An air cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler or swamp cooler, is a device that cools the air through the evaporation of water. It operates on the principle that when water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, thus reducing the air temperature. Air coolers are particularly effective in dry and hot climates.
Here's how an air cooler works with a fan:
Water Reservoir: The air cooler has a water reservoir or tank located at the bottom. This reservoir holds the water needed for the cooling process.
Water Pump: Inside the air cooler, there is a small water pump that draws water from the reservoir and delivers it to the top of cooling pads or media.
Cooling Pads or Media: Cooling pads are located on three sides of the air cooler and are made from materials that allow efficient water evaporation. As the water drips down the pads, it forms a thin film, increasing the surface area for evaporation.
Fan: The air cooler is equipped with a powerful fan that pulls warm air from the outside through the cooling pads. The cooling pads are kept wet by the water pump, and as the warm air passes through them, it causes the water to evaporate, absorbing heat from the air and cooling it down.
Cool Air Outlet: The now-cooled air is then pushed out through the front of the air cooler and into the room or area where the cooler is placed.
Exhaust: Air coolers typically have an exhaust vent at the back or on the sides, allowing hot air and excess moisture to escape from the unit.
The process of evaporation cools the air effectively, but it works best in dry climates where the air can absorb more moisture. In humid climates, the cooling effect may not be as significant because the air is already saturated with moisture, reducing the evaporation rate.
It's important to note that air coolers are different from traditional air conditioners. While air coolers use the natural process of evaporation to cool the air, air conditioners use a refrigeration cycle to cool the air, making them more suitable for use in a wider range of climates. Additionally, air coolers use less energy compared to air conditioners, making them an energy-efficient cooling option for certain regions and conditions.