a large box-like unit, four sides of which are removable panels with vents that let air flow through
Due to low humidity, this form of cooler works efficiently in the dry atmosphere of New Mexico. It cools by passing water over pads which cool the air. This air is then circulated through the house. Unlike an refrigerated air conditioning system, you control air flow by slightly opening windows to allow the air to flow out of the house.
Evaporative coolers are also known as evaporative air conditioners, evaporative air coolers, and "swampies". They use water to cool outdoor air for use indoors (as opposed to a cooling tower, which uses air to cool water). Evaporative cooling is based on the same principle that the human body uses to cool itself down, with perspiration being evaporated from the skin by circulating air. Warm outside air is drawn into the unit through a series of wetted filter pads. Energy is removed from the air by the water causing a drop in temperature. The energy consumed by the water turns the water into vapour causing increased humidity in the air. The cool, humidified air is discharged indoors (where it is blown over the body causing additional evaporation or drying of perspiration from the skin and lowering of the body temperature). Doors/windows must be open to permit the forcing of this cooled air through the building.
A device used for reducing the sensible heat of air for cooling by the process of evaporation of water into an airstream.
A type of cooling equipment that turns air into moist, cool air by saturating the air with water vapor. It does not cool air by use of a refrigeration unit. This type of equipment is commonly used in warm, dry climates.
Evaporative coolers (also called air coolers or desert coolers) are cooling devices which uses simple evaporation of water in air. They differ from refrigeration or absorption air conditioning, which use the vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycles. In the U.S., small-scale evaporative coolers are called swamp coolers by some users due to the humid air conditions produced.
