Evaporative cooling systems have been used for millennia and represent an effective, low energy solution for many applications in dry climates. Recently, hybrid systems have been developed which couple the extremely high energy efficiency of indirect evaporative cooling with DX cooling. This combination enables the additional cooling and dehumidification capability of a mechanical refrigeration system while dramatically improving overall peak and annual energy use.

This paper will review results of Energy Plus simulations of InDirect Evaporative-Assisted DX systems (IDEA-DX) applied in dry climates as they compare to a conventional solution. Peak power use, annual energy consumption and indoor environmental quality differences will be compared. In addition, field results from equipment which uses this design will be reviewed for a "reality check" of the simulation results.