Integration of Natural Fiber Evaporative Media with Split AC Systems for Mitigating High Ambient Cooling Loads

Abstract

The fast acceleration of global temperatures and urbanization have intensified the need for efficient cooling systems manifold. Conventional compressor-driven air conditioning systems, though efficient, are energy and emission-intensive because they are electric-powered and use synthetic refrigerants. This work suggests a novel method to reduce high ambient cooling loads by incorporating jute fiber-based evaporative cooling media into conventional split AC systems. Evaporative cooling is a low-energy, environmentally friendly technology based on water evaporation principle that provides an environmentally benign option especially efficient in hot and dry environments. Jute fiber, being a cheap, readily available, biodegradable natural fiber, has remarkable water-holding capacity, mechanical integrity, and thermal characteristics and thus qualifies to be an optimum medium for evaporative processes. In the combined system, ambient air is initially sucked through a wetted pad of jute fiber, where it is evaporative cooled prior to entering the condenser unit of the split AC. The pre-cooling effect reduces the condensing temperature of the refrigerant, with reduced compressor workload, increased cooling efficiency, and with considerable reduction in power consumption. The complementarity between the low-energy evaporative method and the high-performance split AC system creates significant energy savings and less environmental burden. The employment of jute fiber not only utilizes renewable, environment-friendly materials but also supports sustainable development principles in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions and encourage greener technologies. This work demonstrates the technical viability and environmental advantage of coupling natural fiber-based evaporative media with contemporary air conditioning systems. The hybrid system suggested here is an attractive solution for attaining sustainable indoor climate regulation amidst increasing urban heat challenges and energy needs