Maisotsenko cycle: technology overview and energy-saving potential in cooling systems

Abstract

The present paper deals with an overview of Maisotsenko cycle (M-cycle). This cycle is an indirect evaporative cooling–based cycle, which utilizes a smart geometrical con- figuration for the air distribution. The achievement of this geometry is the high efficiency of the cycle, as it produces cold air of temperature lower than the wet-bulb ambient air temperature. As the energy source of this cooler is water rather than electricity, the usage of M-cycle–based coolers leads to significant energy saving, more than 80% in terms of electricity. The heat and mass exchanger is analyzed and described in detail, so the specifications of M-cycle will be clear and understandable. The operation of the standard configuration of M-cycle is studied thereafter and useful conclusions are carried out, about the efficiency and the energy consump- tion (electricity and water). Finally, the energy-saving potential is estimated in conventional cooling systems, in terms of electricity and capital cost, in order to evaluate the financial benefit of M-cycle application: the pay-back period is calculated equal to about 2.5 years (as the result of the replacement of conventional systems with M-cycle–based ones). The study is to be a useful tool to anyone interested in energy saving in buildings and in industrial plants, as the operating cost, which is strongly affected by the cooling demand, is significantly reduced by the application of M-cycle.