Evaluation of evaporative cooler models using cotton-based fabric pads for tropical housing units

Abstract

Direct evaporative cooling (DEC) is a passive cooling strategy adopted in predominantly hot regions to restore building thermal comfort with less energy consumption and minimum impact on the environment. The implementation and studies of DEC in tropical housing are limited. Although DEC can reduce air temperature, an increase in relative humidity can still be seen as a disadvantage. Many materials were introduced for the cooling pads, but none was explicitly proposed for use in the housing unit. The present study explores different cotton-based fabrics to be used in the proposed evaporative cooler of the public housing unit in Surabaya. It analyses its ability to reduce air temperature and identify the increase in air humidity that may occur. A small-scale model of the housing unit that incorporates an evaporative cooling system is set, and internal air temperature and humidity are recorded. Results of the analysis show that different fabric specifications can lead to various thermal performances. A cotton-based blanket is found to be suitable for the proposed strategy.

Evaporative cooling strategy using cooling pad material made from stove wicks in walk-up flat in the humid tropical climate of Surabaya

“…Table 2 illustrates the differences before and after the use of the cooling pad. This study confirms the findings of previous researchers that the implementation of a cooling pad with a DEC system can lower the air temperature but is not accompanied by a reduction in air humidity [7,16,17]. However, air velocity in the range of 0.3 -0.5 m/s already provides comfort for the occupants inside the room.…”

“…When compared to cotton-based cooling, which can lower the air temperature by 1°C, stove wick material performs better [15]. This is related to the higher the area and the thicker the cooling pad, the greater the tendency of the achieved air temperature reduction [7,15,16]. At 2.00-3.00 pm, there is increase in air humidity by 0.9-1.8%.…”

“…On building facades [4], room walls [5], passive airflow through the application of physical models can determine the performance of evaporative cooling inside the space [6]. The research indicates that evaporative cooling strategies can reduce heat inside the room, but there is an increase in humidity levels [7].…”

“…Previous researchers have conducted studies on DEC, examining its performance and ways to enhance its integration [8]. Some researchers have also focused on the materials, area, and thickness of evaporative cooling pads, as well as analyzing air temperature, air velocity, and water volume in cooling pad [7,9,10]. This research delves into the performance of DEC in a building in a tropical climate, specifically in Surabaya, Indonesia.…”

Evaluation of space comfort based on occupant satisfaction in west Jatinegara flats residential units

“…Space comfort comes from thermal comfort which is one part of activity comfort so that if activity increases optimally in a space that is designed and built if the thermal comfort is appropriate (Sugini 2014). Thermal comfort can be defined as the level of satisfaction experienced by a person when consciously or unconsciously accepting the thermal conditions they experience (Tondobala n.d.; Antaryama, Ekasiwi, and Erwindi 2022).…”