prevents deformation of the tubular membrane 1801. The spacer 1861 includes one or more rods 1863 and one or more rings 1862, spaced from each other at a certain distance along the rods 1863. The rings 1862 can be located along the rods 1863 at the same or unequal distance from each other. The rods 1863 are characterized by the presence of end sections 1866, embedded in the casting 1809 for the purpose of fixing the rods 1863 on the part 1802 of the collector plate. The spacer 1861 can have a non-detachable integral design or represent an assembly. The tubular membrane 1860 in the assembly can further include a casting 1810, preventing the fitting 1803 from being pulled out in the direction 1811.

[00132] Fig. 19 shows a tubular membrane assembly 1970, which is similar in many respects to the tubular membrane assemblies described above, and the differences will be specifically noted below. The tubular membrane assembly 1970 includes a tubular membrane 1901, a part 1902 of a collector plate, a fitting 1903 and a casting 1909, 1910. The tubular membrane assembly 1970 includes an internal support, such as a spacer 1971, located in a lumen 1904 of the tubular membrane 1901. The spacer 1971 includes one or more vertical supports, such as rods or bars 1974, and one or more horizontal supports, such as rings 1972, which can be located along the bars 1974 at the same or unequal distance from each other. The bars 1974 are configured to have a limited thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction over the entire range of operating temperatures of the tubular membrane assembly 1970. The limited thermal expansion of the rods 1974 in the longitudinal direction keeps the rods 1974 straight, despite the stretching of the tubular membrane 1901 due to the absorption of the fluid by the material of the tubular membrane 1901. Thus, the rods 1974 maintain the straight configuration of the tubular membrane 1901 throughout the entire range of operating temperatures and fluid flow rates of the tubular membrane 1970 in assembly. In addition, the rings 1972 are configured to resist the displacement of the rods 1974 to the sides and towards each other. In general, the spacer 1971 forms an internal support structure that imparts rigidity to the flexible tubular membrane 1901 and maintains the straight configuration of the tubular membrane 1901.

[00133] The spacer 1971 may be connected to the fitting 1903 in such a way that a portion of the spacer 1971 engages with the inner diameter of the fitting 1903. In one example, the rods 1974 may be welded or glued to the fitting 1903. In another example, the ends of the rods 1974 may extend from the holes in the side wall 1940 of the end portion 1942 of the fitting 1903 and are embedded in the filler 1910. The spacer 1971 may be made of a metal or plastic material. The spacer 1971 may have a one-piece construction or may be an assembly.

[00134] Fig. 21 shows a tubular membrane 2100 in assembly, which includes a tubular membrane 2101, a tube 2112 and a fitting 2103 connecting the tubular membrane 2101 and the tube 2112. The tube 2112 has an end 2113 for connecting to another component, such as a fitting, tube or valve. The tube 2112 can be made, for example, in the form of a nylon braided tube or a tube with steel braid, made of vinyl, rubber, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or other material.

[00135] The tubular membrane 2100 assembly comprises a cup-shaped mold 2102 and a casting 2109 that holds the tubular membrane 2101, tube 2105 and fitting 2103 together and prevents stretching in the direction 2111. The cup-shaped mold 2102 can be included in the final product or it can be removed immediately after the casting 2109 has cured. In the embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in Fig. 21, the fitting 2103 is sized such that it can fit into the lumens of the tubular membrane 2101 and tube 2112, for which the tubular membrane 2101 and tube 2112 are provided with end surfaces 2130 and 2132 that surround the fitting 2103 along the circumference.

[00136] Fig. 22 shows a tubular membrane assembly 2200, which is similar to the tubular membrane assembly 2100. The tubular membrane assembly 2200 includes a tubular membrane 2201, a portion 2202 of a manifold plate, a fitting 2203, a tube 2212, and a filler 2220. The tube 2212 is characterized by having an end portion 2213 with a connection 2214. The connection 2214 can be, for example, a threaded connection, a welded connection, a connection using a solvent, a soldered connection, a connection with a nipple with protruding rings for a flexible hose, a crimped connection, or a connection using a nipple inserted by pushing.

[00137] The tubular membrane heat exchangers described herein may use various supports to maintain separation and orientation of the tubular membranes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the supports maintain a uniform distance between the tubular membranes of the tubular membrane heat exchanger. For example, and in connection with FIG. 23, one or more support plates 2370 may be located along the tubular membranes 2311 between the upper header 2316 and the central header 2319 and/or between the central header 2319 and the lower header 2317. The support plates 2370 may be spaced equally or differently along the tubular membranes 2311. The support plates 2370 may be connected to the tubular membranes 2311, for example, using an adhesive or by chemical welding. Alternatively or additionally, the support plates 2370 may be connected to the tubular membranes 2311 by means of a mechanical connection, such as a press fit between the tubular membranes 2311 and the support plates 2370.

[00138] Fig. 24 shows a heat exchanger 2400 with tubular membranes, which is characterized by the presence of a support plate 2470 connected to tubular membranes 2471. The heat exchanger 2400 with tubular membranes is provided with a support element 2473, which is connected to the support plate 2470 or formed integral with it. The support element 2473 is characterized by the presence of an end portion 2475, configured to connect to a surface 2476, such as an inner surface of a side wall of an outer structure of a heat removal device containing the heat exchanger 2400 with tubular membranes. The support element 2473 gives rigidity to the support plate 2470, holding the support plate 2470 in the required position along the tubular membranes 2471.

[00139] Fig. 25 shows a heat exchanger 2500 with tubular membranes provided with support members that connect support plates of the heat exchanger 2500 containing tubular membranes to other components of the heat exchanger 2500 with tubular membranes. Support member 2571 connects support plate 2570 to inlet nozzle 2516 of the manifold. Support member 2584 connects support plate 2582 to inlet manifold 2586. Support member 2518 connects support plates 2520 and 2522, and support member 2524 connects support plate 2522 to outlet manifold 2517. Different configurations of support members can be used to maintain the position of the support plates on the tubular membranes.

[00140] Fig. 26 shows a heat exchanger 2600 with tubular membranes, which includes support elements 2602 connected to components of the corresponding cooling column. The support elements 2602 include a support element 2670 connected to a wall 2613 of the cooling column. The support elements 2602 further include a support element 2604 connected to a screen 2621 of the cooling column.

[00141] Various configurations of the support plates can be used to maintain the spacing between the tubular membranes and/or their orientation. In this regard, for example, the support plate 2770 shown in Fig. 27 comprises openings 2701 with annular surfaces 2702 that surround the tubular membranes 2703 along the circumference. As shown in Fig. 28, the support plate 2870 comprises grooves 2872 with side surfaces 2874 and 2876 that contact the outer surfaces 2878 of the tubular membranes 2701, preventing the displacement of the tubular membranes 2701.

[00142] The tubular membrane heat exchangers of the present invention may include tubular membranes that are characterized by a non-linear path, such as a tortuous path between an inlet and outlet manifold. Fig. 29 shows a tubular membrane heat exchanger 2900 that includes an inlet manifold 2910, an outlet manifold 2912, and tubular membranes 2914 connected to the outlet and outlet manifolds 2910 and 2912. The tubular membranes 2914 extend around an air flow generating device, such as a fan 2924. The heat removal device that includes the tubular membrane heat exchanger 2900 may be characterized by a forced draft and cross-flow configuration.

[00143] The tubular membranes may 2914 comprise straight sections 2916 and curved sections 2918 connecting the straight sections 2916. Each curved section 2918 redirects the flow of the process fluid at an angle to the direction of movement of the process fluid entering the curved section 2918, and in some examples this angle is less than 120°, less than 110°, less than 100°, less than 95°, such as 90° or less than 90°.

[00144] In one embodiment of the present invention, each curved section 2918 includes a straight section and two joints that connect the straight section to adjacent straight sections 2916. In another embodiment of the present invention, the curved sections 2918 are curved. A series of straight sections 2916 and curved sections 2918 form a tortuous path for the process fluid as the process fluid moves from the inlet manifold 2910 to the outlet manifold 2912.

[00145] Tubular membranes may initially have a generally straight shape, which is modified by supports that form a tortuous path for the process fluid. As shown in Fig. 30, the heat exchanger 3000 with tubular membranes includes an inlet manifold 3016, an outlet manifold 3017 and tubular membranes 3018 that extend around a fan 3014. The heat exchanger 3000 with tubular membranes is provided with supports, such as support plates 3070, which change the configuration of the tubular membranes 3018, forming bends 3072. The support plates 3070 are provided with through holes, into which the tubular membranes 3018 enter in such a way that the tubular membranes 3018 extend at a right angle to the support plates 3070. The support plates 3070 are characterized by the presence of surfaces covering the through holes, which come into contact with the tubular membranes 3018, giving them the required shape.

[00146] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tubular membranes may be characterized by an inherent structural configuration that provides a non-linear path of motion for the process fluid. As shown in Fig. 31, the heat exchanger 3100 with tubular membranes includes an inlet manifold 3116, an outlet manifold 3117, and tubular membranes 3118 and 3120. The tubular membranes 3118 and 3120 have radially outer side portions 3130 and 3132 that are longer than the radially inner side portions 3134 and 3136. Thus, the tubular membranes 3118 and 3120 have an annular shape, wherein the annular shape is imparted to the tubular membranes 3118 and 3120 not by support.

[00147] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tubular membrane has a geometry that causes the curvature of the tubular membrane to vary along its length. For example, the tubular membrane may have straight end portions and a curved intermediate portion connecting the straight end portions.

[00148] Various types of supports can be used to give the tubular membranes the desired shape. As shown in Fig. 32, the heat exchanger 3200 with tubular membranes includes an inlet manifold 3216, an outlet manifold 3217, tubular membranes 3218, 3219 and an arcuate support, such as a rod 3221. The rod 3221 prevents the tubular membranes 3128 and 3219 from changing the arcuate configuration shown in Fig. 32.

[00149] The support for one or more tubular membranes may be internal or external to the tubular membranes. Fig. 32 shows a rod 3221 external to the tubular membranes 3218 and 3219, but in an alternative embodiment it may be located inside one or both of the tubular membranes 3218 and 3219. Each support may take different shapes, such as the shape of spirals, rings, plates, etc., and also combine different shapes, such as the shape of a rod that serves as a support for rings inside the tubular membrane. In another example, the support may have the shape of a spiral located outside the corresponding membrane tube (see, for example, Fig. 16).

[00150] Manifolds used to connect tubular membranes can redirect the flow of process fluid by forming a tortuous path for the process fluid. As shown in Fig. 33, the heat exchanger 3300 with tubular membranes is characterized by having a final inlet manifold, such as an inlet manifold 3316, and a final outlet manifold, such as an outlet manifold 3317. The heat exchanger 3300 with tubular membranes includes groups of tubular membranes 3318, 3320, 3322 and 3324, which direct the process fluid between the inlet and outlet manifolds 3316 and 3317. The heat exchanger 3300 with tubular membranes further includes intermediate manifolds 3330, 3332 and 3334 connecting the groups of tubular membranes 3318, 3320, 3322 and 3324.

The intermediate manifolds 3330, 3332 and 3334 comprise inlet openings 3330A, which receive the working fluid from the upstream tubular membranes in a first direction, and outlet openings 3330B, which redirect the working fluid to the downstream tubular membranes in a second direction transverse to the first direction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate manifolds 3330, 3332 and 3334 are formed by connecting the inlet and outlet manifolds mated with adjacent groups of tubular membranes 3318, 3320, 3322 and 3324, using a method similar to that disclosed within the framework of the embodiments of the present invention described above (see, for example, Fig. 1D, 10A, 11A, 12A and 13A).

[00151] The end headers and the intermediate headers may be arranged so that they form tubular membranes that are generally in the form of a polygon, wherein these membranes contain any number of sides, and the end headers and the intermediate headers serve as the vertices of the desired polygon. The polygon may be regular or irregular. In some embodiments of the present invention, the tubular membranes may be characterized by a linear or non-linear shape, passing between adjacent headers.

[00152] The heat exchangers described above can be used in a variety of applications, such as cooling columns for HVAC systems in buildings; cooling columns for industrial processes; systems that utilize thermal energy from ice storage; and gas heat and/or mass transfer systems, such as in applications that utilize air humidification and dehumidification. Another application for heat and/or mass transfer is carbon dioxide capture.

[00153] For example, Fig. 34 shows an air preparation unit 3400 that includes an external structure 3413, tube membrane heat exchanger modules 3416, a duct 3474, and an air flow generator such as a fan 3414. The air preparation unit 3400 includes a process fluid supply source 3422 configured to supply the tube membrane heat exchanger modules 3416 with a different type of process fluid, such as water and a liquid desiccant, depending on the operating mode of the air preparation unit 3400.

[00154] In one embodiment of the present invention, the source 3422 of the process fluid includes an inlet valve 3463, an outlet valve 3462 and a pump 3475, and these elements are similar to the corresponding elements described above. The air preparation unit 3400 further includes an air intake 3406, a screen 3421, a recirculated air inlet 3402, a mixing chamber 3403, an air filter 3404, an auxiliary heat exchanger 3405 and an outlet 3415.

[00155] The air preparation unit 3400 comprises a controller 3440 operatively coupled to the components of the air preparation unit 3400 for controlling the air preparation unit 3400. The controller 3440 includes a processor 3440A and a communication circuit 3440B for communicating with a remote computing device, such as a main HVAC system controller, a server computer and/or a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, over one or more networks, such as the Internet.

[00156] In some embodiments of the present invention, the outlet 3415 may be connected to the recirculated air inlet 3402 via an air duct. The air preparation unit 3400 may selectively direct some or all of the air passing through the outlet 3415 back to the recirculated air inlet 3402. The mixing chamber 3403 provides mixing of the air entering through the air intake 3406 and through the recirculated air inlet 3402. The air filter 3404 may include one or more filters that filters contaminants from the air. The auxiliary heat exchanger 3405 may be, for example, an air-to-air heat exchanger, a water-to-air heat exchanger, an evaporator or condensing coil, a dry surface heat exchanger, or a resistive heating element that removes heat from or transfers heat to air passing through the air handling unit 3400.

[00157] The tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 3416 are configured to interact with air in accordance with an operating mode of the controller 3440. For example, the tubular membrane heat exchanger modules 3416 can perform at least one of such operations as increasing the temperature of the air in the air preparation unit 3400, decreasing the temperature of the air in the air preparation unit 3400, removing moisture from the air in the air preparation unit 3400, and increasing the humidity of the air in the air preparation unit 3400.

[00158] The controller 3440 may control the air preparation unit 3400 in various modes in accordance with one or more parameters that are detected by the sensor 3442. The one or more parameters may include, for example, operating parameters of the air preparation unit 3400 (such as a temperature of the process fluid and a flow rate of water), environmental parameters (such as a temperature, humidity, time of day, and/or a geographic location of the air preparation unit 3400), and/or a setpoint of the process fluid requested by the HVAC system controller. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 3440 may control the air preparation unit 3400 in a mode corresponding to a command received by the circuit 3440 in communication with the remote computing device.

[00159] For example, the controller 3440 can reconfigure the air preparation unit 3400 to operate in a humidification mode, in an evaporative cooling tower mode, or in a dehumidification mode. In the evaporative cooling tower mode, the membrane tube heat exchanger modules 3416 use water as a process fluid and operate to reduce the temperature and increase the humidity of the air in the air preparation unit 3400.

[00160] In the dehumidification mode, the 3416 tube membrane heat exchanger modules use a liquid desiccant as a process fluid and operate to remove moisture from the air in the air preparation unit 3400. The absorption of moisture by the liquid desiccant may be an exothermic process that increases the temperature of the air.

[00161] In the humidification mode, the 3416 tube membrane heat exchanger modules use heated water as the process fluid and increase the humidity of the air in the air preparation unit 3400. The 3416 tube membrane heat exchanger modules compensate for the decrease in the temperature of the process fluid by using heated water.

[00162] The air preparation unit 3400 may use a variety of types of process fluid. In a humidification mode, the process fluid may be water (e.g., tap water, grey water, demineralized water, and/or reverse osmosis water) or a mixture of water and another fluid (e.g., a fluid that changes the freezing point of the process fluid, such as glycol or alcohol).

[00163] In the drying mode, the process fluid may be a liquid desiccant, such as an aqueous solution of a highly hygroscopic salt, such as lithium chloride, calcium chloride or lithium bromide, or one of these salts dissolved in a non-aqueous solvent. In other embodiments of the present invention, the drying process fluid may be an alcohol or other hygroscopic liquid, such as glycerin, concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrazine hydrate, eminoethanol and/or glycerol. The use of some of the above process fluids is unique to a heat exchanger with tubular membranes. For example, alcohol cannot typically be used because it evaporates as it absorbs water. When using a tubular membrane that is selectively permeable to water, a liquid desiccant containing alcohol cannot evaporate, but the liquid desiccant can become saturated with water.

[00164] The controller 3440 controls the inlet valve 3463 and the outlet valve 3462, changing the operating mode of the water preparation unit 3400 by draining the current process working fluid, such as water or a liquid desiccant, from the conduit 3474 and filling the conduit 3474 with another process fluid, such as another medium from among water and a liquid desiccant. In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller 3440 controls the pump 3475 to fill the conduit 3474 with the desired process fluid.

[00165] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet valve 3463 is configured to switch between different sources of process fluid. For example, the inlet valve 3463 can be a three-way valve. In the first position, the inlet valve 3464 is closed. The controller 3440 switches the inlet valve 3463 to the second position when the controller 3440 operates in the evaporative cooling tower mode or in the humidification mode. In the second position, the inlet valve 3463 allows makeup water to flow into the air preparation unit 3400. In the humidification mode, the controller 3440 supplies power to the heater to heat the makeup water.

[00166] The controller 3440 switches the inlet valve 3463 to the third position when the controller 3440 is operating in the dehydration mode. When the inlet valve 3463 is in the third position, the inlet valve 3463 communicates with a liquid dehydrator regeneration system that removes water from the liquid dehydrator. In short, the inlet valve 3463 can switch between two fluid circuits depending on the operating mode of the controller 3440.

[00167] Fig. 35 shows a heat exchanger 3500 with tubular membranes, comprising a support frame 3501, a portion of which is removed in the figure for clarity. The heat exchanger 3500 with tubular membranes comprises a fan 3502, an outlet manifold 3504, an inlet manifold 3505 and tubular membranes 3503. The tubular membranes 3503 have a spiral shape and pass around a plenum or central space 3507. The fan 3502 is configured to direct air through the tubular membranes 3503 into the central space 3507 before the fan 3502 directs the air through the outlet 3509.

[00168] The use of the singular form indicated by indefinite articles is intended to cover both the singular and the plural forms, unless otherwise indicated herein or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "consisting" are to be construed as open-ended terms. The phrase "at least one of," as used herein, is intended to be interpreted in a disjunctive sense. For example, the phrase "at least one of elements A and B" is intended to include element A, element B, or both elements A and B.

[00169] Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made thereto by those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention embrace all such changes and modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (131)

1. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes, containing: an inlet manifold configured to be connected to an adjacent upstream module of a tubular membrane heat exchanger, thereby forming an upstream wetted compartment; an outlet manifold configured to be connected to an adjacent downstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and thereby form a downstream wetted compartment; and tubular membranes connecting the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, wherein the tubular membranes provide flow of process fluid from an upstream wetted compartment to a downstream wetted compartment; and wherein the tubular membranes also provide the possibility of mass exchange between the process fluid in the tubular membranes and the outer surfaces of the tubular membranes in contact with the fluid. 2. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, in which the inlet manifold includes an inlet opening configured to be blocked by an adjacent upstream module of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes, and wherein the outlet manifold includes an outlet opening configured to be blocked by an adjacent downstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger. 3. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, in which the inlet manifold includes an inlet opening and a flange extending around the inlet opening and intended for connection with an adjacent upstream heat exchanger module with tubular membranes. 4. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, in which the outlet manifold includes an outlet opening and a flange extending around the outlet opening and intended for connection with an adjacent downstream module of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes. 5. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, in which the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold include connecting parts configured to form snap-fit connections with adjacent heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes located upstream and downstream. 6. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, in which the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold include a protrusion and a recess configured to engage with a corresponding recess and protrusion of adjacent heat exchanger modules with tubular membranes located upstream and downstream. 7. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold are provided with identical connecting parts, wherein the inlet manifold is designed with the possibility of connecting to any adjacent module from among the upstream and downstream modules of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes, and the outlet manifold is designed with the possibility of connecting to any adjacent module from among the upstream and downstream modules of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes. 8. The tubular membrane heat exchanger module of claim 1, wherein the inlet manifold comprises a single inlet opening for receiving process fluid from an adjacent upstream tubular membrane heat exchanger module and wherein the outlet manifold comprises a single outlet for directing process fluid to a downstream module of the membrane tubular heat exchanger. 9. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein each manifold of the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold comprises: a portion of the plate provided with openings connected to tubular membranes; and a side wall that extends upward from a portion of the slab and is characterized by the presence of an end section opposite the portion of the slab, wherein the end section of the side wall contains a connecting element. 10. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 9, wherein the connecting element includes at least one of the following elements: snap-on element; notch; flange; and wall. 11. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tubular membranes comprises a lumen for receiving a process fluid and a pressure vessel located in the lumen and intended for receiving a secondary process fluid. 12. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tubular membranes comprises a lumen for receiving a process fluid, a side wall enclosing the lumen, and a support in the lumen that prevents deformation of the side wall. 13. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein the tubular membranes are characterized by the presence of side walls with holes, the diameter of which lies in the range from 1 to 20 nm. 14. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet manifolds include manifold housings and a filler that fastens the tubular membranes to the manifold housings. 15. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet manifolds include: collector housings; fittings connecting the tubular membranes to the collector bodies; and the fill that holds the tubular membranes, fittings and collector bodies together. 16. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein the tubular membranes include at least one of the following materials: polypropylene; polydimethylsiloxane; polytetrafluoroethylene; hydrophobic polysulfone; and graphene oxide. 17. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein the tubular membranes are made gas-permeable and impermeable to liquids. 18. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, wherein the tubular membranes are made permeable to water vapor and impermeable to liquid water. 19. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, additionally comprising a screen for protecting the tubular membranes. 20. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 1, additionally comprising a support that maintains specified intervals between the tubular membranes. 21. A modular heat exchanger system comprising: an upstream module of a tubular membrane heat exchanger containing: an upstream inlet manifold for receiving process fluid; overhead exhaust manifold; a plurality of upstream tubular membranes connecting the upstream inlet manifold and the upstream outlet manifold, wherein the upstream tubular membranes provide flow of process fluid from the upstream inlet manifold to the upstream outlet manifold; a downstream heat exchanger module with tubular membranes, containing: a lower-located inlet manifold configured to connect to an upper-located outlet manifold of an upper-located heat exchanger with tubular membranes and to receive process fluid from the upper-located outlet manifold; a lower-mounted exhaust manifold; and a plurality of downstream tubular membranes connecting the downstream inlet manifold and the downstream outlet manifold, wherein the downstream tubular membranes allow process fluid to flow from the downstream inlet manifold to the downstream outlet manifold. 22. A modular heat exchanger system according to claim 21, in which the upstream outlet manifold of the upstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and the downstream inlet manifold of the downstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger are configured to form a wetted compartment into which the process working medium enters from the upstream tubular membranes and which directs the process working medium into the downstream tubular membranes, wherein the downstream inlet manifold is connected to the upstream outlet manifold. 23. A modular heat exchanger system according to claim 21, wherein the upstream outlet manifold of the upstream heat exchanger with tubular membranes and the downstream inlet manifold of the downstream heat exchanger with tubular membranes are provided with flanges facing each other, and the downstream inlet manifold is connected to the upstream outlet manifold. 24. A modular heat exchanger system according to claim 21, wherein the upstream outlet manifold of the upstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and the downstream inlet manifold of the downstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger include a protrusion on one of the manifolds of the upstream outlet manifold and the downstream outlet manifold, the dimensions of which allow it to enter a recess on the other manifold of the upstream outlet manifold and the downstream outlet manifold. 25. A modular heat exchanger system according to claim 21, in which the upstream outlet manifold of the upstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger and the downstream inlet manifold of the downstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger are provided with snap-in elements that form a snap-in connection between them. 26. The modular heat exchanger system according to item 21, further comprising a distribution chamber configured to connect to an upstream inlet manifold of an upstream module of a tubular membrane heat exchanger and direct the process fluid into the upstream inlet manifold. 27. The modular heat exchanger system of claim 26, wherein the distribution chamber and the upstream inlet manifold form a wetted compartment that allows process fluid to flow from the distribution chamber to the upstream tubular membranes through the upstream inlet manifold, and wherein the distribution chamber is connected to the upstream inlet manifold. 28. A modular heat exchanger system according to item 27, further comprising a distributor in the wetted compartment, configured to distribute the process fluid entering the wetted compartment along the upstream tubular membranes of the upstream heat exchanger module with tubular membranes. 29. The modular heat exchanger system according to claim 21, further comprising a receiving manifold for supplying process fluid and an outlet manifold for collecting process fluid; wherein the upstream module of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes includes first and second upstream modules of heat exchangers with tubular membranes connected to the receiving manifold; wherein the downstream heat exchanger with tubular membranes includes first and second downstream heat exchangers with tubular membranes connected to the outlet manifold; wherein the first upstream and first downstream modules of the heat exchangers with tubular membranes are sequentially connected to each other and provide the possibility of flowing the process fluid from the receiving manifold in the direction of the outlet manifold along the first flow path; and wherein the second upstream and second downstream modules of heat exchangers with tubular membranes are sequentially connected to each other and provide the possibility of flowing process fluid from the receiving manifold in the direction of the outlet manifold along the second flow path parallel to the first flow path. 30. A modular heat exchanger system according to claim 21, wherein the upstream and downstream modules of the tubular membrane heat exchangers include supports that maintain specified intervals between the tubular membranes. 31. The modular heat exchanger system according to claim 30, further comprising a support element connecting at least one of the supports to at least one of the following elements: overhead intake manifold; lower-mounted intake manifold; overhead exhaust manifold; lower-mounted exhaust manifold; pipeline; screen; and wall. 32. A modular heat exchanger system according to item 21, further comprising an air flow generator that creates an air flow in the direction of the upstream and downstream tubular membranes. 33. A modular heat exchanger system according to claim 21, in which the downstream inlet manifold of the downstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger is designed to be removably connected to the upstream outlet manifold of the upstream module of the tubular membrane heat exchanger. 34. The modular heat exchanger system of claim 21, wherein the upstream outlet manifold includes a first manifold body and a filler that secures the upstream tubular membranes to the first manifold body, and wherein the downstream intake manifold includes a second manifold housing and a filler that secures the downstream tubular membranes to the second manifold housing. 35. The modular heat exchanger system of claim 21, further comprising a gasket between the upstream exhaust manifold and the downstream intake manifold. 36. A modular heat exchanger system according to item 21, further comprising fasteners for fastening the upstream exhaust manifold and the downstream intake manifold. 37. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes, comprising: inlet manifold for receiving process fluid; exhaust manifold; and a plurality of tubular membranes connected to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, which ensures the flow of process fluid from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold; wherein the tubular membranes form tortuous paths for the process fluid as the process fluid passes from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. 38. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 37, wherein each tubular membrane includes straight sections and curved sections connecting the straight sections. 39. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 37, additionally comprising a support that maintains specified intervals between the curved sections of the tubular membranes. 40. The tubular membrane heat exchanger module of claim 37, wherein the tortuous path includes a plurality of changes in the direction of movement of the process fluid. 41. The tubular membrane heat exchanger module of claim 37, wherein the tubular membranes include first tubular membrane portions and second tubular membrane portions that extend perpendicular to one another and form at least a portion of a tortuous path for the process fluid as the process fluid flows from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. 42. The tubular membrane heat exchanger module of claim 37, wherein the tortuous path includes a plurality of changes in direction of the process fluid that are 95 degrees or less. 43. The tubular membrane heat exchanger module of claim 37, wherein the tubular membranes include a first plurality of tubular membranes and a second plurality of tubular membranes, and wherein the tubular membrane heat exchanger module further comprises an intermediate manifold connecting the first and second pluralities of tubular membranes and redirecting process fluid from the first plurality of tubular membranes to the second plurality of tubular membranes. 44. The tubular membrane heat exchanger module of claim 37, wherein the tubular membranes include first, second and third pluralities of tubular membranes, and wherein the tubular membrane heat exchanger module further comprises: a first intermediate manifold connecting the first and second pluralities of tubular membranes and redirecting process fluid from the first plurality of tubular membranes to the second plurality of tubular membranes; and a second intermediate manifold connecting the second and third pluralities of tubular membranes and redirecting process fluid from the second plurality of tubular membranes to the third plurality of tubular membranes. 45. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 37, wherein at least one of the tubular membranes includes a lumen for receiving a process fluid, and in the lumen of at least one tubular membrane a support is located, which includes a support element. 46. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 37, further comprising a support that comes into contact with the tubular membranes, ensuring that a specified interval between the tubular membranes is maintained; wherein the said support is external in relation to the tubular membranes. 47. A heat exchanger module with tubular membranes according to claim 37, further comprising a fan configured to generate an air flow in the direction of the tubular membranes. 48. An air preparation system comprising: external structure; a tubular membrane heat exchanger comprising a plurality of tubular membranes in an outer structure; a fan configured to generate an air flow in the outer structure in the direction of the tubular membranes; a source of process fluid configured to supply either a first process fluid or a second process fluid to the tubular membrane heat exchanger, wherein the second process fluid comprises a liquid desiccant; and controller, functionally connected to the fan and the source of process fluid; wherein the controller provides a first mode of operation in which the source of process fluid supplies the first process fluid to the heat exchanger with tubular membranes in order to provide heat exchange between the first process fluid and the air flow; and the controller provides a second mode of operation in which the process fluid source supplies a second process fluid containing a liquid desiccant to the membrane heat exchanger to remove moisture from the air stream. 49. The air preparation system of claim 48, wherein the process fluid supply source includes a process fluid inlet, an inlet valve, a process fluid outlet, and an outlet valve, and in which the controller is configured to switch from the first mode to the second mode, providing for the operation of the inlet and outlet valves to drain the first process working medium from the heat exchanger with tubular membranes and filling the heat exchanger with tubular membranes with the second process fluid medium. 50. The air preparation system of claim 48, wherein the process fluid supply source includes a process fluid inlet, an inlet valve, a process fluid outlet, and an outlet valve, and in which the controller is configured to switch from the second mode to the first mode, which provides for the operation of the inlet and outlet valves to drain the second process working medium from the heat exchanger with tubular membranes and filling the heat exchanger with tubular membranes with the first process fluid medium. 51. The air preparation system of claim 48, wherein the source of supply of the process fluid includes a pump operatively connected to the controller, and the controller in the second operating mode is configured to initiate pumping by the pump of a second process fluid containing a liquid desiccant into the heat exchanger with tubular membranes. 52. The air preparation system of claim 48, wherein the controller, in a first mode of operation, initiates the supply of cold process fluid by the process fluid source to reduce the temperature of the air stream and increase the humidity of the air stream. 53. The air preparation system of claim 52, wherein the controller provides a third mode of operation in which the controller initiates the supply by the process fluid source of a heated third process fluid, the temperature of which exceeds the temperature of the first process fluid, for the purpose of increasing the humidity of the air stream. 54. The air preparation system according to claim 48, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a certain parameter, wherein a controller configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode based on at least partially the detected parameter is operatively connected to the sensor. 55. An air preparation system according to claim 48, wherein the controller includes a communication circuit configured to receive a command from a remote computing device, and the controller is configured to switch between the first mode and the second mode upon receipt of this command. 56. The air preparation system of claim 48, wherein the outer structure includes an air intake, an air outlet, and a recirculated air inlet, and the fan is configured to direct air flow from the air outlet to the recirculated air inlet; and a mixing chamber in the external structure, designed to mix air coming from the air intake and the recirculated air inlet. 57. The air preparation system according to item 48, further comprising an air filter located upstream of the heat exchanger with tubular membranes. 58. The air preparation system of claim 48, further comprising an auxiliary evaporative heat exchanger located upstream of the tubular membrane heat exchanger. 59. An air preparation system according to claim 48, wherein the tubular membranes provide mass exchange between the first or second process fluid in the tubular membranes and air in the outer structure. 60. A heat exchanger with tubular membranes, comprising: fan; inlet manifold for receiving process fluid; exhaust manifold; and a plurality of tubular membranes connected to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, which ensures the flow of process fluid from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold; wherein: tubular membranes pass around the fan; and The tubular membranes create a non-linear path for the process fluid as the process fluid flows from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. 61. The tubular membrane heat exchanger of claim 60, wherein the tubular membranes include first tubular membrane portions and second tubular membrane portions that extend perpendicular to one another and define at least a portion of a non-linear path for the process fluid as the process fluid flows from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. 62. A heat exchanger with tubular membranes according to claim 60, wherein the tubular membranes include groups of tubular membranes, and this heat exchanger with tubular membranes further comprises intermediate manifold connecting groups of tubular membranes. 63. A heat exchanger with tubular membranes according to claim 62, wherein the groups of tubular membranes include groups of straight tubular membranes. 64. A heat exchanger with tubular membranes according to claim 62, wherein the intermediate collector comprises a plurality of intermediate collectors. 65. A heat exchanger with tubular membranes according to claim 60, wherein the tubular membranes are characterized by an arcuate shape and extend around a fan. 66. A heat exchanger with tubular membranes according to claim 60, wherein the tubular membranes include spiral-shaped sections.