Development of a Low Cost Evaporative Cooler Unit to Suit an Industrial Environment
DEVELOPMENT OF LOW COST EVAPORATIVE COOLER UNIT TO SUIT INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT
Project Advisor: Prof. R.A. Attalage
G.P.T.K. Abeysekara, K.H.H.G. Ketanwila, K.A.P. Vithana
E-mail: thanujakasun@gmail.com,ketanwila@gmail.com,koswatta@gmail.com
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the adaptability of evaporative cooling technology to Sri Lankan environment. Desiccant cooling technology is initiated to control the relative humidity level of the environment. A generic model of the evaporative cooler is constructed using direct evaporative cooling method and solid desiccant dehumidification method. The model was installed in the testing environment. The results show that the evaporative cooler is provided the sufficient level of thermal comfort to the people changing relative humidity slightly.
1. Introduction
This paper based on the research and development project conducted by the undergraduates as requirement of fulfilling the degree to develop a cooler unit to suit industrial environment. Evaporative cooling is ancient and common technique within the middle-east countries. This paper discusses the applicability of evaporative cooling technique to the hot humid environment in Sri Lanka.
On behalf of the industrial engineering context, human thermal comfort is key parameter of the efficiency and ergonomic aspects of man power. To maintain the optimum efficiency and industrial standards, maintaining a thermal comfort is essential requirement.
Because of high relative humidity level in Sri Lanka, direct evaporative cooling can’t be used to reach required thermal comfort level. Solid dehumidification with heat exchanger was added to the design to overcome the problem. This paper analyses the results of the new method and attempts to provide acceptable, cost-effective solution.
Dealing with small air capacities for evaporative cooling was
Project Advisor: Prof. R.A. Attalage
G.P.T.K. Abeysekara, K.H.H.G. Ketanwila, K.A.P. Vithana
E-mail: thanujakasun@gmail.com,ketanwila@gmail.com,koswatta@gmail.com
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the adaptability of evaporative cooling technology to Sri Lankan environment. Desiccant cooling technology is initiated to control the relative humidity level of the environment. A generic model of the evaporative cooler is constructed using direct evaporative cooling method and solid desiccant dehumidification method. The model was installed in the testing environment. The results show that the evaporative cooler is provided the sufficient level of thermal comfort to the people changing relative humidity slightly.
1. Introduction
This paper based on the research and development project conducted by the undergraduates as requirement of fulfilling the degree to develop a cooler unit to suit industrial environment. Evaporative cooling is ancient and common technique within the middle-east countries. This paper discusses the applicability of evaporative cooling technique to the hot humid environment in Sri Lanka.
On behalf of the industrial engineering context, human thermal comfort is key parameter of the efficiency and ergonomic aspects of man power. To maintain the optimum efficiency and industrial standards, maintaining a thermal comfort is essential requirement.
Because of high relative humidity level in Sri Lanka, direct evaporative cooling can’t be used to reach required thermal comfort level. Solid dehumidification with heat exchanger was added to the design to overcome the problem. This paper analyses the results of the new method and attempts to provide acceptable, cost-effective solution.
Dealing with small air capacities for evaporative cooling was
References: Watt, J. R. (1986). Evaporative Air Conditinoning Handbook. London: Chapman & Hall. Standard 55, BSR/ASHRAE. (2003, February). Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. Atlanta. ASHRAE. (2004). ASHRAE handbook of HVAC systems and equipments. Atlanta. Ryan, S. S. (2000, December). Desiccant Dehumidification Wheel Test Guide. Cole Boulevard, Colorado, United States. Scheuchi, R. (2009, March 10). Hoval Rotary Heat Exchanger for Heat Recovery in Ventilation Systems. United States.