Modeling of Heat and Moisture Transfer in an Indirect Evaporative Cooler Made of Plastic Film/Paper

Abstract

In this study, a thermal model of indirect evaporative cooler (IEC) was constructed. An IEC made of plastic film/paper composite was tested, and the results were compared with predictions of the model. In adddition, parametric study was conducted using the model. The model was based on [Formula: see text]-NTU analysis of wet surface heat and mass transfer. Especially, the model considered air leakage, nonuniform overall heat transfer coefficient and entrance region. Comparison of the predictions of the model with limited experimental data showed favorable results. Parametric study using the model showed that increase of the dry and wet channel inlet temperature resulted in increase of the indirect evaporation efficiency. The increase of the wet channel inlet humidity also increases the efficiency. The dry channel inlet humidity, however, was independent of the efficiency. The indirect evaporation efficiency and the pressure drop increased as the IEC size increased. However, they decreased as the channel height increased.