Achieving optimum performance of a split air conditioner by using evaporative cooling

Abstract

Split cooling devices are widely used in different regions of the world. These devices work in high ambient temperatures during the summer months in many countries, such as Iraq, which increases electrical energy consumption and decreases the coefficient of performance. In addition, high temperatures expose the devices to damage, which means more mainte-nance and costs. This work investigates the potential of using a direct evaporative cooling system integrated with a split air conditioning unit to enhance the cooling performance and provide optimum operational conditions. The use of evapo-rative cooling is to reduce the condenser temperature of the outdoor split unit in the extremely hot summer. The mathe-matical development of the related equation is used to predict the cooling effectiveness. The climate conditions have been selected according to the Karbala city, Iraq, as it has a dry and hot climate, in which the temperatures may exceed 50°C. The results demonstrated the possibility of obtaining a higher coefficient of performance compared to the standard value of 2.96 by utilizing the evaporative cooling system. This in turn reduces the electrical energy consumption and makes the devices operate in very appropriate conditions, which prolongs the life of the devices and preserves them from damage.