Evaluation of Hybrid Indirect Evaporative Cooling Systems for Human Thermal Comfort, Agricultural, and Industrial Applications

This study explores the applications of hybrid indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) systems as an energy-efficient and climate-resilient alternative approach to conventional systems and their viability under different climates, offering cooling solutions. This book chapter systematically reviews standalone and hybrid IEC systems that incorporate mechanical vapor compression (MVC), desiccant dehumidification, and other innovations to overcome the limitations of conventional EC systems, particularly in humid and hot varying conditions. In this regard, a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art applications is assessed, including human thermal comfort in various types of buildings, crops in greenhouses, comfort of livestock in shelter houses, fresh and dried food storage, and industrial processes, for example, artifact preservation, tobacco curing, rubber goods, and mobile systems. Explored case studies and their prospective performance display that hybrid IEC systems have great potential to enhance energy efficiency, performance, and environmental sustainability. This assessment offers critical insights for professionals and policymakers toward the expansion and implementation of hybrid IEC systems in numerous areas.