Advances in indirect evaporative cooling: principles, integrated cycles, economic insights, and environmental implications

IF 5.4 3区工程技术 Q2 ENERGY & FUELS

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Pub Date : 2025-09-10 DOI:10.1016/j.tsep.2025.104078

Ashraf M. Zaki , Mohamed H.S. Bargal , Mohamed A. Antar , Esmail M.A. Mokheimer , Luai M. Alhems

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Indirect evaporative cooler (IEC) utilizing dew point cooling has strong potential as an alternative to the classical vapor compression cycles. This review merges recent advancements in IEC technologies, focusing on design parameters, operating conditions, and system integrations that enhance cooling effectiveness and energy efficiency. Different IEC configurations are discussed, including classical, regenerative dew point, and Maisotsenko cycle (M−cycle) systems. Particular emphasis is placed on hybrid solutions where IEC is integrated with humidification–dehumidification desalination, thermal energy storage, liquid/solid desiccant wheel (DW), mechanical vapor compression, and inverted Brayton cycles. Performance improvements are linked to design variables such as airflow conditions, channel geometry, evaporative materials, and system configuration. Notable enhancements are achieved with counter-flow arrangements, high inlet air temperature, low humidity, reduced channel height, optimized velocity, longer channels, and fabric-based triangular channels. Comparative results show that IEC-Brayton systems can achieve energy efficiency up to 44.43%, while IEC-DW systems demonstrate superior wet effectiveness and coefficient of performance. Beyond performance, the paper highlights economic and environmental benefits, underscoring reduced energy consumption and emissions. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the optimization, integration, and future applications of IEC technologies, positioning them as sustainable and adaptable cooling solutions for diverse climates and sectors.

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间接蒸发冷却的进展：原理、综合循环、经济见解和环境影响

利用露点冷却的间接蒸发冷却器（IEC）作为传统蒸汽压缩循环的替代方案具有很强的潜力。这篇综述结合了IEC技术的最新进展，重点是设计参数、操作条件和系统集成，以提高冷却效果和能源效率。讨论了不同的IEC配置，包括经典，再生露点和Maisotsenko循环（M -循环）系统。特别强调的是混合解决方案，其中IEC与加湿-除湿脱盐，热能储存，液体/固体干燥剂轮（DW），机械蒸汽压缩和倒布雷顿循环相结合。性能改进与设计变量有关，如气流条件、通道几何形状、蒸发材料和系统配置。通过逆流布置、高入口空气温度、低湿度、降低通道高度、优化速度、更长的通道和基于织物的三角形通道，实现了显著的增强。对比结果表明，IEC-Brayton系统的能效最高可达44.43%，而IEC-DW系统的湿效率和性能系数更高。除了性能，该文件还强调了经济和环境效益，强调减少了能源消耗和排放。这篇全面的综述为IEC技术的优化、集成和未来应用提供了有价值的见解，将其定位为适用于不同气候和行业的可持续和适应性冷却解决方案。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Chemical Engineering-Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

10.40%

发文量

327

审稿时长

41 days

期刊介绍： Thermal Science and Engineering Progress (TSEP) publishes original, high-quality research articles that span activities ranging from fundamental scientific research and discussion of the more controversial thermodynamic theories, to developments in thermal engineering that are in many instances examples of the way scientists and engineers are addressing the challenges facing a growing population – smart cities and global warming – maximising thermodynamic efficiencies and minimising all heat losses. It is intended that these will be of current relevance and interest to industry, academia and other practitioners. It is evident that many specialised journals in thermal and, to some extent, in fluid disciplines tend to focus on topics that can be classified as fundamental in nature, or are ‘applied’ and near-market. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress will bridge the gap between these two areas, allowing authors to make an easy choice, should they or a journal editor feel that their papers are ‘out of scope’ when considering other journals. The range of topics covered by Thermal Science and Engineering Progress addresses the rapid rate of development being made in thermal transfer processes as they affect traditional fields, and important growth in the topical research areas of aerospace, thermal biological and medical systems, electronics and nano-technologies, renewable energy systems, food production (including agriculture), and the need to minimise man-made thermal impacts on climate change. Review articles on appropriate topics for TSEP are encouraged, although until TSEP is fully established, these will be limited in number. Before submitting such articles, please contact one of the Editors, or a member of the Editorial Advisory Board with an outline of your proposal and your expertise in the area of your review.