A hybrid indirect evaporative cooling-mechanical vapor compression process for energy-efficient air conditioning

The indirect evaporative cooler (IEC) is deemed an effective and sustainable alternative to existing mechanical vapor compression (MVC) chillers in cooling applications. However, IEC a passive that has no control over the supply air temperature humidity. Also, performance of degrades severely when humidity high. To overcome these limitations, we investigate hybrid process connects MVC tandem. outdoor firstly pre-cooled by recovering energy from room exhaust air, then it further processed desired condition using MVC. Such IEC-MVC benefits IEC’s high efficiency MVC’s capability control. A pilot unit with cross-flow configuration constructed tested under assorted conditions. Employing as working wet channels, simultaneously cools dehumidifies air. Under operating conditions considered, can be reduced 6–15 °C, ratio drops 0.5–4 g/kg. coefficient (COP) for 6–16, leading overall COP 4.96–6.05 process. Compared standalone MVC, electricity consumption 19–135%.