How do evaporative cooling systems function?

Evaporative cooling systems operate by taking advantage of the natural process of evaporation to cool the air. When water is evaporated, it absorbs heat from its surroundings, which results in a decrease in temperature. In practical terms, this means that when warm air passes over or through wet materials, some of the water will evaporate, cooling the air in the process. This method is highly effective in dry climates, where the humidity is low because the rate of evaporation increases, leading to greater cooling efficiency.

This process contrasts with other methods of cooling, such as those that involve compressing air, using refrigeration coils, or circulating chilled water, which rely on different principles and mechanisms to produce a cooling effect. In evaporative cooling, the direct use of water evaporation as the cooling agent is the key aspect that defines its operation.