The emphasis on energy conservation that has occurred in recent years has stimulated interest in using water evaporation as a method of enhancing the performance of equipment designed for air cooling only. The spray systems being marketing in response to this interest depend primarily upon evaporation for their cooling effect ; therefore, scaling and corrosion are major issues that must be addressed by the manufacturer. In addition, the widespread use of such equipment by consumers could have a significant impact upon the seasonal loads anticipated by the power producer.

This research project had two principal objectives: (1) to evaluate techniques for preventing the fouling of air-cooled air conditioners augmented with water sprays and (2) to assess the seasonal performance and utility impacts of spray augmentation. This paper addresses work done in pursuit of the first objective. The results of the second objective were presented at the 1985 ASHRAE meeting in Hawaii.

Data collected from this research indicate that some form of fouling prevention is definitely required to prevent permanent condenser damage from scaling and corrosion. It is also evident that cost-effective measures are available to protect the air conditioning equipment while reaping the benefits of water spray augmentation.

Units: Dual