In this article, we explore the ideal type of water for the operation of evaporative coolers. We will delve specifically into the importance of using water as a natural refrigerant to lower air temperatures in work environments, the differences between soft and hard water, and how these can affect cooler performance.
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Being able to breathe clean air within work environments and seeking to reduce CO2 emissions are aspects of fundamental importance and great relevance for entrepreneurs today. These requirements can be met by evaporative cooling, which uses the most natural and sustainable element on Earth as a refrigerant: water.
Water is a topical issue that concerns us all, the ultimate source of life that we must strive to protect and preserve for as long as possible. For this reason, in this article, we want to explore several topics linking water to fixed industrial coolers to clarify which type is best to use for these cooling systems and how to prevent water waste.
The importance of water in evaporative coolers
Water represents the core element upon which the entire operation of coolers is based.
Evaporative coolers utilize the natural principle of water evaporation for their operation. The water, in fact, acts as a natural refrigerant.
The individual units draw in hot air from the outside which, once filtered, passes through honeycomb panels soaked in water. The air, pushed by the fan, gives up part of its heat to the water contained in the evaporative packs, thus lowering its temperature. The air is then introduced into the working environment at more comfortable temperatures.
If you would like to learn more about what evaporative cooling is, how it works, and what its advantages are, click here
Evaporative cooling: what it is, how it works, and why to choose it
Discover what evaporative cooling is, how it works, and the main advantages it offers for cooling industrial environments such as warehouses, factories, and storage facilities.
Based on this concept, we understand how choosing the right type of water can significantly influence the performance of an industrial evaporative cooler and, consequently, the costs associated with maintenance.
Water quality and impact on cooler performance
Not all water is the same. There are primarily two macro-groups: soft water and hard water.
Hard water is defined as such because it contains higher quantities of certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which, if accumulated within the cooling system components, can cause a general decrease in performance.
Soft water, on the other hand, such as rainwater, has a low mineral content and consequently allows the cooling system to operate under optimal conditions, increasing efficiency and preserving components, thereby reducing operating costs.
Water hardness and deposit formation
In conditions where the hardness of the supply water for the evaporative cooler is particularly high, limescale deposits could form inside the unit, which could compromise the system's performance.
During the cooling process, water evaporation helps to cool and humidify the air inside the unit, but at the same time, it leaves behind all the minerals present in the water itself. These minerals, considered "hard," deposit inside the unit, primarily on the evaporative panels and various components, creating limescale deposits that can affect the cooler's performance.
The main damages caused by limescale buildup include:
- Reduced airflow: Limescale accumulating inside the cooler obstructs pipes and filters. This slows down the airflow, decreasing cooling efficiency.
- Lower cooling efficiency: Limescale prevents water from evaporating correctly, reducing the cooler's ability to lower the air temperature.
- System damage: In some cases, limescale can damage the internal components of the cooler, reducing its lifespan and functionality.
Which water should be used for the cooler?
To ensure the optimal performance of air coolers, we recommend using potable water with the lowest possible mineral content to avoid limescale formation as much as possible.
The use of salt water or water containing chemical substances must be absolutely avoided! The components inside the evaporative cooler could thus corrode or be irreparably damaged.
If the water hardness is particularly high, it is recommended to install a water softener at the water supply connection. Furthermore, it is advisable to frequently check the condition of the cooling units during the summer period, paying particular attention to the state of the evaporative panels and the water tank, where limescale deposits are most likely to form.
How evaporative coolers prevent limescale formation and bacterial buildup
Another aspect related to the use of water in industrial coolers, besides the formation of limescale deposits, is the proliferation of mold and bacteria which can compromise the system's operation and harm employees' health. As we well know, water is the ideal environment for the creation of mold and bacteria, especially if it is stagnant water.
The Eucold evaporative cooler is equipped with an automatic washing system for the evaporative group and the water collection tank which, at programmable intervals, activates automatically to maintain a high level of cleanliness and saturation efficiency.
An automatic self-cleaning cycle is scheduled every 4 hours: the machine suspends its evaporation cycle for a few minutes, the water contained in the cooler is drained and replaced with clean water, which is circulated through the evaporative panels to clean away mineral salt residues and any other deposits.
The repetition of these washes prevents the crystallization of minerals and other elements on the evaporative panels and throughout the circuit, ensuring a long lifespan and maintaining high efficiency of the cooling system.
Furthermore, every time the cooler is turned off, a final washing cycle is performed.
At the end of the washing cycle, the cooler drains all the water contained inside to avoid possible stagnation that could cause the development of viruses, bacteria, and the formation of limescale encrustations.
How do evaporative coolers reduce water waste?
A further aspect that is much discussed when talking about evaporative cooling is the use of significant quantities of water for its operation.
This is certainly a delicate and highly topical issue that the company has never ignored; instead, over the years, it has sought effective solutions to reduce water waste as much as possible.
Eucold evaporative coolers are equipped with a specific function called Water Saving, which allows for the optimization of the amount of water used, drastically reducing waste to nearly zero. The objective is to avoid the automatic replenishment of water during the final stages of a cooling cycle, thereby allowing the subsequent Timer-OFF phase to be reached with the tank completely or almost empty.
In this way, at the time of the next scheduled discharge, the amount of water released by the system becomes nearly zero and, consequently, entirely negligible.
Conclusion
The water used for the operation of an industrial evaporative cooler plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance and a prolonged lifespan of the device. Using the right type of water and understanding the difference between soft and hard water can make the difference between efficient, consistent cooling and recurring maintenance problems.
If you would like to learn more about Eucold evaporative coolers and discover how Carlieuklima can help you meet your cooling needs, we invite you to visit our dedicated product page. There you can explore the features of our coolers and find out which solution might be best for you.
Alternatively, do not hesitate to contact us directly to request a free, personalized quote. Our technicians will provide you with solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring comfort and efficiency in any work environment.
