Increasing AC Efficiency Using Evaporative Cooling of Condenser Coil

This page gives the details on Chad's DIY scheme for significantly improving the performance of a conventional AC system by providing evaporative cooling of the airflow over the condenser coil. 

evaporative cooling of AC condenser coil

Chad's method has the advantage over directly spraying the condenser coil with water that it avoids mineral deposits on the condenser coil that would eventually cut its efficiency. 

Update March 2014...

Overview

Chad's system wraps evaporative cooling pads around the AC condenser coil.  Water is dripped down the cooling pads, and evaporation of the water cools the air on its way to the condenser coil by about 15F.   This increases the capacity of the AC unit and significantly improves the efficiency of the AC. 

See the pdf file and other supporting data below.

evap cooler pads surronding AC condenser coil
Evaporative cooling pads surround the
AC condenser coil.

Inside view of screens that
enclose evaporative pads.
evap cooler pads
Closeup of cellulose evaporative pads.
pump for cooling of AC condenser coil
Pump and reservoir for the evaporative
cooling water.
pump close up
Closeup of the pump.
distribution of water for evap cooling
Water distribution system for
evaporative pads.

Full details on the design and build of this evaporative cooler for AC condenser coils ....  (16 page pdf)

Additional Design Information

A spread sheet that estimates the amount of pad material and screen needed for a cylindrical condenser unit ...   (Excel spreadsheet)

A spread sheet that estimates the efficiency gains that come from cooling the condenser coil...   (Excel spreadsheet)

 

Update March 2014:

This is the latest on developments from Chad...

The 21 yr old a/c system in the house developed what is believed to be an evaporator leak.  The existing a/c was replaced with a new 2 stage SEER 16 and the 80% efficient 80kbtu ( output) natural gas furnace was replaced with a 95% efficient 2 stage 63kbtu furnace with a variable speed blower.  The old system SEER is unknown but is believed to have been 10.  The new system does a very good job of temperature and humidity control when coupled with a thermostat that commands dehumidification.  The evaporative cooling system was not re-installed for 2 reasons:  1) the new condenser unit is of a different size and shape requiring time and new pads to redo it  and 2) little desire to give a reason for warranty rejection should any condenser problems occur.  Of note, there was a $200 upcharge to install an otherwise identical heat pump vs cooling only system.  The heat pump was not installed as it would have not been eligible for significant utility rebates. For those using a propane furnace and a central air system, heat pump installation likely will have a very short payback when used with a properly configured thermostat.

The evaporative cooling system worked quite well over the year it was in use.  It had some minor problems most of which were part of the design learning curve.  The original A/C system finally performed acceptably once the evaporative condensing system was added.  Unfortunately electricity savings is difficult to gauge due to significant differences in recent summer temperatures and the refrigerant condition of the system.

Problems:

1) water valve has corroded / collected contaminates.  It typically would not flow but occasionally did not shut off.  A filter and a valve intended for water would be recommended.

2) Algae buildup ( causes plugged water holes in distribution tube). Bleach was occasionally put in the basin and distribution holes manually cleared.  Use of black hoses and reservoir would be recommended or possibly adding swimming pool copper based algae inhibitors in a slow release container.

3) cloth (tank top material) degraded and needs replacement.  A synthetic material may be worth trying.

4) bugs / worms have gotten in to the system. The water should probably be filtered before going to the pads.  Additionally, better shielding of the water system would aid in some of this. 
 
5) Water loss: some water fell outside the catch basin.  This had the effect of degrading the soil base which could cause problems long term.  The basin and screen likely should be wider than the pads so that all falling water would be caught.  The horizontal spacer tubes may be better placed inside the screen and a short spacer between the screen and the tubes to minimize water loss.

 

Chad
March 2014

 

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