Energy Performance of Indirect Evaporative Cooling in Chilled Ceiling Applications in Maritime Temperate Climates

Evaporative cooling has had limited application in maritime, temperate, climates due to the low levels of cooling water availability which result, when low temperature (5 to 8˚C), convection based, building cooling systems are used. However, the success of high temperature radiant cooling, in the form of chilled ceilings, has prompted a review of evaporative cooling in maritime, temperate, conditions. In order to maximize evaporative cooling availability, however, in this application, it is necessary to achieve low wet bulb temperature approach conditions, at viable levels of primary energy consumption. This paper presents the results of experimental research into the energy performance of an evaporative cooling test rig, designed to maximize cooling water availability at the temperatures required for chilled ceilings (14 to 18°C). Results are compared with typical energy efficiencies of conventional, refrigeration based, building cooling systems. A significant potential for improved energy performance, is shown