Numerical simulation of integrating an air conditioner with an evaporative air cooler

Abstract

During the summer, air conditioning is increasingly used in commercial and residential structures to provide thermal comfort. The elevated condenser pressure caused by high ambient temperatures has led to a significant increase in electricity consumption in dry, hot climates. Therefore, this article presents the results of a numerical simulation investigation into the feasibility of enhancing the performance of a conventional air conditioning unit by applying a direct evaporative cooling system. The objective is to increase the cooling capacity while decreasing power consumption. The program used a small window-type air conditioner configured to simulate various weather conditions. The numerical findings indicate that incorporating evaporative cooling aids improved the system's ability to overcome numerous obstacles, resulting in a 10–20% increase in refrigeration capacity. Additionally, power consumption was reduced by approximately 3%, and the discharge temperature fell by 6–10°C. The predicted mean vote standard (PMV) for thermal conditions for human occupants yielded favorable outcomes (normal-type). Despite the challenging climate conditions prevailing during the five sweltering summer months, water production demonstrated good results, particularly in September.