How does an evaporative air cooler work?

In today's pursuit of energy efficiency, evaporative air coolers are increasingly popular across industries as a green and environmentally friendly cooling solution. But how does this seemingly simple device achieve cooling?

Core Principle: Water Evaporation Absorbs Heat

The core principle of an evaporative air cooler is to exploit the natural phenomenon of water evaporation absorbing heat, also known as evaporative cooling.

We've all experienced the feeling of a cool breeze after sweating. This is because when sweat evaporates from the skin's surface, it removes a significant amount of heat, lowering the skin's temperature. An evaporative air cooler mimics this process:

• Water Circulation System: The cooler contains a water tank and a water pump. The pump delivers water to a water distribution system.
  
  
• Wet Pads/Water Curtains: The water distribution system evenly distributes water across a specially designed wet curtain (or water pad). These wet curtains are typically made of porous fiber material, providing a large surface area for the water to fully contact the air.
  
  
• Air Passage: The cooler activates the fan, drawing fresh outdoor air into the unit.
  
  
• Evaporative Cooling: When hot air passes through the water-saturated damp curtain, the water molecules absorb heat from the air, transforming from liquid to gas (i.e., evaporating). During this phase change, the heat in the air is removed.
  
  
• Delivering Cool Air: After heat exchange, the air temperature is significantly reduced, becoming clean, cool air that is then delivered into the room through the duct.
  

Features and Advantages of Evaporative Air Coolers

Unlike traditional compression air conditioners, evaporative air coolers do not use chemical refrigerants such as Freon. Their cooling process is entirely physical, earning them the nickname "environmentally friendly air conditioners."

• Energy-Saving and Highly Efficient: Operating energy consumption is extremely low, typically only 1/8 to 1/10 of that of traditional air conditioners.
  
  
• Environmentally Friendly and Healthy: Using only water as a medium, they do not pollute the environment. Furthermore, they draw in fresh outdoor air, providing multiple functions such as ventilation, air exchange, cooling, dust removal, and odor removal.
  
  
• Wide Applicability: They are particularly suitable for open or semi-open spaces with high temperatures and poor ventilation, such as factory workshops, warehouses, cafeterias, and outdoor venues.
  
  
• Temperature Regulation: Cooling efficiency is affected by the ambient dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures. Evaporative air coolers are particularly effective in dry regions or climates.
  
  

By understanding the core principle of "water evaporation absorbs heat," we can see that evaporative air coolers not only provide a comfortable environment but also contribute to energy conservation and environmental protection. They are an ideal choice for efficient cooling in modern industrial and commercial settings.