Project Description:  Enclosed system for dramatically increasing AC efficiency in dry hot climate areas.

The system is designed to lower the ambient temperature entering the condenser on the AC unit.

The system is automated to only run when the AC is on and the outside ambient temperature reaches the set temperature. The system then shuts down once the ambient temperature drops to set degrees.

Advantages:

Ambient air passes through the mister and then through evaporation pads prior to entering the unit.  The misters provide the initial cooling effect then as the air passes through the evaporation pads they may add an additional cooling effect.  By using the evaporation pads no water droplets pass through to the condenser and the unit stays dry, negating the worry for scale build up on the condenser fins.  In addition because the system only engages when the AC is on and the temperature level is attained, the AC will run without the system running and dry the evaporation pads limiting the possibility of mold or mildew build up on the pads. The condenser unit stays dry so no worry about a galvanic reaction in units that have copper tubing and aluminum fins. The enclosure assures only air cooled by the misters and pads gets to the condenser.

The system is automated and only runs when the compressor is on and a set temperature is attained.

The temperature of the air hitting the condenser has a direct effect on the head pressure incurred by the compressor. By lowering the temperature the compressor requires less amps to effectively run the AC units, reducing the Kwh consumed and the cost of electricity.

 A filter is put in the water supply line to keep the misters from clogging up.

The system is non-evasive to the AC unit.  It is tied in using a circuit switch on the compressor run wire. Therefor it does not alter the function of the AC in any way (only the temp and humidity of the input air).  For safety sake you may want to contact the AC manufacture to insure this does not affect the unit’s warrantee.

Modifications: This system can be modified in many ways depending on the AC unit’s specifications.  Such modifications could include but not be limited mister orifice size, pad size, number of pads, power source or enclosure design. Regardless the uniqueness of this system is 

the automation, the enclosure and use of both misters and evaporation pads to control the ambient temperature as it enters the unit.

Considerations:

Every AC unit is different; you need to build this system based on the specifications of your AC unit. Makes sure the design is adequate to provide unrestricted air flow to the condenser.  This may require more and larger pads.  Also insure other hacks to increase the efficiency are in place to include clean HAVAC filters indoors, that the condenser is properly cleaned of any current obstructions, and indoor vents are properly adjusted. 

Comparison (hot dry Climate):

This system was developed in North Carolina, because of the moderate temperatures and natural high humidity as an ROI generator it is a total flop.  However in a dry hot climate it has a very high ROI.  Regardless of the ROI the reduction in the amount of strain on the compressor should extend the asset’s longevity.  I chose Phoenix to do a side by side comparison.