Evaporative System

The evolution of adiabatic cooling

Evaporative System for adiabatic cooling

The adiabatic chiller by Geoclima is equipped with an innovative evaporative system which allows considerable energy savings, exploiting the natural process of adiabatic cooling.

The evaporative system is a process by which water, coming from a water pipe positioned externally at the top of the condenser coils, wets the pads: the hot and dry air withdrawn from the environment passes through these wet panels and, this way, cools down. The cooling effect allows to reduce the condensing temperature obtaining a considerable reduction of the pressure ratio of the compressor, with the resulting energy benefits. The water passing through the pads is collected by a “drainpipe” system, with gutters positioned under each pad and draining the water out.

Evaporative System for adiabatic cooling - how it works

The evaporative system is particularly effective and efficient when the ambient temperature is high and the relative humidity is lower than 60%. During the winter months, or in prohibitive environmental conditions for the evaporative system, the intelligent control distances the panels reducing the absorption of the fans, in order to maintain maximum efficiency of the system.

The evaporation effect reduces the air temperature by as much as 8 °C increasing the efficiency of the condensers.

Employing the adiabatic evaporative system, Geoclima is able to reduce the annual electrical absorption of the chiller up to 30%, in comparison to an equivalent conventional air cooled system. In addition, we developed a system so that the water used to wet the packs doesn’t go to waste – as happen usually – but is put back into circulation, in order to be reused by the chiller: this provides further benefits in terms of energy and costs saving and of eco-sustainability.

The evolution of Geoclima Evaporative System

In its original version, the adiabatic system was already a very good solution and provided significant results in terms of performance and energy savings. Nevertheless, it had some limits that limited its effectiveness and efficiency. That’s why our R&D Department has designed new solutions to further improve the operation and the effectiveness of the system.

old evaporative system for adiabatic cooling

Limits of the common version

  1. The “water drain pan” hinders the air flow from the bottom and, therefore, the ventilation of the coils.
  2. The full opening of the pads on OFF mode is hindered by the presence of the water pipe that is positioned just between the pads: this is another obstacle to the air flow.
new Evaporative System for adiabatic cooling

The solutions provided by the evolution

  1. New water collection system: the “drain pan” is removed and in its stead a new “drainpipe” system has been designed, with gutters positioned under each pad and draining the water out.
  2. The water pipe is positioned externally at the top of the condenser coils: in this way the pads can fully open.

Main benefits

Evaporative System for adiabatic cooling

The Geoclima Evaporative System is able to increase the RH% using evaporative pads.
Following a cooling process example:
A → 35 °C / RH%: 50%
B → 27.2 °C / RH%: 91.5%

The new adiabatic evaporative system brings many advantages: firstly, it ensures a greater air flow towards the condenser coils, both on ON (closed pads) and OFF (opened pads) mode; then, it allows an easier access and maintenance; finally, it made it possible to eliminate a great amount of unnecessary material, in favour of more compact and more efficient structures.
The overall result is a greater total efficiency of the entire system.

PLUS

Enhanced heat exchange capacity
Full connectivity
Ease of maintenance
Dynamics pads cooling
High efficiency in all ambient conditions

NO BACTERIAL PROLIFERATION

Self draining system
No droplets in the airflow
No water stagnation

DECREASED OPERATING COSTS

Minimised water consumption
No need for water treatment
Minimised energy consumption

REDUCED INSTALLATION COSTS

Suitable for truck transport
Reduced weights and footprint