A Comprehensive Review of the Applications of Hybrid Evaporative Cooling and Solar Energy Source Systems

Abstract

Recent advancements in single-stage evaporative cooling (EC) have showcased their effectiveness as an energy-efficient and sustainable air-conditioning (AC) solution. However, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of EC in various applications. These challenges include climate sensitivity, substantial spatial requirements, and limitations in achieving desired output temperatures. To address these concerns, there has been a growing focus on integrating EC with solar energy (SE) systems. With traditional energy resources being depleted, the use of SE has gained prominence as a sustainable solution to meet future energy demands while mitigating environmental pollution. This paper presents a comprehensive review of hybrid EC–SE systems, aiming to elucidate the potential synergies, benefits, and challenges associated with this integration. The review explores the principles and mathematical approaches of various configurations of EC systems to assess their compatibility with SE sources. Furthermore, the review delves into the mathematical model of SE, encompassing both solar power generation and thermal collectors, with the aim of integrating it into the EC model. It delves into key aspects of energy consumption and performance, showcasing advancements in achieving higher efficiency and enhanced cooling capacity through the hybrid systems. Additionally, the review highlights research gaps in the existing literature, emphasizing the need for further exploration in this interdisciplinary field. In conclusion, this paper offers valuable insights into the potential of EC–SE systems to address energy and cooling requirements while promoting sustainable development.