Analysis of Evaporative Cooling Characteristics in Variable Cross-Section Clay Pipes with Staggered and Aligned Orientations

Human comfort difficulties are being brought on by global warming and industrialization. For developing countries with low per capita incomes, evaporative cooling is a cost-effective and environmentally benign option. In order to reduce their environmental impact and help regional farmers and craftspersons, researchers are looking at use of natural materials like clay jars and cooling pads made of natural fibers. The direct evaporative cooling system was experimentally investigated utilizing porous variable cross-section spheroidal clay pipes (SCP). The experimental controlled parameter was inlet air velocity in the range of 2–9 m/s, for both aligned and staggered configurations of SCP. The thermosyphon concept was used to ensure that water would flow through SCP. The investigated parameters were exit air and water temperature, pressure, humidity, and velocity. The water side temperature and water level were monitored to assess mass consumption. Performance metrics including temperature drop, increase in relative humidity, saturation efficiency, and coefficient of performance were assessed. Comparisons were made between the experimental outcomes for aligned and staggered orientation. This study examines how air velocity affects the temperature decrease and humidity of air using SCP. Results showed that staggered positions have a 21.2% higher temperature drop and 9.5% higher humidity compared to aligned position. Also, 20.6% rise in saturation efficiency and 0.17 kW increase in cooling effectiveness for staggered positions. Thermosyphon water circulation reduces pump energy consumption resulting in increase of COP by 1.66. The maximum pressure drops were 2.5 mm and 3 mm of water for aligned and staggered positions, respectively. The experimental investigations conclude that the use of SCP in direct evaporative cooling systems is the promising material for high performance and energy savings.