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Thermal resistance analysis of indirect evaporative air cooler processes.

Author(s) : FAN J., XIE X.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

This study presents a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis and optimization framework for the three-stream heat and mass transfer process inherent in indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) air coolers, an energy-efficient alternative to mechanical refrigeration. Employing entransy dissipation theory as a novel analytical founda tion, the study quantifies thermodynamic losses within the coupled primary air, recirculated water, and working air streams. This study established an equivalent thermal resistance model based on entransy dissipation, which systematically decomposes total losses into distinct components arising from area limitations and flow mis matches. Using T-Q diagrams for visualization and the derived equivalent thermal resistance for quantification, this framework enables the identification of dominant loss mechanisms. Key findings reveal that increasing the heat transfer capacity (KA value) or the air-to-water mass flow rate ratio reduces the total equivalent thermal resistance and lowers the supply air temperature. Crucially, the analysis establishes a loss-prioritized optimi zation principle: process design should target the dominant loss factor (area limitation vs. flow mismatch). For instance, while multi-stage configurations can mitigate flow mismatch losses in the dry channel, they increase area-limitations dissipation. When KA is sufficiently large, flow mismatch becomes the primary constraint. Thus, optimization requires first diagnosing the prevailing loss mechanism—whether area limitation or flow mismatch. This entransy-based thermal resistance framework and the resulting optimization principle provide a universal theoretical foundation for assessing and enhancing the performance of diverse three-stream IEC configurations and are valuable for optimizing process designs for improved efficiency.

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Pages: 10 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Thermal resistance analysis of indirect evaporative air cooler processes.
  • Record ID : 30034505
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 181
  • Publication date: 2026/01
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2025.10.016

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