Applicability of Direct Evaporative Cooling for Low-Rise Residential Building in Surabaya

Abstract

Direct evaporative cooling has been widely known as the passive design strategy for ameliorating the thermal conditions of building in hot-dry climates. In the recent past, the strategy has been extended to warm-humid climates. The scope varies from exploring the system to applying the method to buildings. Few studies have been conducted regarding its application on a multi-story residential building. In response to this gap, the present study will explore the strategy's applicability on the typical low-rise housing in Surabaya and analyze its environmental consequences. Simulation is used as the primary method for the analyses. Results of the study show that direct evaporative cooling is applicable in warm-humid tropics, but with some notes regarding the increase of air humidity. Dimensional properties of the cooling pad can be arranged to minimize the increased humidity.

Evaporative cooling strategy using cooling pad material made from stove wicks in walk-up flat in the humid tropical climate of Surabaya

“…Table 2 illustrates the differences before and after the use of the cooling pad. This study confirms the findings of previous researchers that the implementation of a cooling pad with a DEC system can lower the air temperature but is not accompanied by a reduction in air humidity [7,16,17]. However, air velocity in the range of 0.3 -0.5 m/s already provides comfort for the occupants inside the room.…”

“…When compared to cotton-based cooling, which can lower the air temperature by 1°C, stove wick material performs better [15]. This is related to the higher the area and the thicker the cooling pad, the greater the tendency of the achieved air temperature reduction [7,15,16]. At 2.00-3.00 pm, there is increase in air humidity by 0.9-1.8%.…”

“…For instance, installing a ceiling fan that can increase the air velocity to over 1 m/s [20,21]. Nevertheless, other techniques should also be explored, such as a combination of direct and indirect evaporative cooling [16].…”

“…The amount of water that wets the cooling pad is 0.1 -0.45 liters which supports evaporation for 0.3 -1 hour. The 5-storey Indrapura walk-up flat is a typical building under development in Surabaya [16] so that this walk-up flat was chosen as the object of research (Figure 3). The selection of space units on the 2nd floor of the west is used as the object of research because in that section it is more exposed to solar heat according to thermal design.…”

“…However, stove wick material is chosen due to its excellent absorption properties [14,15]. Walk-up flat are chosen as the research object because DEC research strategies can be efficiently applied, and they are affordable [13,16,17]. This is suitable for the residents of walk-up flat, who are considered low-income, as an easily applicable solution is needed to address thermal comfort.…”