If you could step across to an ideal world, you’d enjoy cooling units throwing out unending drafts of cool air. You’d laze in rooms stripped of heavy humidity thanks to energy-efficient climate-control. But we live in the real world, our green-blue sphere that’s stunningly beautiful but completely submissive to the laws of physics. A product capable of taming the environment in this real-life scenario needs to be configured properly and positioned precisely to function at its peak, delivering frosty air to any designated area. Let’s tap into some guidelines to maximize evaporative cooling in this less than ideal world.
Evaporative cooling tech has been around a long time, and in that time we’ve learned how to optimize the principle operational concepts driving this simple example of heat exchange. The results are an impressive new generation of modern appliances worthy of a place in hot industrial settings. Of course, the essence of realizing the full potential of these advanced evaporative coolers still lays in the basics, in the placement of the inlet port, aligning this assembly to ensure air is entering the room from an open window or a dedicated vent. The consequence of misalignment will only lead to a futile recirculation of existing air, a model of inefficiency that’s bound to waste energy. This unwelcome situation can best be avoided by applying some logistical processing before engaging in the project. Measure the room dimensions to match the capabilities of the appliance. The technical specs of a potential cooler typically includes the space it’s designed to cool. After room size, consider environmental factors. The Temperature in any locale only tells part of the story; stifling humidity is a prime example of a secondary part to this heat equation. Remember, evaporative cooling is a water-cooled technology, and additional humidity in the air will only hamper the operational characteristics of the appliance.
All of the above factors contribute to the actual selection process, and they also influence the management of the device. Look for advanced features to overcome some of the limitations that have been mentioned. Humidity lowers the performance of the device, a definite drawback in humid climates, but there are solutions. Newer evaporative coolers offset the dampness in the air by optimizing the water provided to the cooling media. A solenoid control valve limits the flow of the water when detected humidity is high, releasing a greater flow when the atmosphere is drier. Modern evaporative coolers are integrating this tech as standard, using LED control panels to finitely manage a concept that’s been around since the Romans sweltered in the Mediterranean heat.
Combining water and electronics is an engineering art that’s largely been mastered, but there are caveats to keep in mind. Keep the inner workings of the device maintained to ensure full productivity of this hard-working machine. Mildew and mold flourish due to humidity and water. Clean the reservoir and tubes, refill the tank with water, avoiding hard-water areas as they’ll age and damage the internal components of the cooler.