Overview
Evaporative cooling is a method of converting hot air into a cool breeze using the process of evaporating water. There are two essential requirements for evaporative cooling: 1) a wetted surface (supplied by filter pads) and 2) A source of moving air (supplied by a blower powered by an electric motor). The technology is a versatile and energy-efficient alternative to compressor-based cooling. Compared to air-conditioning which uses mechanical refrigeration, evaporative cooling can fully satisfy building cooling loads using one-fourth the energy of conventional equipment.
The performance of evaporative systems deteriorates as the humidity increases. Consequently, evaporative systems are not suitable for the humid coastal regions. They are generally suitable for areas with dry summers (most of the western United States) and other dry-climate areas worldwide. Evaporative cooling is also appropriate for spaces with high outside air ventilation requirements such as patios, auto garages, workshops, locker rooms, restaurants, kitchens, barns, green houses, kennels, agricultural areas, warehouses, docks or bays.
While the basics of evaporative cooler design and operation are simple, there are a number of guidelines that govern cooler performance and life. To achieve the best possible performance and life, evaporative coolers must incorporate design features that are compatible with and perform to the limits of these principles.
This six-hour course “Evaporative Cooling Design Guidelines” is based entirely on a report funded by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Energy Conservation and Management Division (EMNRD-ECMD). The course discusses some of the pertinent design issues and guidelines for evaporative cooling systems.
HVAC engineers, consulting engineers, project engineers, facility managers, construction managers, and other professionals involved in building design and management will benefit from this course.
The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of thirty (30) questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Understand what is evaporative cooling and where it should be used
- Understand the principles of evaporative cooling
- Apply fundamentals of psychrometrics in estimating evaporative cooling requirements
- Learn the geographical locations that will benefit from evaporative cooling
- Understand the components and types of evaporative coolers
- Learn how to calculate cooling temperatures with direct and indirect evaporative cooling options
- Learn how to size evaporative coolers using sensible heat and air change methods
- Understand the factors which influence the application of evaporative cooling
- Learn about typical design information, specifications and key formulas for selecting appropriate equipment
- Understand the HVAC terminology as applicable to evaporative cooling systems
Course
Click on the following link to the PDF document to review the course material before taking the quiz for credit.
Evaporative Cooling Guidelines
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