Gambella University

College of Engineering and Technology

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Group project; air cooler

G- Name ID NO

1. Kuma Daba…………………….RNSC/0445/2013

2. Hnelign Getu………………….. RNSC/0404/2013

3. Bereket Bafese…………………RNSC/0147/2013

4. Gemechis Abata………………. RNSC/0353/2013

Gambella Ethiopia
Introduction
An air cooler is a device that uses water and air to cool down a room or an area. It works on
the principle of evaporation, which is the process of converting liquid water into vapour.
When water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and lowers its temperature.
This is how an air cooler cools the air.In this project, we explore the fascinating world of
cooling technology by creating a mini air cooler. Our goal is to design a compact and
efficient cooling system that can be easily replicated using readily available materials. By
understanding the principles behind air cooling, we aim to demonstrate how simple yet
effective solutions can enhance our daily lives.

A Home Made Air Cooler (also swamp cooler, desert cooler and wet air cooler) is a device
that cools air through the evaporation of water. Evaporation cooling differs from typical air
conditioning systems which use vapor compression or absorption refrigeration cycles.
Evaporation cooling works by employing water's large enthalpy of vaporization. The
temperature of dry air can be dropped significantly through the phase transition of liquid
water to water vapor

(Evaporation), which can cool air using much less energy than refrigeration In extremely dry
climates, evaporator cooling of air has the added benefit of conditioning the air with more
moisture for the comfort of building occupants. An air cooler has a water tank, a fan, and a
wet pad or tray. The fan pulls in hot air, which passes over the wet pad or tray, causing the
water to evaporate and cool the air. The cooled air is then blown into the room.

An air cooler serves to cool down the hot air in a room or vehicle. Air cooler cools the
atmospheric air in a room or vehicle by adding water to the air. The water is added in the
form of minute droplets. The air cooler has a fan installed in it that pulls the warm air from
outside through a water wetter filter medium. The water in the cooler is evaporated by the
warm air drawn by the fan. The evaporated water releases in the room. The temperature of
the room comes down because the warm air is drawn by the fan of the air cooler.

Problem Statement

In many regions around the world, especially in areas with hot climates, access to affordable
and efficient cooling solutions is limited. Traditional air conditioning systems can be costly to
install and operate, leading to increased energy bills and environmental concerns related to
energy consumption. So air cooler at home very important and effective to solve hot climates
that means Gambella region in our professional skills.

The air cooler project is to maintain comfortable indoor temperature during extreme heat
without incurring high costs associated with convectional cooling systems. Additionally,
there is a growing interest in sustainable and energy-efficient alternative that utilize readily
available materials.

General objective

The general objective of this project is to create a cooling system using a water pump and
fans, with the ability to control the temperature and enhance cooling through evaporate air
cooling.

 Table 1; Raw materials requirement.

No Name of materiel quantity

1 Large DC Motor 1

2 Small DC Motors 3

3 Cooling Pad 1

4 Fan 1

5 Pipe 1

6 Large Plastic Jerry Can (20L) 1

7 Switch 1
 8 Wire 3

9 Metal Net 1

10 Fan Regulator 1

11 Two Pin Cord 1

12 Battery 12 volt 1

13 Water pump 1

Table 2; Tools requirement.

No Tools name quantity

1 Cutter or Scissor, drill and screw driver 1

with bolt

2 Marker 3

3 Ruler 1

4 Glue Gun or uhu 3

5 1
Electronics soldering

 Raw materials requirement.

Components Needed:

 Large DC Motor (2.5) – Could be used to drive the water pump.

 Small DC Motors (2) - Can be used to power fans or additional components.

 Cooling Pad - To enhance the evaporate cooling effect when water is circulated
through it.

 Fan - To help evaporate the water from the cooling pad and increase air circulation.
 Pipe - To connect the water pump to the cooling pad and return the water back to the
Jerry can.

 Large Plastic Jerry Can (20L) - To hold the water for the system.

 Switch - To turn the system on and off.

 Wire - To connect the components.

 Metal Net - Can be used to support the cooling pad or fans.

 Fan Regulator - To control the speed of the fan.

 Two Pin Cord - To power the system (ensure it’s rated appropriately for your
components).
 Battery 12 volt - For power supply if not using mains electricity.

 Water pump - To circulate through the system.

 Galvanized steel sheet

 Tools requirement.

 Cutter or Scissor,drill and screw driver with bolt: For cutting materials.

 Marker: To outline designs or patterns.

 Ruler: To ensure straight lines and precise measurements.

 Glue Gun or uh u: For bonding materials together.

 Electronics soldering

 working principle diagram

Air cooler or swamp cooler has a simple principle of reducing heat by pumping cool air in the
surroundings. Air cooler has a fan or blower type which intakes warm air from the
surroundings which pass through pads installed on sideways or backward like walls. Water
running through these pads continuously with the help of a pump absorbs heat from warm air
causing evaporation of water. It results in cooler and moisturized air which is propelled into
the room with the help of exhaust or fan. This continuous process of air circulation cools the
room. However, to maintain this circulation there should be proper ventilation through a
window or door to bring down the humidity.

Cooling pad: Cooling media of air cooler plays an important role in cooling as this is the
wall through which air is passing. It is must that these cooling pads are water-soaked. Its
retention power decides how much effective cooling to be. Lower the soaking power and
quality lower the cooling. Different cooling media available in the market are honeycomb
type cellulose pad and wood wool pads. Different air cooler uses a different type of cooling
media.

 To maximize the efficiency of an air cooler, consider the following tips:

1. Proper placement: Place your air cooler in a location that allows for proper air circulation
and ventilation. Make sure that there is enough space around the unit to allow for free
airflow.

2. Keep doors and windows open: Air coolers work best when there is a constant flow of
fresh air. Keep doors and windows open to allow for proper air circulation.

3. Maintain water levels: Air coolers work by evaporating water, so it's important to keep
the water level in the unit's tank at the recommended level. If the water level is too low, the
unit may not work effectively.

4. Regularly clean the filter or cooling pad: The filter or cooling pad in an air cooler can
become clogged with dust and debris over time, which can reduce the unit's efficiency. Clean
the filter or cooling pad regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Use ice or cold water: Adding ice or cold water to the water tank can help to further
reduce the temperature of the air that is being circulated by the unit.

6. Use in dry climates: Air coolers work best in dry climates, where the humidity levels are
low. In humid climates, the air cooler may not be as effective at cooling the air.
• Optional decorative materials: Scrap paper, fabric, paint, or other embellishments.

Construction Steps:

 Set Up the Water Source:

 Place the large plastic Jerry can filled with water in a stable position.

 Connect the water pump to the bottom of the Jerry can.

Create the Cooling System:

 Attach the output of the water pump to a pipe that leads to the cooling pad.

 Position the cooling pad vertically or at an angle to facilitate water flow and
maximize surface area for evaporation.

 Ensure that any water not evaporated drains back into the jerry can.

Install the Fan System:

 Position the fan to blow air through or over the cooling pad.
 If using small DC motors, consider using them to create additional fans or a
more sophisticated air circulation system.

 Use the metal net to mount and secure the fan above the cooling pad.

Electrical Connections:

 Connect the large DC motor to the water pump and the small DC motors to the
fans.

 Use wiring to connect all motors to the switch so you can control them from
one point.

 Wire the fan regulator to adjust the speed of the fan.

Power the System:

 Connect the system to a power source using the two-pin cord.

 If using a battery, ensure that its voltage matches the requirement of your
motors.

Testing:

 Fill the Jerry can with water, turn on the switch, and let the pump circulate the
water through the cooling pad and back to the jerry can.

 Turn on the fan and adjust the speed using the fan regulator.

Inspection and Final Adjustments:

 Check for any leaks in the piping.

 Ensure that the fans operate effectively and provide airflow across the cooling
pad.