Application of indirect evaporative cooling strategies for a warm-humid climate

Abstract

Energy consumption in buildings for air conditioning has augmented worldwide by the escalation in global warming. The application of passive cooling is a promising approach to mitigate this situation. The aim of this research was to assess and characterize the performance of indirect evaporative cooling strategies combined with other passive cooling techniques, applied in experimental modules, aimed at providing hygrothermal comfort. Results showed that the investigated strategies presented lower temperatures than the external conditions and the control module. The alternative that combined indirect evaporative cooling with thermal mass, solar protection, and night radiative cooling was the most promising, with a temperature reduction of 4.2 K, relative to the mean exterior temperature, and a decrease of 8.3 K of its maximum temperature relative to the maximum exterior temperature. An additional strategy was implemented in this alternative using a phase change material, that further reduced its temperature by 6.3 K, relative to the mean exterior temperature and a reduction of 11.5 K of its maximum temperature compared to the maximum exterior temperature. It is expected that these findings are applicable in actual buildings in warm-humid regions to reduce energy consumption for air conditioning, whilst improving hygrothermal comfort and health of occupants.