| abstract |
An improved method and apparatus for indirect evaporative cooling of a fluid stream to substantially its dew temperature. Plate heat exchanger has perforations (11) and channels (3, 4 and 5) for gas or a low temperature for liquids on a dry side and wet side. Fluid streams (1) flow across the dry side (9), transferring heat to the plate. Gas stream (2) flows across the dry side and through perforations to channels (5) on wet side (10), which it then cools by evaporative cooling as well as conductive and radiative transfer of heat from plate. A wicking material provides wetting of wet side. In other embodiments, a desiccant wheel may be used to dehumidify the gas, air streams may be recirculated, feeder wicks (13) and a pump may be used to bring water form a water reservoir, and fans may be used either force or induce a draft. |