Experiment-6

Aim: To determine Saturation Efficiency of Air cooler/Air washer

Equipment: The room air cooler, Thermometer to measure, Psychrometer,

inclined manometer

Theory:
In climate where high dry bulb temperature is associated with relative low wet
bulb temperature, air may be sufficiently cooled by evaporative cooling process to
result in a considerable degree of summer comfort. Although it gives relief in hot
dry climates, it does not perform all the functions of true air conditioning.
Evaporative system cools (insufficiently), circulates (with draught and noise),
ventilate and filters the air. Evaporative coolers humidify the air. Even with all the
limitations well within the comfort zone in areas where the dry bulb temperature
is very high and wet bulb temperature is low. These systems are quick and
expensive in initial cost and running cost.
There are certain limitations of this process. This is not effective in the areas of
high wet bulb temperature and low dry bulb temperature. It only removes sensible
heat load for the room having high latent heat load like theatre etc. If we use
evaporative cooling, then the resulting condition will be comfortable.
Adiabatic OR Saturation Efficiency:
The efficiency of the cooler depends on the extent to which complete saturation is
approached. Adiabatic efficiency is defined as the drop in dry bulb temperature
produced in the air passing through the cooler divided by the wet bulb depression
of the entering air.
Saturation efficiency = [(tdi – tdo)/ (tdi – twi)] x 100
The saturation efficiency depends upon :
1. Pad
2. Thickness of pad
3. Air velocity
4. Effective internal area/unit volume of pad material and
5. Effective wetness of the pad
Procedure:
1. Air Delivery by Cooler:
a. Divide the duct outlet into equal area
b. Measure the velocity at the center of all these areas with velometer or
impact tube
c. Measure the area of the duct
d. The average of all these readings will give the average velocity at the
outlet of the blower
e. Get the total quantity by equation, Q=A x V
2. Saturation Efficiency:

The atmospheric air sucked by the air cooler, so the DBT and WBT of the
atmospheric air are measured with psychrometer. Then make the cooler to
run sufficiently longer so as all the sides are completely wet. Measure the
DBT at the duct outlet. (At least run the cooler for the half an hour before
taking the final readings).

3. Precautions:

1. Water supply tubes must be checked against their clogging of holes

2. Electric motor must be protected from the water
3. Top cover should not be opened during observation. More overe there
should be no entry of air except through the KHAS (wetting pads)

Test Setup:

α
Air Cooler Outlet

H = 15 cm
L =22.5 cm

H =15 cm

Observations:

L =22.5 cm

Observation:

1. Inlet (Outside) Air Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT) = 32°

2. Inlet (Outside) Air Wet Bulb Temperature (DBT) = 27°
3. Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT)of air coming out from cooler= = 28.5°
4. Area of the duct=0.255 X 0.15 = 0.03825 m²
 Observation Table-1: Speed-I
Sr. Initial Final Head (mm) Velocity head Pa V=77.5 V avg
No. Reading Reading h= - αx
Hv = h.Sinα
9.81
mm of O mm of O
1

10

11

12

13

14

15

16
 Observation Table-2: Speed-II
Sr. Initial Final Head (mm) Velocity head Pa V=77.5 V avg
No. Reading Reading h= - αx
Hv = h.Sinα
9.81
mm of O mm of O

10

11

12

13

14

15

16
 Observation Table-3: Speed-III
Sr. Initial Final Head (mm) Velocity head Pa V=77.5 V avg
No. Reading Reading h= - α x 9.81
Hv = h.Sinα

mm of O mm of O
1

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Calculations:
Discharge of air through outlet of Air cooler for different Speed
! " # $ % $ "& ' & " (&)% (! "

Quantity of cooled air

Speed Average Discharge m3/min

I Q1
II Q2
II Q3

,7 − ,7/
*+,-.+, /0 1 2 1023, 56+, : ;<<
,7 − ,9

Conclusion: