Evaporative cooling offers a sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioning. But what exactly does it involve? And when is it a smart choice? In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions.
1. What is evaporative cooling?
Evaporative cooling, also known as adiabatic cooling, is a natural process that cools air by evaporating water. Instead of using chemical refrigerants and compressors, the system only requires water and fans. The result: an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to cool buildings or production halls.
More information about evaporative cooling.
2. How does it work?
Water loves to evaporate—but it needs heat to do so. When warm air comes into contact with water, the water evaporates and the air cools down. This cooled air is blown into the space, pushing warm air to the floor and eventually out of the building.
More information about the physics behind evaporative cooling.
3. What are the benefits of evaporative cooling compared to air conditioning?
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Up to 90% lower energy consumption
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Low operational costs
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Ventilation with (filtered) fresh air
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Sustainable solution with a short payback period
At 247TailorSteel, multiple halls were equipped with Oxycom’s two-stage evaporative cooling systems. Carl Berlo – CEO of 247TailorSteel:
"After Oxycom’s systems were installed, no one talked about high indoor temperatures anymore. So that’s my conclusion. It works. It just works. It gives people what they want: a stable temperature and a pleasant, ventilated workspace."
4. Does evaporative cooling work on humid days?
Evaporative cooling is most effective in hot, dry conditions. In high humidity, efficiency decreases, but with our two-stage evaporative cooling, it’s still possible to cool effectively. In many industrial applications—where ventilation and temperature control are critical—it still offers major advantages.
A great example is Fernandes Bakeries in Suriname, where temperatures reached up to 39°C (102°F) and traditional air conditioning was not a viable option. Using Oxycom’s IntrCooll units and smart airflow design, we reduced temperatures to 26–31°C (79–88°F), with an even lower perceived temperature. This created a comfortable working environment despite the high humidity, and with 90% energy savings compared to conventional cooling.
Thanks to its indirect/direct evaporative cooling process, the IntrCooll can cool up to 7°C (13°F) deeper than standard evaporative systems. This means two-stage evaporative cooling can also provide comfort in humid climates, as proven at Fernandes Bakery.
5. How deeply can evaporative cooling cool?
That depends on the outside temperature and humidity. In arid conditions, two-stage evaporative cooling can reduce temperatures by up to 35°C (63°F). So, in an outside temperature of 48°C (118°F), you can supply air at just 13°C (55°F). Such results have been recorded in places like Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In temperate climates like the Netherlands, a reduction of 19°C (34°F) is realistic when outdoor temperatures are between 35–40°C (95–104°F). Keep in mind: this performance is only achievable with indirect/direct (two-stage) evaporative cooling. Direct evaporative cooling reduces temperatures by around 11°C (20°F) under similar conditions.
6. Is evaporative cooling safe and hygienic?
Many evaporative cooling systems use cellulose pads as the evaporation medium, which can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold.
Oxycom’s evaporative media are made from aluminum and enriched with silver ions, proven to kill bacteria. Additionally, the system dries the media completely every 24 hours, creating a so-called “bioshock” that eliminates any potential microorganisms like bacteria and mold. We also avoid misting systems, which could produce aerosols or droplets that might spread Legionella.
Oxycom’s products are VDI 6022 certified, meaning they comply with strict European hygiene standards for ventilation and air-handling systems. This guarantees safe operation and high indoor air quality, making our systems ideal for hygiene-sensitive industries like bakeries and the pharmaceutical sector.
7. What types of buildings are a good fit for evaporative cooling?
Evaporative cooling works best in industrial environments where a lot of heat is generated, such as bakeries, production halls, logistics centers, or workshops. It particularly stands out in large spaces where traditional air conditioning isn’t viable due to high energy costs.
8. What about the cost of evaporative cooling?
Installing two-stage evaporative cooling is quick and straightforward, especially compared to conventional air conditioning systems. That means lower installation costs, minimal downtime, and little impact on existing infrastructure.
Evaporative cooling uses just 10% of the energy that a conventional A/C system requires. It’s often more affordable to purchase than mechanical cooling, and it saves up to 90% on energy costs. Both the upfront investment and the operational expenses are significantly lower.
9. Is evaporative cooling sustainable?
Yes, it uses no harmful refrigerants and consumes up to 90% less energy than traditional air conditioners. It’s an extremely energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
💡 Curious if two-stage evaporative cooling is right for your facility?
At Oxycom, we’re happy to think along with you. Contact us for free, customized advice:
