Traditional refrigerant-based cooling systems require more energy than evaporative cooling systems. Evaporative coolers, often known as swamp coolers, circulate air through evap cooler pads. As water evaporates from the pads, the air is cooled. Cool air is blasted into the room, while warmer air departs through vents or open windows.
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Evaporative Cooling
Swamp and evaporative coolers are often less costly than regular refrigeration-based air conditioners. According to Energy Saver (a publication of the United States Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy), installation costs can be one-quarter of those of central air conditioners. At the same time, energy usage can be one-quarter of that.
Evaporative coolers provide significant economic advantages, but they also have certain restrictions. To chill the air, evaporative coolers must be able to add moisture to it. This is why they work better in locations with dry outside air. All Western manufacturers do not suggest evaporative cooling. They need more regular maintenance than standard air conditioners. Evaporative cooler maintenance is simple.
Evaporative Cooling And Ventilation
Evaporative coolers constantly draw in air. Evaporation cools the air, which is subsequently circulated by a fan. The warmer interior air is expelled through open windows or other means of ventilation. In contrast, air conditioning systems circulate air within buildings. They perform best when sealed.
An evaporative cooler cannot cool a building with no windows, doors, or vents open to the outside. Evaporative coolers, sometimes known as swamp coolers, cannot provide the same level of air filtration as high MERV filters used in central air conditioning systems. Many evaporative coolers incorporate swamp cooler filters that, while less effective than higher filters, may remove particulates from the outside air.
Obtaining Access To A Water Supply
Evaporative coolers have a water tank, often known as a reservoir. This sprays water onto the pads to keep them moist. This tank may be filled manually using a bucket, hose, or other equipment. Many devices, however, may be connected to a continuous water supply and utilized for automated filling. Non-portable devices will likely require a constant water supply hookup.
How To Calculate The Size Of An Evaporative Cooler
The amount of air produced by swamp and evaporative coolers is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). According to Energy Saver, manufacturers recommend between 20 and 40 air changes every hour, depending on the environment.
Here are two criteria to help you size an evaporative cooler:
- By multiplying the size of a space by its ceiling height, you may obtain the cfm rating for 30 air changes per hour.
- In an area with 10-foot ceilings, you may expect 30 air changes per hour for every 500 cfm cooling capacity per square foot.
Many manufacturers provide model-specific advice on how cool their devices may be.
Evaporative Coolers Come In A Variety Of Basic Designs
Mobile evaporative coolers, sometimes known as portable swamp coolers, are commonly utilized in warehouses, industrial plants, and outdoor places where spot cooling is required.
Window Evaporative Coolers are often seen in homes and workshops. During the winter, they may be kept.
Central evaporative coolers are permanently installed and linked to ducting for air distribution throughout buildings.
- Central evaporative coolers with down-discharge are put on building tops.
- Side-discharge central evaporate coolers can be positioned on the sides of buildings for simpler maintenance. They can also be put on the rooftops of buildings.
Central evaporative coolers employ one of two main designs:
- Evaporative coolers with multiple inlets have louvered inlets on three to four sides. These inlets let air pass through, cooled by thin, fibrous pads.
- An evaporative cooler with a single intake takes air through a single aperture. The air passes through a thicker honeycomb-like cushion. A bigger blower motor is often used in a single-inlet machine. This increases airflow and, when paired with thicker pads, cooling.
