The discussion focuses on the feasibility of using a portable air conditioner with water cooling for garage use. Participants highlight that traditional portable air conditioners require a heat sink, either through air ducts or water connections. Evaporative coolers are suggested as an alternative, but their effectiveness diminishes in high humidity. The conversation also touches on the cooling capacity of air conditioners, measured in BTUs, and the potential for DIY solutions, including cooling towers and dry-air evaporative coolers.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for HVAC professionals, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone seeking efficient cooling solutions for garages or similar spaces during hot weather.
I like this. Perhaps arranged in two chambers one blowing in with water sprayed over cloth covered tubes and the other blowing out with tubes used to condense the evaporated water back out of the air and pump back from there. You can only bring in air if you take it out anyway, so why not use the slightly cooler air to help condensing?M-Funf said:You could also make a "dry-air" evaporative cooler. This was invented some time ago, and my father's company manufactured these until about 15 years ago. Basically, it's an evaporative cooler with a twist:
Instead of using a wet fiber/wet cardboard medium and blow air across that, wrap some thin wall PVC tubing with material. Run water over them and recycle it back to the top. Draw outside air across those tubes and exhaust that air back outside. Draw air THROUGH the tubes. This air will be cooled as it passes through the tubes into the space to be cooled.
It's not as efficient, but it is as dry as the outside air...
Good Luck!