On-site experimental testing of a novel dew point evaporative cooler

Technologies which utilise the advantages of evaporative cooling to reduce the temperature of air without the addition of moisture have existed for some time. These systems use a heat exchange media between the evaporation of water process and cooling of air. Research has been conducted on a number of systems utilising these technologies in various configurations and it has been demonstrated that temperatures of the incoming air can approach its dew point temperature. This is considerably lower than the wet bulb temperature which is the limit achieved with conventional direct evaporative cooling systems. Prototypes have been built to demonstrate the principles and temperatures achievable, but the technology has never been developed due to its high cost and complexity. These disadvantages have been addressed in a newly developed indirect evaporative cooler. The paper presents results obtained from testing a prototype cooler installed in both a commercial and residential application in a wide range of ambient conditions. The performance characteristic of the indirect evaporative cooler in regards to its outlet temperatures and electrical energy efficiency is presented.

► A novel evaporative cooler that cools air down towards the dew point has been tested.
► Experimental results were obtained in both a commercial and residential application.
► Performance characteristic for outlet temperatures and energy efficiency presented.
► Equations developed can predict the thermal performance and outlet temperatures.
► Cooler supplies low temperature air with high thermal efficiency.