Adiabatic Dry Cooler for Industrial Cooling Applications

Smarter Heat Rejection for Changing Ambient Conditions

Dry Cooling When Possible. Adiabatic Cooling When Needed.

AIDEAR Adiabatic Dry Cooler solutions combine air-cooled heat exchangers with evaporative air pre-cooling to support industrial heat rejection under varying ambient conditions.

By using adiabatic assistance during demanding operating periods, the system can improve heat rejection performance compared with dry-only operation under the same conditions.

Key Advantages

• Dual-Mode Cooling

• Enhanced Peak Cooling Performance

• Selective Water Use

• Application-Specific Design

Custom Industrial Cooling Solutions

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Engineered for Efficient and Flexible Cooling

01 | Dual-Mode Operation

Combine traditional dry cooling with adiabatic air precooling to accommodate different ambient temperatures and cooling requirements.

02 | Enhanced Cooling in Hot Weather

Evaporative pre-cooling reduces the temperature of the air entering the heat exchanger, thereby increasing heat dissipation capacity under suitable high-temperature conditions.

03 | Water-Saving Cooling Strategy

Dry operation does not require water for adiabatic pre-cooling. Water is introduced only when additional cooling assistance is needed based on the selected control strategy.

04 | Improved Thermal Design Flexibility

Thermal insulation provides additional options for balancing heat exchanger sizing, cooling loads, fan operation, and seasonal performance.

05 | Closed-Loop Fluid Cooling

The process fluid remains inside the heat exchanger circuit, helping protect it from direct contact with outside air and the adiabatic water system during normal operation.

06 | Custom Engineering Options

Coil configuration, airflow arrangement, dimensions, fan selection, and control requirements can be evaluated according to project conditions.

Two Operating Modes. One Flexible Cooling Solution.

DRY COOLING MODE

Cooling with Ambient Air

During suitable ambient conditions, the dry cooler rejects heat using forced airflow across the finned heat exchanger.

How It Works

1. Warm process fluid enters the heat exchanger.

2. Fans move ambient air across the finned coil.

3. Heat transfers from the process fluid to the passing air.

4. Cooled process fluid returns to the system.

Key Features

• No adiabatic water consumption

• Air-based heat rejection

• Suitable for cooler ambient conditions

• Reduced reliance on evaporative assistance

ADIABATIC COOLING MODE

Additional Cooling Support When Needed

During high ambient temperatures or demanding cooling conditions, the adiabatic pre-cooling system can be activated.

How It Works

1. Water is supplied to the selected air pre-cooling system.

2. Part of the water evaporates into the incoming air.

3. Evaporation reduces the air's dry-bulb temperature.

4. Pre-cooled air passes through the heat exchanger.

5. The lower inlet air temperature can increase heat rejection capability.

Key Features

• Enhanced heat rejection during suitable conditions

• Improved peak-load cooling capability

• Flexible seasonal operating strategy

• Performance influenced by ambient humidity and wet-bulb temperature

Cooling mode selection depends on ambient conditions, process requirements, and the installed control system.

Designed Around Reliable Heat Transfer

Main Components of an Adiabatic Dry Cooler

01 | Finned Tube Heat Exchanger

Transfers heat from the circulating process fluid to the air flowing across the coil.

02 | Axial Fan Assembly

Provides the airflow required for heat rejection. Fan type and speed control depend on equipment configuration.

03 | Adiabatic Pre-Cooling Section

Reduces entering air temperature through controlled water evaporation. The design may use wetted media or another engineered air pre-cooling arrangement.

04 | Water Distribution System

Delivers water to the adiabatic section. Distribution, drainage, and water management arrangements are design-specific.

05 | Supporting Frame & Casing

Supports the major components and provides the mechanical structure required for installation.

06 | Control & Protection System

Depending on the selected configuration, controls can manage fan operation, adiabatic activation, temperature monitoring, and protective functions.

Heat Transfer Principle

Heat is transferred from the warm process fluid to the flowing air through the tube walls and fins.

During adiabatic operation, evaporative pre-cooling reduces the inlet air temperature, thereby increasing the potential temperature difference available for heat dissipation.

Cooling Solutions for Diverse Industrial Requirements

Data Center Heat Rejection

Adiabatic dry cooler systems can support heat rejection from suitable data center liquid-cooling and facility cooling loops, particularly where peak summer conditions require additional cooling capability.

Industrial Process Cooling

Suitable for consideration in closed-loop process cooling systems serving production equipment, industrial machinery, and temperature-controlled processes.

HVAC & Commercial Cooling

Can be integrated into compatible cooling-water and heat-rejection systems serving industrial buildings and commercial facilities.

Energy & Power Equipment Cooling

It can be used to support thermal management in suitable power conversion systems, energy-related machinery, and other industrial equipment that requires closed-loop fluid cooling.

Every application requires verification of the cooling load, operating temperatures, fluid compatibility, ambient conditions, and system integration requirements.

More Cooling Potential Through Air Pre-Cooling

How Evaporative Pre-Cooling Works

When water evaporates in the incoming airflow, it absorbs heat, thereby lowering the dry-bulb temperature of the air.

As this cooler air flows through the finned heat exchanger, it increases the amount of heat transferred from the circulating process fluid to the environment.

Understanding Dry-Bulb and Wet-Bulb Temperatures

Dry-Bulb Temperature

The ambient air temperature measured by a conventional thermometer.

Wet-Bulb Temperature

A measure related to the evaporative cooling potential of the surrounding air.

Cooling Potential

The difference between dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures helps determine the potential benefit of evaporative air pre-cooling.

Why Ambient Humidity Matters

In dry, hot air, evaporative pre-cooling typically offers greater potential for reducing the inlet air temperature.

Under humid conditions, the achievable temperature reduction is smaller because the air already contains more moisture.

Engineering Considerations

• Ambient Dry-Bulb Temperature

• Ambient Wet-Bulb Temperature

• Required Cooling Capacity

• Allowable Pressure Drop

• Fan Energy Consumption

• Water Availability & Quality

• Adiabatic Control Strategy

Adiabatic pre-cooling should be selected according to the actual design climate, not outdoor dry-bulb temperature alone.

Technical Specifications

Designed Around Your Operating Conditions

Cooling performance, electrical consumption, water demand, dimensions, and equipment configuration depend on the required heat rejection duty and site conditions.

Final specifications are subject to engineering selection and technical confirmation.

Custom Cooling Solutions for Your Project

Tailored to Your Equipment, Climate and Cooling Load

Different projects have different thermal, mechanical, and operational requirements.

AIDEAR works with customers to review application data and identify suitable dry cooler configurations.

Custom Design Considerations

Heat Exchanger Design

Coil dimensions, tube and fin materials, heat transfer area, and circuit arrangement.

Fan Configuration

Fan quantity, fan arrangement, motor specifications, and operating control requirements.

Adiabatic Pre-Cooling

Selection of the appropriate air pre-cooling arrangement, water distribution approach, and operating strategy.

Mechanical Structure

Equipment dimensions, structural layout, connection locations, and installation requirements.

System Integration

Operating temperatures, flow rates, pressure drop, electrical requirements, and control interfaces.

Environmental Considerations

Ambient temperature, humidity, altitude, air quality, corrosion exposure, water availability, and freezing conditions.

From Requirements to Engineering Selection

Share your technical data and installation requirements so that a suitable configuration can be evaluated.

Send Your Cooling Requirements

Designed for Practical Operation and Maintenance

Installation Considerations

Adequate Airflow

Maintain sufficient clearance around air inlets and fan discharge areas to reduce airflow restriction and hot-air recirculation.

Suitable Installation Location

Consider structural support, service access, noise requirements, environmental exposure, and outdoor operating conditions.

Water Supply & Drainage

Provide appropriate water supply and drainage facilities for the selected adiabatic system.

Electrical & Control Connections

Confirm power supply, protection requirements, control signals, and equipment interfaces before installation.

Routine Maintenance Considerations

Heat Exchanger Inspection

Inspect the coil surfaces for dust accumulation, blockage, corrosion, and physical damage.

Fan Inspection

Check fan assemblies, guards, electrical connections, and operating condition.

Adiabatic System Inspection

Inspect the pre-cooling media or water distribution components according to the equipment design.

Water Quality Management

Monitor water quality and follow the applicable cleaning, flushing, and maintenance instructions.

Cold Weather Protection

Evaluate fluid freeze protection and the requirements for draining or protecting the adiabatic water system during freezing conditions.

Final maintenance procedures and intervals must follow the approved equipment documentation and site water-management requirements.

Manufacturing & Quality Control

From Engineering Review to Final Inspection

The following represents a typical manufacturing and quality assurance workflow for an engineered adiabatic dry cooler.

01 | Project Requirements Review

Confirm cooling duty, ambient conditions, fluid data, dimensional limits, and project specifications.

02 | Thermal & Mechanical Design

Prepare equipment selection and mechanical design according to the agreed requirements.

03 | Material Preparation

Prepare and inspect the required heat exchanger, structural, and assembly materials.

04 | Heat Exchanger Fabrication

Manufacture or prepare the finned-tube heat exchanger according to approved drawings and procedures.

05 | Coil Assembly & Inspection

Complete coil assembly and carry out applicable dimensional, pressure, or leak inspections.

06 | Frame & Fan Installation

Assemble the equipment frame, fan assemblies, and associated mechanical components.

07 | Adiabatic System Integration

Install the specified air pre-cooling, water distribution, and drainage components.

08 | Electrical & Functional Inspection

Inspect electrical assemblies, control connections, and functional operation as required by the approved inspection plan.

09 | Final Inspection & Packaging

Check the completed equipment, prepare the agreed documentation, and package it for shipment.

Quality Control Focus

• Material Identification

• Dimensional Inspection

• Heat Exchanger Integrity

• Mechanical Assembly

• Electrical & Control Checks

• Applicable Pressure & Leakage Testing

• Final Product Inspection

Manufacturing stages, inspection methods, and documentation are confirmed according to the actual product configuration and agreed project requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between a dry cooler and an adiabatic dry cooler?

A conventional dry cooler uses ambient air to reject heat through a finned heat exchanger.

An adiabatic dry cooler adds evaporative air pre-cooling, allowing improved heat rejection under suitable ambient conditions.

Q2: Does an adiabatic dry cooler use water continuously?

Not necessarily. In a dual-mode system, dry operation does not require adiabatic water consumption. The pre-cooling system can be activated when additional cooling assistance is needed.

Actual water usage depends on the equipment design, climate, operating hours, and control strategy.

Q3: Is an adiabatic dry cooler suitable for hot climates?

This method is particularly useful in regions with hot climates where environmental conditions offer sufficient potential for evaporative cooling.

However, both dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures must be considered when making a selection, as high humidity reduces the achievable pre-cooling effect.

Q4: Can an adiabatic dry cooler cool fluid below the outdoor dry-bulb temperature?

Under suitable conditions, adiabatic air pre-cooling can make process fluid outlet temperatures below the ambient dry-bulb temperature achievable.

The actual result depends on wet-bulb temperature, heat exchanger design, load, and operating conditions. It is not guaranteed for every project.

Q5: What information is needed to select the correct unit?

Please provide the cooling load, coolant type and concentration, coolant flow rate, inlet water temperature and desired outlet water temperature, design ambient dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures, allowable pressure drop, power requirements, and installation requirements.

In addition, please provide information on the water supply and water quality to facilitate the selection of an adiabatic cooling system.

Q6: Can the equipment operate during cold weather?

Under suitable cold-weather conditions, dry cooling operation is possible, but measures must be taken to prevent the process fluid and the absolute heat transfer system from freezing.

The measures required depend on climatic conditions, fluid selection, mechanical design, and operating strategies.

Let's Design Your Cooling Solution

Custom Adiabatic Dry Coolers for Industrial Applications

Every cooling project has its own requirements.

Share your operating conditions with AIDEAR to begin evaluating a suitable cooling solution.

Information for Technical Selection

Cooling Requirements

• Required Heat Rejection Capacity

• Process Fluid Type & Concentration

• Fluid Flow Rate

• Fluid Inlet & Target Outlet Temperatures

Site Conditions

• Design Ambient Dry-Bulb Temperature

• Design Ambient Wet-Bulb Temperature

• Installation Location & Altitude

• Water Supply Availability & Quality

Equipment Requirements

• Allowable Fluid Pressure Drop

• Power Supply

• Installation Dimensions

• Noise Requirements

• Control & Monitoring Requirements

Drawings and project specifications are welcome.

Discuss Your Project with AIDEAR

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