International Conference on Mechanical, Industrial and Energy Engineering 2014

25-26 December, 2014, Khulna, BANGLADESH

ICMIEE-PI-140412
Design and Construction of a portable air cooler
Gopesh Dey , Suvro Deb Sikder , Mohammad Ariful Islam
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, BANGLADESH

ABSTRACT
Human being wants to live in comfortable condition. Temperature is one of the most important factors for human comfort.
When temperature of air is above the comfort limit then cooling of air is necessary. Air cooler is required to reduce the
temperature of air for comfort. In this project a portable air cooler with evaporative cooling is designed and constructed. It
consists of a fan, a water-wetted pad, a pump to recirculate the water and revolving wheels to move from one place to
another. Room air is drawn through the water-wetted pad and is blown into the room. The cooling system slightly increases
the humidity of the entering air. This type of system is very useful where the environment where temperature is high but the
relative humidity is relatively low. Performance of the constructed air cooler is tested. Results showed that it can be reduced
the temperature about 4 to 6 .

Keywords: Evaporative air cooling, Temperature, Humidity, Human Comfort

1. Introduction This study also contains:

 Design a portable air cooler.
Human satisfaction is called human comfort. Human  Construction of a portable air cooler.
comfort is an integral part of human life. Human
comfort depends on four factors. These are
 Temperature of air 2. Thermodynamics of Evaporative Cooling
 Humidity of air When a large quantity of water is constantly circulated
 Purity of air through a spray chamber that is insulated from
 Motion of air surroundings, the air-water vapor mixture is passed
Among the four factors, temperature and humidity of air through the spray chamber and in doing so; it
are very essential for human comfort. We know that evaporates some of the circulating water. The air may
among six seasons, the summer portion is higher than leave at a certain humidity ratio or in a saturated state
others. So comfort cooling & dehumidification is (Fig-2.1). The increase in specific humidity is equal to
necessary. But cooling & dehumidification is difficult to the quantity of water evaporated per unit mass of dry air.
control simultaneously [1]. As the spray chamber is insulated from surroundings, no
Portable air cooler is a mobile device which is used to heat transfer takes place between the spray chamber and
cool air. There are several methods of air cooling. the surroundings. Therefore, the energy required for
Evaporative cooling is one of the most ancient and evaporation is supplied by the air, and consequently, the
energy efficient methods because the energy DBT is lowered. After the process has been in operation
consumption of energy is very low. Direct evaporative for a sufficient length of time, the circulating water
cooling adds moisture to the air. It is suitable for dry approaches the WBT of air [1].
and acid climates .In wet climates; the results are not
satisfactory, because of unacceptable indoor humidity.
Indirect evaporative cooling, without added humidity, is
less effective, costs more system [1].
Evaporative coolers are cooling devices that use the
evaporation of water into the air to cool the air
temperature. They are sometimes called air coolers,
desert coolers or swamp coolers. Evaporative coolers
use a quarter of the electricity of air conditioners and are
relatively inexpensive. In addition, they do not use
Fig 2.1 Adiabatic evaporative cooling.
ozone-harming chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydro
chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +88-01747325012

E-mail address: [email protected]
The energy balance and other relation may be expressed Diameter of fan with casing,
mathematically as follows: Velocity of air supplied by fan, = 2.07 m/s (measured
G1 = G2 = G ……………..(i) by anemometer)
G1ω1+L= G2ω2 ……………..(ii) Area through which air is supplied,
L= G (ω2-ω1) ….…………(iii)
G1h1+L hf= G2 h2 ...……………(iv) 48
G (h1-h2) + G (ω2-ω1) hf = 0 ………………(v)
h1 – ω1 hf = h2 – ω2 hf ………………(vi)
3.2 Design of supply container
The process can be shown on psychometric chart by Considering outside condition
state 1 and 2 (Fig-). From this chart Let,
Sensible heat transfer = G (h1 – h3 ) DBT = 33
Latent heat transfer = G (h2 – h3) WBT = 28
Relative humidity RH = 69%
3. Design of the portable air cooler: Specific humidity at 33 degree Celsius, = .0122
kg/kg dry air
The schematic diagram of the evaporative cooling Density of air at
system is shown in figure 3.1. The major components of Specific heat of air at
the evaporative cooling system are: Mass flow rate of air = ……………………(vii)
a)Water-wetted pad 2.07
b)Supply container
c)Receiver container Inside condition
d)Frame Let DBT
e)An Exhaust Fan Let total amount of water reserved
f)Water Pump
i)Connections Pipes
And backup time
Total amount of water reserved

Or,

Amount of moisture transferred

………………..(viii)

Amount of specific humidity increased

Latent heat transferred

Fig- 3.1: Schematic diagram of a portable air cooler. ………………(ix)

3.1 Selection of fan Sensible heat transferred

The fan is a critical component of the portable air cooler.
………………(x)
The cooling performance depends on fan size and speed.
On the basis of this considerations the following
Length
specifications of fan was selected.
Width
Diameter, D =10 inch= .25m
Height
Power= 43 watt

ICMIEE-PI-140412-2
Total volume Let,
So that it could contain 6 liter water water dropped
Water Height ………………..(xiv)
Time required emptying the tank,
Considering above condition the following size of the
reserve container was selected.
……………………(xii) Length
Where, Width
Height
T=Back up time
3.5 Design of water wetted pad
The function of water wetted pad is to absorb as much
as water for a long period. And it must have the ability
to pass air easily through the pad .It should be insured
that no air will flow through the pad without wetted. For
considering above reason the following size of the water
wetted pad surrounding three sides of the frame was
Or, selected
Length
Let diameter of each hole Width
Number of hole Height= 30.48 cm
So,
3.6 Selection of water pump
The following specification of water pump was selected
Voltage = 12 volt
………………….(xiii)
Current = 6 amp
Or,
Power = 72 watt
3.3 Design of frame
3.7 Cost analysis of the project:
The frame is important component of a portable cooling
system. It carries supply container on top, fan in one ITEMS COST(TK)
side, and pad in three sides. So the length and width of 1) Exhaust Fan 950/-
the frame would be equal to the supply container. And 2) AC Pump 750/-
the height of the frame should be such that fan can be
3) Metal sheet( 5 kg) 750/-
installed at the centroid of those side of the frame.
Considering above condition the following size of the 4) Pipe 50/-
frame was designed. 5) Power Supply 200/-
Length
6) Wheels( 4 pieces) 200/-
Width
Height 7) Wetted Pad 400/-
8) Manufacturing 1000/-
3.4 Design of water reserve container Cost
The size of the water reserve container would be such Total 4300/-
that it could contain the dropped water at the bottom of
the box.
Rate of water evaporated kg/sec
Amount of water evaporated

Rest amount of water

ICMIEE-PI-140412-3
4. Result and Discussion Table 4.2 Result Sheet For open room
Date Durat Relative Lat Sens Sensi Mass
ion Humidity, ent ible ble Of
4.1.1 Performance Test in open room:- RH Hea Heat Heat Water
(%) t, , Facto Evapora
The cooling system was placed in a room of size r, ted,
5.4m at the door. The wet bulb and dry Inle Ou (kj/ (kj/k G
bulb temperatures were recorded at inlet and outlet of t tlet kg) g) SHF (kg/s)
the cooling system by sling psychometer with different 04- 10.00 79. 96. 0.4 0.89 0.67 0.0001
temperature water. 06- AM - 8 2 339 36 78
14 11.00
AM
Table -4.1: Data Sheet For open room 11.0b 83 92. 0.0 0.55 0.91 0.0000
Date Duratio Water Inlet outlet 0 6 542 85 22
n Temp Condition Condition AM -
eratur DBT WBT DB WBT 12.00
e PM
( ( ) T ( )
05- 10.00 64. 86. 1.4 0.78 0.35 0.0006
( ) (
06- AM - 9 6 645 19
) 11.00
14
04- 10.00- 27 35 31 31 30.5 AM
06- 11.00 11.00 69. 89. 1.3 0.67 0.33 0.0005
14 AM AM- 7 8 560 02 56
11.00 28 34 30 31. 29.5 12.00
AM- 5 PM
12.00 08- 10.00 55. 71. 0.4 0.89 0.67 0.0001
06- - 6 6 339 36 78
PM
14 11.00
05- 10.00- 26 37 31 33. 31.5 AM
06- 11.00 5 11.00 54 62. 0.0 0.55 0.91 0.0000
14 AM AM- 1 542 85 22
11.00 27 36 31 33 31.5 12.00
AM- PM
12.00 09- 10.00 68. 92. 0.5 1.34 0.69 0.0002
PM 06- - 8 5 966 05 45
08- 10.00- 26 38 30 34 29.5 14 11.00
AM
06- 11.00
11.00 68. 92. 0.2 1.11 0.84 0.0000
14 AM AM- 2 5 169 71 89
11.00 28 39 30.5 36. 30 12.00
AM- 5 PM
12.00 10- 10.00 69. 85. 1.6 1.34 0.44 0.0006
PM 06- - 3 5 814 05 89
09- 10.00- 18 34 29 28 27 14 11.00
06- 11.00 AM
14 AM 11.00 71. 85. 1.7 1.22 0.41 0.0007
AM- 8 5 899 88 34
11.00 17 33 28 28 27
12.00
AM- PM
12.00
PM
10- 10.00- 16 35 30 29 27
06- 11.00 4.1.2 Performance Test in closed room:-
14 AM The cooling system was placed in a room of
11.00 17 34.5 30 29 27 size at the door. The wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures
AM- were recorded at inlet and outlet of the cooling system
12.00 by using psychometer with normal and cold water.
PM

ICMIEE-PI-140412-4
 AM

Table -4.3: Data Sheet for closed room with normal

tap water
Date Dura Water Inlet outlet
tion Tempe Condition Condition
rature DBT WBT DBT WBT
( ) ( ( ) ( ) ( )
10.00 36 31 33 30.5
-
12- 10.20 27
06- AM
10.20 35 30.5 32.8 30
14
AM -
10.30 Figure-4.1: Time vs. Temperature diagram ( 27
AM Normal Tap water).
10.30 34.5 30 32.5 29.5
-
10.40
AM
10.40 33 29.8 32 29.2
AM-
10.50
AM
10.50 32 29.5 31.5 29
-
11.00
AM

Figure-4.2: Time Vs. Temperature diagram ( 17

Table -4.4: Data Sheet for closed room with cold
Cold water).
water
Date Dura Water Inlet outlet 4.2 Discussion:
tion Tempe Condition Condition The cooling performance of portable cooling system
rature DBT WBT DBT WBT mainly depends on the temperature and relative
humidity of air and the contact surface between air and
( ) ( ( ) ( ) ( )
water. From Table 4.1 it was showed reduction of
10.00 35 31 30 29 temperature depend on water temperature. When the
- temperature of water raised with ambient temperature
10.20
reduction of temperature decreased. Besides with
15- AM 17
relative humidity increased with time. The constructed
10.20 32 29.5 30.5 28.5
06- portable cooling system reduced the temperature of the
AM -
14 10.30 room by an average of 4 with normal tap water and
AM 6 with cold water from the atmosphere. This is a poor
10.30 31 29 30 28 value .From fig 5.1 it was founded that after 20 minutes
- of installation of cooling system temperature reduced
10.40 from 36 to 33 .And after 1 hour of installation of
AM cooling system temperature reduction found 4.5 The
10.40 30 29.3 29.5 27.5 difference between inlet and outlet temperature was also
AM-
reduced with time because same air circulated through
10.50
AM the system. At last difference was found about 1.5 In
10.50 30.5 29 29 27 case of cold water temperature reduced from 35 to
- 30 . And last temperature reduction found about 5
11.00 at outlet condition and difference between inlet and

ICMIEE-PI-140412-5
outlet temperature was found about 0.5 The main permissibility. So synthetic pad can be used to
difficulties of the constructed portable air cooler was the recover this difficulty.
long distance between the fan and water wetted pad .
For this reason the fan was unable to circulate the air at
desired speed. Another reason may be the jute water REFERENCES
wetted pad that would be rotten in course of time. The
system was unable to provide enough cooling effect [1] Arif Hosain MD. And Mahmud Hasan MD. A
because the relative humidity of the air was already at a thesis report on “Design, construction and testing of an
higher value. evaporative cooling system” Held at KUET, Khulna on
FEBRUARY, 2006.

6.1 Conclusion:- [2] C P Arora; Refrigeration and Air Conditioning,

Second Edition, Tata McGraw- Hill Publishing
The portable air cooler was designed to port from one
Company Limited; New Delhi.
place to another place. Some values such as inlet dry
bulb, wet bulb temperature, outlet dry bulb temperature,
[3] http://GlobalSpec.com/Evaporative Coolers
amount of reserved water and back up time were
Information
assumed primarily to complete the design. The system
made portable by attaching four revolving wheels with
[4] http:// www.wikipedia.org/ Evaporative cooler
the corner of the frame. A water pump was installed to
recirculate the water and reduce human effort. Its
performance was tested in both open and closed room
with normal and cold water. It followed the
evaporative cooling system. It reduced the temperature
about 4 to 6 for using normal tap water and cold
water respectively but increased humidity 16% to 20%
for normal and cold water respectively. It showed better
performance in closed room but relative humidity
slightly increased than open room because the room was
being saturated.
The following recommendation can be made to increase
the performance of portable air cooler:

1. The pump was controlled manually. It may be

made automatic using water sensor. Two water
sensors can be set at the highest and lowest
water level in supply tank. When the water
level falls below the bottom sensor a signal
will turn on the motor. And when the water
level rises above the upper sensor the motor
will be automatically turned off.
2. As the water was evaporating continuously,
few times later the bottom reservoir will be
blanked. So a system of supplying make up
water may be attached with bottom reservoir.
And it can be controlled automatically.
3. The main disadvantage of this system is
increasing humidity. Humidity can be reduced
by using humidity absorbing materials such as
silica jell, glycol, etc.

4. The pad was made by jute fiber which will be

rotten in course of time and has low

ICMIEE-PI-140412-6