What is the purpose of using a heat exchanger in indirect evaporative cooling?

The purpose of using a heat exchanger in indirect evaporative cooling is to separate air and water during the cooling process. This separation is crucial for maintaining efficiency and hygiene. In indirect evaporative cooling systems, air passes over a heat exchanger that is cooled by evaporating water in a separate compartment. This allows heat to be transferred from the air to the water without the two directly mixing.

By keeping the air and water distinct, the system prevents humidity from adding moisture to the air being circulated into a space, which could lead to discomfort or issues like mold growth. This method effectively cools the air while also managing humidity levels, making it a preferred technique in many climate control applications.

Cooling the air directly with water would lead to increased humidity, which is not desirable in many environments. Similarly, increasing heat within a building or enhancing refrigerant flow are not objectives associated with the function of a heat exchanger in this context. Thus, the focus on separating air and water for effective cooling processes becomes clear.