| When we talk about air conditioners we generally | | | | air that is reduced is actually converted to latent |
| talk in terms of a device which is going to cool | | | | heat as the water from the wet cooler pads is |
| the surrounding air and provide us comfort. Some | | | | evaporated absorbing heat from the air. The drier |
| may also think dehumidifying as an additional | | | | the air that enters the device, the better are the |
| function of the device. Although this may be true | | | | results. the good thing about these devices is that |
| for a great extent of air conditioners, it must be | | | | they are relatively cheaper than the regular air |
| remembered that dehumidifying is not always the | | | | conditioners and the maintenance is also hassle |
| best option. For example, in the dry climates of | | | | free. |
| Arizona having an air conditioner which also | | | | We also have the devices which are based on the |
| dehumidifies to an extent would be foolish. Good | | | | technology of absorptive refrigeration. What this |
| news is all air conditioners are not dehumidifiers | | | | process basically does is to absorb heat to |
| and some function in the exactly opposite | | | | produce cooling. There are three stages to the |
| manner. They actually increase the humidity of | | | | entire process. First of all, the air is dehumidified |
| the air inside the room. They are also popularly | | | | by the cooler. This is done by a spray of |
| known as 'evaporative' or 'swamp' coolers. | | | | salt-water or brine. It is through osmosis that the |
| These are meant to provide comfort in places | | | | brine absorbs water vapor from the air. During |
| where the climate is not only hot but dry too. | | | | the second stage water is sprayed in the air. This |
| These devices actually suck in air from the | | | | cools the air because of the evaporation that |
| outside through a wet pad. This ensures that the | | | | follows. To conclude, the air passes again through |
| sensible heat of the air is reduced. However, it | | | | another brine spray so that the humidity of the |
| must be remembered that the total heat content | | | | air is controlled. Distillation ensures that the brine |
| of the air that has been sucked in remains | | | | remains concentrated. This system has been used |
| unchanged as the sum of the sensible and latent | | | | in some hospitals. |
| heat remains constant. The sensible heat of the | | | | |