IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i9p2296-d1646562.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Enhancing Dewpoint Indirect Evaporative Cooling with Intermittent Water Spraying and Advanced Materials: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Łukasz Stefaniak

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50377 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Grabka

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50377 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Juliusz Walaszczyk

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50377 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Rajski

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50377 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Jan Danielewicz

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50377 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Wiktoria Jaskóła

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50377 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Maja Wochniak

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50377 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Weronika Żyta

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50377 Wrocław, Poland)

Abstract

Dewpoint indirect evaporative cooling (DIEC) offers an energy-efficient, eco-friendly alternative to conventional air conditioning by using water and air to lower temperatures. With the rising demand for sustainable cooling solutions—especially in regions facing water scarcity and high energy costs—optimizing these systems for real-world conditions is more important than ever. One major challenge is ensuring that DIEC systems perform well when water is supplied intermittently rather than continuously. In this review, we examine how intermittent water supply affects the cooling performance and overall efficiency of DIEC systems. We discuss recent studies that highlight the importance of key factors such as the properties of heat exchanger materials, design modifications, and control strategies. Our analysis reveals that while innovative materials like hydrophilic membranes and adaptive design features can improve performance, their widespread use is often limited by cost and scalability. We also point out critical research gaps, particularly in applying intermittent water spraying to non-porous heat exchangers. Overall, our findings underscore the need for integrated water management strategies in DIEC design. We advocate a cross-disciplinary approach—bridging fluid dynamics, material science, and environmental engineering—to develop more resilient and sustainable cooling technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Łukasz Stefaniak & Agnieszka Grabka & Juliusz Walaszczyk & Krzysztof Rajski & Jan Danielewicz & Wiktoria Jaskóła & Maja Wochniak & Weronika Żyta, 2025. "Enhancing Dewpoint Indirect Evaporative Cooling with Intermittent Water Spraying and Advanced Materials: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2296-:d:1646562
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/9/2296/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/9/2296/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ma, Xiaochen & Shi, Wenchao & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Study on water spraying distribution to improve the energy recovery performance of indirect evaporative coolers with nozzle arrangement optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 318(C).
    2. Karin Lundgren & Tord Kjellstrom, 2013. "Sustainability Challenges from Climate Change and Air Conditioning Use in Urban Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(7), pages 1-13, July.
    3. Duan, Zhiyin & Zhan, Changhong & Zhang, Xingxing & Mustafa, Mahmud & Zhao, Xudong & Alimohammadisagvand, Behrang & Hasan, Ala, 2012. "Indirect evaporative cooling: Past, present and future potentials," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(9), pages 6823-6850.
    4. Kornelia Przestrzelska & Katarzyna Wartalska & Weronika Rosińska & Jakub Jurasz & Bartosz Kaźmierczak, 2024. "Climate Resilient Cities: A Review of Blue-Green Solutions Worldwide," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 38(15), pages 5885-5910, December.
    5. Shi, Wenchao & Min, Yunran & Ma, Xiaochen & Chen, Yi & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Dynamic performance evaluation of porous indirect evaporative cooling system with intermittent spraying strategies," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    6. Zhu, Guangya & Wen, Tao & Wang, Qunwei & Xu, Xiaoyu, 2022. "A review of dew-point evaporative cooling: Recent advances and future development," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    7. Xu, Peng & Ma, Xiaoli & Zhao, Xudong & Fancey, Kevin, 2017. "Experimental investigation of a super performance dew point air cooler," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 761-777.
    8. Simon Pezzutto & Giulio Quaglini & Philippe Riviere & Lukas Kranzl & Antonio Novelli & Andrea Zambito & Eric Wilczynski, 2022. "Screening of Cooling Technologies in Europe: Alternatives to Vapour Compression and Possible Market Developments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-24, March.
    9. Tinghui Xue & Yangda Wan & Zhifeng Huang & Pinyi Chen & Jie Lin & Weidong Chen & Haibo Liu, 2023. "A Comprehensive Review of the Applications of Hybrid Evaporative Cooling and Solar Energy Source Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-26, December.
    10. Kim, Hui-Jeong & Ham, Sang-Woo & Yoon, Dong-Seob & Jeong, Jae-Weon, 2017. "Cooling performance measurement of two cross-flow indirect evaporative coolers in general and regenerative operation modes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 268-277.
    11. Cengiz, Mazlum & Kayri, İsmail & Aydın, Hüseyin, 2024. "A collated overview on the evaporative cooling applications for photovoltaic modules," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    12. Zeynab Emdadi & Nilofar Asim & Mohd Ambar Yarmo & Roslinda Shamsudin & Masita Mohammad & Kamaruzaman Sopian, 2016. "Green Material Prospects for Passive Evaporative Cooling Systems: Geopolymers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-19, July.
    13. Yang, Hongxing & Shi, Wenchao & Chen, Yi & Min, Yunran, 2021. "Research development of indirect evaporative cooling technology: An updated review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    14. Eloy Velasco-Gómez & Ana Tejero-González & Javier Jorge-Rico & F. Javier Rey-Martínez, 2020. "Experimental Investigation of the Potential of a New Fabric-Based Evaporative Cooling Pad," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-13, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Xiao, Xin & Liu, Jinjin, 2024. "A state-of-art review of dew point evaporative cooling technology and integrated applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    2. Oh, Seung Jin & Shahzad, Muhammad Wakil & Burhan, Muhammad & Chun, Wongee & Kian Jon, Chua & KumJa, M. & Ng, Kim Choon, 2019. "Approaches to energy efficiency in air conditioning: A comparative study on purge configurations for indirect evaporative cooling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 505-515.
    3. Łukasz Stefaniak & Juliusz Walaszczyk & Michał Karpuk & Krzysztof Rajski & Jan Danielewicz, 2025. "The Possibility of Intermittent Water Spray Implementation in a Non-Porous Indirect Evaporative Cooler," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-17, February.
    4. Lanbo Lai & Xiaolin Wang & Gholamreza Kefayati & Eric Hu, 2021. "Evaporative Cooling Integrated with Solid Desiccant Systems: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-23, September.
    5. Ma, Xiaochen & Shi, Wenchao & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Study on water spraying distribution to improve the energy recovery performance of indirect evaporative coolers with nozzle arrangement optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 318(C).
    6. Shi, Wenchao & Yang, Hongxing & Ma, Xiaochen & Liu, Xiaohua, 2023. "Performance prediction and optimization of cross-flow indirect evaporative cooler by regression model based on response surface methodology," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    7. Lin, Jie & Bui, Duc Thuan & Wang, Ruzhu & Chua, Kian Jon, 2018. "On the fundamental heat and mass transfer analysis of the counter-flow dew point evaporative cooler," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 126-142.
    8. Ma, Xiaochen & Shi, Wenchao & Lu, Lin & Yang, Hongxing, 2024. "Performance assessment and optimization of water spray strategy for indirect evaporative cooler based on artificial neural network modeling and genetic algorithm," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 368(C).
    9. Yugang Wang & Xiang Huang & Li Li, 2018. "Comparative Study of the Cross-Flow Heat and Mass Exchangers for Indirect Evaporative Cooling Using Numerical Methods," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-14, December.
    10. Park, Joon-Young & Kim, Beom-Jun & Yoon, Soo-Yeol & Byon, Yoo-Suk & Jeong, Jae-Weon, 2019. "Experimental analysis of dehumidification performance of an evaporative cooling-assisted internally cooled liquid desiccant dehumidifier," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 177-185.
    11. Shi, Wenchao & Min, Yunran & Ma, Xiaochen & Chen, Yi & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Dynamic performance evaluation of porous indirect evaporative cooling system with intermittent spraying strategies," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    12. Akhlaghi, Yousef Golizadeh & Ma, Xiaoli & Zhao, Xudong & Shittu, Samson & Li, Junming, 2019. "A statistical model for dew point air cooler based on the multiple polynomial regression approach," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 868-881.
    13. Pandelidis, Demis & Cichoń, Aleksandra & Pacak, Anna & Anisimov, Sergey & Drąg, Paweł, 2018. "Counter-flow indirect evaporative cooler for heat recovery in the temperate climate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PA), pages 877-894.
    14. Yan, Weichao & Cui, Xin & Meng, Xiangzhao & Yang, Chuanjun & Liu, Yilin & An, Hui & Jin, Liwen, 2023. "Effects of membrane characteristics on the evaporative cooling performance for hollow fiber membrane modules," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    15. Rasikh Tariq & Changhong Zhan & Nadeem Ahmed Sheikh & Xudong Zhao, 2018. "Thermal Performance Enhancement of a Cross-Flow-Type Maisotsenko Heat and Mass Exchanger Using Various Nanofluids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-19, October.
    16. Yang, Hongxing & Shi, Wenchao & Chen, Yi & Min, Yunran, 2021. "Research development of indirect evaporative cooling technology: An updated review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    17. Ma, Xiaoli & Zhao, Xudong & Zhang, Yufeng & Liu, Kaixin & Yang, Hui & Li, Jing & Akhlaghi, Yousef Golizadeh & Liu, Haowen & Han, Zhonghe & Liu, Zhijian, 2022. "Combined Rankine Cycle and dew point cooler for energy efficient power generation of the power plants - A review and perspective study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(PA).
    18. Wang, B.C. & Chen, Z. & You, G.L. & Ding, J.N. & Cheng, G.G. & Bui, T.D., 2024. "Performance assessment of a high-efficiency indirect dew-point evaporative cooler through three-dimensional modeling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    19. Sadighi Dizaji, Hamed & Hu, Eric Jing & Chen, Lei & Pourhedayat, Samira, 2018. "Development and validation of an analytical model for perforated (multi-stage) regenerative M-cycle air cooler," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 2176-2194.
    20. Ana Tejero‐González & Antonio Franco‐Salas, 2022. "Direct evaporative cooling from wetted surfaces: Challenges for a clean air conditioning solution," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 11(3), May.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2296-:d:1646562. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.