Membrane evaporative cooling to 30 degrees C or less: 1. Membrane evaporative cooling of contained water

Microporous hydrophobic membranes have been examined for possible use as containers in the evaporative cooling of water, particularly in desert climates. An experimental determination was made of the overall heat and mass transfer coefficients of these membranes while surmounting contained water and with air flowing over the surface of the membranes. Similar tests were made with water alone, that is, without a membrane. The coefficients were then used to compare the performance of existing (canvas water) coolers and membrane evaporative coolers under desert conditions. The performance of the membrane coolers was close enough to that of the canvas coolers that extensive investigation of various aspects of membrane evaporative cooling appears to be justified, particularly in view of the potential advantages of the latter over the existing evaporative cooling methods. For example, for cool storage of perishable goods in a desert climate, the membrane container might be uniquely qualified because of its low rate of water consumption compared to that of a canvas cooler.