How does a Portable Air Cooler work?

The working principle of Portable Air Cooler is mainly based on two methods, evaporative cooling and refrigeration cycle, depending on its type.

1. Evaporative Cooling Portable Air Conditioner

Evaporative cooling portable air conditioners reduce air temperature by evaporating moisture. The working principle is as follows:

Heat absorption process: The fan draws in the hot air in the room and blows it through the wet cooling pad or evaporator. The water on the cooling pad is evaporated quickly, absorbing heat from the air, thereby reducing the air temperature.
Air circulation: The cooled air is blown back into the room through the air outlet, while the moisture is discharged to the outside environment.
Humidity control: Evaporative cooling air conditioners usually increase the humidity in the room, so they are suitable for use in dry areas.
Advantages: This type of air conditioner has low energy consumption, no chemical emissions, and a simple structure

2. Refrigeration cycle portable air conditioner

Refrigeration cycle portable air conditioners use a refrigeration cycle principle similar to that of traditional air conditioners:

Heat absorption process: The fan draws in the hot air in the room and blows it through the evaporator filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and evaporates into gas.
Cooling process: The evaporated refrigerant gas enters the compressor, where it is compressed and heated up, then passes through the condenser to release heat and condense into liquid.
Air circulation: The cooled air is blown back into the room by the fan, while the hot air and moisture are discharged through the exhaust pipe.
Advantages: This type of air conditioner can effectively reduce the air temperature and remove moisture, making it suitable for humid environments.

3. Hybrid portable air conditioners

Some portable air conditioners combine evaporative cooling and refrigeration cycles:

Evaporative cooling combined with refrigeration cycles: For example, some devices use refrigeration cycles to cool down in high-temperature environments, and switch to evaporative cooling mode when humidity is high.
Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) combined with water cooling systems: The cooling efficiency is further improved by the combined action of thermoelectric coolers and water cooling systems