How Air Cooler Works? Principles of Cooling

Written by: Kaushik Jethva

Last Updated: May 12, 2023

air cooler placed in a room
Air cooler placed in a room

As the sweltering summer months approach, many of us start searching for affordable and energy-efficient ways to keep our homes cool. One such popular solution is an air cooler. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into how air cooler works, its various components, types, advantages, and some tips to optimise its performance. So, let’s get started and understand the science behind air coolers.

1 Understanding the Basics: How Air Cooler Works?

At its core, an air cooler works on the principle of evaporative cooling. This natural phenomenon involves the evaporation of water, which cools down the surrounding air. As water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the environment, resulting in a decrease in temperature.

2 Components of an Air Cooler

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components of an Air cooler

To understand how air cooler works, it is essential to familiarise ourselves with its main components:

  1. Cooling pads: These are the essential part of an air cooler, responsible for cooling the incoming air. They are made from materials like wood shavings, synthetic fibres, or cellulose with high water absorption capacities.
  2. Water tank: The water tank stores water for the cooling process. The size of the tank determines the air cooler’s cooling duration before needing a refill.
  3. Pump: The pump circulates water from the tank to the cooling pads, ensuring they remain damp for efficient cooling.
  4. Fan or blower: This component pulls in warm air from the environment, pushes it through the cooling pads, and distributes the cooled air into the room.
  5. Control panel: This allows you to adjust the air cooler settings, such as fan speed, cooling mode, and other features.

3 The Process of Evaporative Cooling: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we know the primary components, let’s understand how air cooler works through each stage of the evaporative cooling process:

  1. Water absorption: The pump circulates water from the tank to the cooling pads, ensuring they stay damp.
  2. Air intake: The fan or blower draws in warm air from the surrounding environment.
  3. Evaporative cooling: As the warm air passes through the damp cooling pads, the water in the pads evaporates, absorbing the heat from the air. This process results in a significant drop in air temperature.
  4. Air distribution: The cooled air is then pushed out of the air cooler and into the room, creating a comfortable environment.

4 Types of Air Coolers

Air coolers come in various types, depending on the cooling mechanism, size, and intended use. Here are the three primary types of air coolers:

  1. Personal air coolers: These are compact and portable coolers designed for small rooms or personal spaces. They generally have a smaller water tank and lower air delivery rates, making them suitable for localised cooling.
  2. Desert air coolers: These are large air coolers with higher water tank capacities and powerful air delivery rates. They are designed for large rooms or outdoor spaces and are more effective in dry, arid climates.
  3. Window air coolers: As the name suggests, these coolers are installed in windows and are suitable for rooms with limited floor space. They offer moderate cooling capacities and are ideal for small to medium-sized rooms.

5 Advantages of Air Coolers

Now that we know how air cooler works, let’s discuss some of its advantages:

  • Cost-effective: Air coolers are significantly cheaper than air conditioners, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Energy-efficient: Air coolers consume less energy compared to air conditioners, resulting in lower electricity bills.
  • Environmentally friendly: Unlike air conditioners, air coolers do not use refrigerants that contribute to global warming.
  • Easy maintenance: Air coolers have relatively simple mechanisms and fewer components, which makes them easier to maintain and repair.
  • Portability: Many air cooler models are portable, allowing you to move them around your home to provide cooling wherever needed.
  • Fresh air circulation: Air coolers continuously circulate fresh air in the room, unlike air conditioners, which recirculate the same air. This helps maintain better indoor air quality.
  • Humidification: In dry climates, air coolers can act as humidifiers by adding moisture to the air, preventing problems like dry skin and respiratory issues.

6 Tips for Optimizing Air Cooler Performance

To ensure that you get the most out of your air cooler, follow these tips for optimising its performance:

  • Proper ventilation: Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the room for the air cooler to work effectively. Open windows or doors to allow fresh air to enter the room, promoting better air circulation.
  • Maintain cooling pads: Regularly clean and replace the cooling pads to ensure efficient cooling. Dirty or worn-out pads can reduce the air cooler’s performance.
  • Use ice or cold water: Adding ice or cold water to the water tank can enhance the cooling effect, providing better relief during extremely hot days.
  • Positioning: Place your air cooler near a window or open the door to allow it to draw in fresh, warm air for better cooling.
  • Regular maintenance: Clean the water tank, cooling pads, and other components regularly to prevent the build up of mould, bacteria, and dust.
  • Use an exhaust fan: Installing an exhaust fan in the room can help remove hot air more quickly, improving the air cooler’s efficiency.
  • Optimal humidity levels: Air coolers work best in areas with low humidity levels. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier to improve the cooler’s performance.

7 Wrapping Up

Understanding how air cooler works is essential for selecting the right cooling solution for your home. Air coolers offer an affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to air conditioners. By choosing the appropriate type of air cooler and following the tips for optimising its performance, you can stay comfortable and cool during those hot summer months.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how air cooler works, you can make an informed decision when purchasing the best air cooler for your home. Stay cool and enjoy the refreshing breeze provided by your air cooler!

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About This Article

Kaushik Jethva
Written by: Kaushik Jethva author

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Updated: May 12, 2023
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