Design and retrofit optimization of the cellulose evaporative cooling pad systems at diverse climatic conditions. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sohani, Ali; Sayyaadi, Hoseyn
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 123(2017)
• Page Start: 1396
• Page End: 1418
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Cellulose pad direct contact evaporative cooler (CPDEC) -- Coefficient of performance -- Life cycle cost analysis -- Minimizing water consumption -- Koppen–Geiger climatic classification; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.05.120
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: Direct contact evaporative coolers were modeled and optimized. Retrofit of existing system and design of the new system were considered. Cost, water consumption and coefficient of performance (COP) were optimized, simultaneously. Optimized systems were found in all climates of Koppen-Geiger classification. Significant improvements in cost, water consumption and COP were found. Abstract: Cellulose pad direct contact evaporative coolers (CPDECs) were modeled and optimized. In this regard, a detailed method for evaluation of the initial cost was introduced. This model as well as thermodynamic, hydraulic and other economic ones were employed to minimize the life-cycle cost (LCC) and the annual water consumption (AWC) and maximize the annual average coefficient of performance (AACOP). It was assumed that the CPDEC was employed as the cooling system for a middle flat of a five-story residential building with floor area of 97.1 m 2 . Multi-objective optimization (MOO) imposing proper constraints including thermal comfort was done in two scenarios: design optimization process (DOP, applicable before production) and retrofit optimization process (ROP, for currently manufactured systems). From the different groups within the Koppen-Geiger climate classification system, the ones in which the CPDEC had the potential of usage were identified; a sample city from each group was selected, and the features of the optimized systems for that condition were obtained. It was found that for all applicable climates in ROP as well as classes 'B' and 'C' in DOP, the optimum specific contact area was 540 m 2 m −3 . Moreover, the features of the optimized system in ROP were affected by both climatic and economic parameters while in DOP the effect of climatic condition was much more than economic criteria. The results also showed that in comparison to the base case conditions, MOOs improved, in average, LCC, AWC, and AACOP 52.8%, 74.3% and 146.9% in the case of DOP and 20.9%, 64.6% and 70.1% in the case of ROP. These mean significant improvements were achieved by MOOs in the both scenarios.