Performance evaluation and comparison of multistage indirect evaporative cooling systems in two operation modes
Xin Cui
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Search for more papers by this authorXiaohu Yang
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Search for more papers by this authorQiongxiang Kong
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Search for more papers by this authorXiangzhao Meng
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Liwen Jin
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Correspondence
Liwen Jin, Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable Technology, School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorXin Cui
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Search for more papers by this authorXiaohu Yang
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Search for more papers by this authorQiongxiang Kong
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Search for more papers by this authorXiangzhao Meng
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Liwen Jin
Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable TechnologySchool of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049 China
Correspondence
Liwen Jin, Institute of Building Environment and Sustainable Technology, School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
The evaporative cooling technique is an efficient approach for cooling application. This study aims to establish a performance evaluation method to advance the appropriate design for multistage indirect evaporative cooling systems. A mathematical formulation has been developed for the indirect evaporative cooler (IEC). After the validation, the mathematical model was used to analyze the evaluation criteria by considering the simultaneous influence of the cooling effectiveness, the pressure drop, and the cooling capacity of the multistage IEC operating in two modes. The Mode-1 IEC is a conventional counterflow unit, while the Mode-2 IEC employs a regenerative M-cycle arrangement. The IECs are operated in a tandem arrangement. The multistage system is capable of improving the cooling performance and reducing the outlet air temperature. In addition, the multistage system displays a higher pressure drop resulting in a lager consumption of fan power. The analysis of performance evaluation criteria indicates that the appropriate maximum stage is suggested to be three-stage and two-stage for the Mode-1 and the Mode-2 IEC, respectively.
REFERENCES
- 1Dincer I, Acar C. A review on clean energy solutions for better sustainability. International Journal of Energy Research. 2015; 39(5): 585-606. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.3329
- 2Wong KH, Chong WT, Sukiman NL, Poh SC, Shiah YC, Wang CT. Performance enhancements on vertical axis wind turbines using flow augmentation systems: a review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2017; 73: 904-921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.160
- 3Wang J, Yan Z, Wang M, Song Y, Dai Y. Parametric analysis and optimization of a building cooling heating power system driven by solar energy based on organic working fluid. International Journal of Energy Research. 2013; 37(12): 1465-1474. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.2952
- 4Zhou Y, Ni M. Feasibility study on applications of solar chimney and earth tube systems for BEAM/LEED assessment. International Journal of Energy Research. 2016; 40(9): 1207-1220. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.3510
- 5Chong WT, Al-Mamoon A, Poh SC, Saw LH, Shamshirband S, Mojumder JC. Sensitivity analysis of heat transfer rate for smart roof design by adaptive neuro-fuzzy technique. Energy and Buildings. 2016; 124: 112-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.04.074
- 6Cui X, Chua KJ, Yang WM. Numerical simulation of a novel energy-efficient dew-point evaporative air cooler. Applied Energy. 2014; 136: 979-988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.04.040
- 7Yang X, Guo Z, Liu Y, Jin L, He YL. Effect of inclination on the thermal response of composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage. Applied Energy. 2019; 238: 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.01.074
- 8Comino F, Milani S, De Antonellis S, Joppolo CM, Ruiz de Adana M. Simplified performance correlation of an indirect evaporative cooling system: development and validation. International Journal of Refrigeration. 2018; 88: 307-317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2018.02.002
- 9De Antonellis S, Joppolo CM, Liberati P, Milani S, Romano F. Modeling and experimental study of an indirect evaporative cooler. Energy and Buildings. 2017; 142: 147-157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.02.057
- 10Kim HJ, Ham SW, Yoon DS, Jeong JW. Cooling performance measurement of two cross-flow indirect evaporative coolers in general and regenerative operation modes. Applied Energy. 2017; 195: 268-277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.03.053
- 11Uzgoren E, Timur E. A methodology to assess suitability of a site for small scale wet and dry CSP systems. International Journal of Energy Research. 2015; 39(8): 1094-1108. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.3314
- 12Mohapatra AK, Sanjay. Analysis of parameters affecting the performance of gas turbines and combined cycle plants with vapor absorption inlet air cooling. International Journal of Energy Research 2014; 38: 223–40. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.3046, 2.
- 13Pandelidis D, Cichoń A, Pacak A, Anisimov S, Drąg P. Counter-flow indirect evaporative cooler for heat recovery in the temperate climate. Energy. 2018; 165: 877-894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.09.123
- 14Hosoz M, Ertunc HM, Ozguc AF. Modelling of a direct evaporative air cooler using artificial neural network. International Journal of Energy Research. 2008; 32(1): 83-89. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.1336
- 15Cui X, Chua KJ, Yang WM, Ng KC, Thu K, Nguyen VT. Studying the performance of an improved dew-point evaporative design for cooling application. Applied Thermal Engineering. 2014; 63(2): 624-633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2013.11.070
- 16Sadighi Dizaji H, Hu EJ, Chen L. A comprehensive review of the Maisotsenko-cycle based air conditioning systems. Energy. 2018; 156: 725-749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.05.086
- 17Maisotsenko V, Gillan LE, Heaton TL, Gillan AD. Method and plate apparatus for dew point evaporative cooler. US Patent. 2003; 6: 508,402.
- 18Chua KJ, Chou SK, Yang WM, Yan J. Achieving better energy-efficient air conditioning—a review of technologies and strategies. Applied Energy. 2013; 104: 87-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.10.037
- 19Hasan A. Indirect evaporative cooling of air to a sub-wet bulb temperature. Applied Thermal Engineering. 2010; 30(16): 2460-2468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2010.06.017
- 20Woods J, Kozubal E. A desiccant-enhanced evaporative air conditioner: numerical model and experiments. Energy Conversion and Management. 2013; 65: 208-220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2012.08.007
- 21Caliskan H, Dincer I, Hepbasli A. A comparative study on energetic, exergetic and environmental performance assessments of novel M-Cycle based air coolers for buildings. Energy Conversion and Management. 2012; 56: 69-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2011.11.007
- 22Bai Z, Liu T, Liu Q, Lei J, Gong L, Jin H. Performance investigation of a new cooling, heating and power system with methanol decomposition based chemical recuperation process. Applied Energy. 2018; 229: 1152-1163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.07.112
- 23Bai Z, Sun J, Liu Q. Comprehensive assessment of line-/point-focus combined scheme for concentrating solar power system. International Journal of Energy Research. 2018; 42(5): 1983-1998. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.3997
- 24Boukhanouf R, Alharbi A, Ibrahim HG, Amer O, Worall M. Computer modelling and experimental investigation of building integrated sub-wet bulb temperature evaporative cooling system. Applied Thermal Engineering. 2017; 115: 201-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2016.12.119
- 25Hasan A. Going below the wet-bulb temperature by indirect evaporative cooling: analysis using a modified ε-NTU method. Applied Energy. 2012; 89(1): 237-245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2011.07.005
- 26Duan Z, Zhao X, Li J. Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a compact regenerative evaporative cooler: towards low energy cooling for buildings. Energy. 2017; 140: 506-519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.08.110
- 27Liu Z, Allen W, Modera M. Simplified thermal modeling of indirect evaporative heat exchangers. HVAC&R Research. 2013; 19: 257-267. https://doi.org/10.1080/10789669.2013.763653
- 28Anisimov S, Pandelidis D. Numerical study of the Maisotsenko cycle heat and mass exchanger. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. 2014; 75: 75-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2014.03.050
- 29Cui X, Chua KJ, Islam MR, Yang WM. Fundamental formulation of a modified LMTD method to study indirect evaporative heat exchangers. Energy Conversion and Management. 2014; 88: 372-381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2014.08.056
- 30Pandelidis D, Anisimov S, Rajski K, Brychcy E, Sidorczyk M. Performance comparison of the advanced indirect evaporative air coolers. Energy. 2017; 135: 138-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.06.111
- 31Wan Y, Ren C, Wang Z, Yang Y, Yu L. Numerical study and performance correlation development on counter-flow indirect evaporative air coolers. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. 2017; 115: 826-830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2017.07.109
- 32Sadighi Dizaji H, Hu EJ, Chen L, Pourhedayat S. Development and validation of an analytical model for perforated (multi-stage) regenerative M-cycle air cooler. Applied Energy. 2018; 228: 2176-2194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.07.018
- 33Sohani A, Sayyaadi H, Mohammadhosseini N. Comparative study of the conventional types of heat and mass exchangers to achieve the best design of dew point evaporative coolers at diverse climatic conditions. Energy Conversion and Management. 2018; 158: 327-345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2017.12.042
- 34Chen Y, Yan H, Yang H. Comparative study of on-off control and novel high-low control of regenerative indirect evaporative cooler (RIEC). Applied Energy. 2018; 225: 233-243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.05.046
- 35Khalil A. An experimental study on multi-purpose desiccant integrated vapor-compression air-conditioning system. International Journal of Energy Research. 2012; 36(4): 535-544. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.1767
- 36Yang X, Wei P, Cui X, Jin L, He YL. Thermal response of annuli filled with metal foam for thermal energy storage: an experimental study. Applied Energy. 2019; 250: 1457-1467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.05.096
- 37Min Y, Chen Y, Yang H. Numerical study on indirect evaporative coolers considering condensation: a thorough comparison between cross flow and counter flow. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. 2019; 131: 472-486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2018.11.082
- 38Jradi M, Riffat S. Testing and performance analysis of a hollow fiber-based core for evaporative cooling and liquid desiccant dehumidification. International Journal of Green Energy. 2016; 13(13): 1388-1399. https://doi.org/10.1080/15435075.2016.1183205
- 39Yu FW, Ho WT, Chan KT, Sit RKY. Probabilistic analysis of mist cooler effectiveness for air-cooled chiller systems. Energy and Buildings. 2018; 158: 1553-1563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.11.061
- 40Saw LH, Poon HM, Thiam HS, et al. Novel thermal management system using mist cooling for lithium-ion battery packs. Applied Energy. 2018; 223: 146-158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.04.042
- 41Oh SJ, Shahzad MW, Burhan M, et al. Approaches to energy efficiency in air conditioning: a comparative study on purge configurations for indirect evaporative cooling. Energy. 2019; 168: 505-515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.11.077
- 42Pandelidis D, Pacak A, Cichoń A, et al. Multi-stage desiccant cooling system for moderate climate. Energy Conversion and Management. 2018; 177: 77-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.09.061
- 43Moshari S, Heidarinejad G, Fathipour A. Numerical investigation of wet-bulb effectiveness and water consumption in one-and two-stage indirect evaporative coolers. Energy Conversion and Management. 2016; 108: 309-321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2015.11.022
- 44Sohani A, Sayyaadi H. Thermal comfort based resources consumption and economic analysis of a two-stage direct-indirect evaporative cooler with diverse water to electricity tariff conditions. Energy Conversion and Management. 2018; 172: 248-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.07.008
- 45Gadalla M, Saghafifar M. Performance assessment and transient optimization of air precooling in multi-stage solid desiccant air conditioning systems. Energy Conversion and Management. 2016; 119: 187-202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2016.04.018
- 46Moshari S, Heidarinejad G. Analytical estimation of pressure drop in indirect evaporative coolers for power reduction. Energy and Buildings. 2017; 150: 149-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.05.080
- 47Xu P, Ma X, Diallo TMO, et al. Numerical investigation of the energy performance of a guideless irregular heat and mass exchanger with corrugated heat transfer surface for dew point cooling. Energy. 2016; 109: 803-817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.05.062
- 48 COMSOL Multiphysics Reference Manual. COMSOL 4.3. 2013.
- 49Cui X, Islam MR, Mohan B, Chua KJ. Developing a performance correlation for counter-flow regenerative indirect evaporative heat exchangers with experimental validation. Applied Thermal Engineering. 2016; 108: 774-784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2016.07.189
- 50Hsu ST, Lavan Z, Worek WM. Optimization of wet-surface heat exchanger. Energy. 1989; 14(11): 757-770.
- 51Ghosh S, Dincer I. Development and performance assessment of a new integrated system for HVAC&R applications. Energy. 2015; 80: 159-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.11.057
- 52Cui X, Chua KJ, Islam MR, Ng KC. Performance evaluation of an indirect pre-cooling evaporative heat exchanger operating in hot and humid climate. Energy Conversion and Management. 2015; 102: 140-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2015.02.025
