Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer Research

Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer Research

Performance Augmentation and Energy Saving of a Chillier Unit Using Cooling Pads under Severe Climatic Conditions

Document Type : Full Length Research Article

Authors
Erbil Polytechnic University
Abstract
This article presents the impact of combining evaporative cooling pads with an air-cooled chiller system installed in a commercial building, the Gullan Mall, to improve energy efficiency and performance. The plant, which covers an area of 40,000 m² and employs 420 staff, has six 1,400 kW chillers (model 30XB XB1400), each with a base Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 2.5. Evaporative pad was placed upstream of chiller condensers with 150 mm thickness, 81% saturation efficiency, and a low-pressure drop. Experimental results show high performance of the chiller between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm in peak summer (June). When ambient temperatures ranged from (38 to 44)°C, the COP of the system with the evaporative pad maintained higher values (3.5 to 4.0), while the COP without the pad decreased from 3.4 to 3.0 under the same conditions. This enhancement is due to reduced inlet air dry bulb temperature, leading to lower condenser pressure and compressor-specific energy while sustaining cooling capacity. Economic payback over 15 years at an electricity cost of $0.11/kWh and an initial investment of $43,200 demonstrated significant energy savings. A cost-effective adiabatic cooling strategy with evaporative pads resulted in saving 267.3 MWh, or 22% of electricity consumed, and its cost ($79,737.97 to $62,504.2) in June. Financial feasibility is supported by the Net Present Value (NPV) analysis, which signals a positive NPV. These results demonstrate the potential of integrating evaporative cooling for air-cooled chillers, especially in hot regions, offering a sustainable method for optimal HVAC performance and reduced energy use. Cooling pads slightly reduce CO2 emissions at higher power usage and reduce noise by 10-15 dB, improving efficiency and acoustic comfort.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 May 2026

  • Receive Date 09 October 2025
  • Revise Date 18 February 2026
  • Accept Date 19 May 2026