Use of a membrane module for semi-direct air evaporative cooling

Abstract

This study discusses the use of a membrane module for semi-direct evaporative air cooling. A cross-flow membrane module was used to carry out this air treatment process. For such a flow, it was proposed to describe and solve the heat and mass transfer model as a one-dimensional problem. The mathematical model was used to determine the moisture content and air temperature at the outlet from the module and the temperature of the circulating water. Results obtained using the proposed model are in good agreement with the experimental data. The relative error for the air temperature at the module outlet did not exceed 0.5%. For the moisture content, the relative error did not exceed 4%. For the circulating water temperature, the relative error did not exceed 0.6%. This paper also discusses the heating efficiency of the evaporative cooling process. Methods for determining the unit cooling indicator and the energy efficiency ratio are also proposed.