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Numerical Characterization of an Ultrasonic Mist Generator as an Evaporative Cooler

Author

Listed:
  • Javier Ruiz

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Pedro Martínez

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Íñigo Martín

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Manuel Lucas

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain)

Abstract

Pre-cooling of inlet air using evaporative cooling is an effective approach to enhance the performance of air-cooled condensers in air conditioning applications. Ultrasonic mist generators have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional evaporative cooling systems based on cooling pads or spray cooling. This paper presents the developed numerical model of an ultrasonic mist generator for the evaporative pre-cooling of the inlet air of the condenser in air conditioning applications. The model was validated against the experimental data obtained in a wind tunnel experimental facility. A parametric analysis including some physical variables involved in the cooling process was carried out, including the main axial air velocity, the injection air velocity and the water mass flow rate of atomized water. The dimensionless groups water-to-air mass flow and air-to-air mass flow ratios were found to most affect the average evaporative cooling efficiency. A maximum value of 0.654 was found for the studied conditions. The optimization analysis carried out shows that the operational ranges leading to the best overall performance are 5 × 10 − 4 ≤ m ˙ w / m ˙ a T ≤ 0.002 and 0.035 ≤ m ˙ a i / m ˙ a T ≤ 0.05 . Under these conditions, there is a better distribution of the water mist throughout the control section and a more homogeneous and effective evaporative cooling process.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Ruiz & Pedro Martínez & Íñigo Martín & Manuel Lucas, 2020. "Numerical Characterization of an Ultrasonic Mist Generator as an Evaporative Cooler," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:11:p:2971-:d:369402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yao, Ye, 2016. "Research and applications of ultrasound in HVAC field: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 52-68.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nilofar Asim & Marzieh Badiei & Masita Mohammad & Halim Razali & Armin Rajabi & Lim Chin Haw & Mariyam Jameelah Ghazali, 2022. "Sustainability of Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems in Buildings—An Overview," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-16, January.

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