Evaluation of cooling effects: outdoor watermist fan
This article summarises a research paper ‘Evaluation of cooling effects: outdoor water mist fan’ by Craig Farnham, Kazuo Emura & Takeo Mizuno published in 2015 in --Building Research & Information, 43:3, 334-345, DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2015.1004844.
Evaporative spray cooling can improve thermal comfort and provide relief from thermal stress, even in a subtropical climate such as Japan. An experiment was carried out that combined a water mist spray with a fan and assessed its impact on the comfort of 141 participants on hot summer days. Participants were visitors to a public event held on 10–11 August 2013 in Osaka, Japan.
It was found that the cooling effect was highly efficient. The forced convection of the fan helped cool the skin and accelerate the evaporation of mist droplets that had adhered to skin and clothing. This produced an almost instant decrease in skin temperature. The mist and fan combination achieved localised cooling rates of more than 200 W/m2. Exposed skin temperatures could drop 2 K within 10 s with light wetting and were 1 K cooler even after leaving the mist. There was no correlation between time spent in the mist and degree of effect.
75% of respondents said the wettedness from the mist was pleasant, while 75% had claimed their state of wettedness before entering the mist (due to their own sweating) was unpleasant.
This technology has the potential to reduce heat stress and discomfort, particularly at large outdoor events and festivals. It could also reduce cooling loads within buildings by providing inhabitants with thermal relief outdoors. Continuing research will measure the effects of misting fans on people engaged in moderately strenuous activity in hot conditions.
Craig Farnham, Kazuo Emura & Takeo Mizuno (2015) Evaluation of cooling effects: outdoor water mist fan, Building Research & Information, 43:3, 334-345, DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2015.1004844.
Read the full paper at Taylor & Francis Online.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Automatic fire sprinkler systems: A good practice guide.
- Cooling systems for buildings.
- Evaluation of cooling effects: outdoor watermist fan.
- Personal protection watermist systems in the homes of vulnerable people.
- Sprinkler systems explained: A guide to sprinkler installation standards and rules.
- Sprinkler.
- Watermist systems for fire protection in domestic and residential buildings DG 534.
Featured articles and news
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.
Election fails to spark construction industry revival
Contract awards and planning; post election.
Making diversity and inclusion easy for SMEs
The CIOB tool for companies with limited resources.
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
BSRIA Briefing 2024, initial speakers announced.
Looking back at the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre
Reflections on St Sidwell’s Point with CIAT.
A-Level results and electrical apprenticeships
Electrical Skills Index highlights areas with skills shortages.
One of the world's more unusual drive-throughs.
A quick introduction.
Hadrian's Wall Path and the national trails
The trails are heritage assets in their own right.
Articles on timely advice and hydraulic lime.
Building Designers Association of Australia
CIAT and BDAA sign Memorandum of Understanding.
Built Environment Inclusive partners issue statement committed to inclusion.
Building regulation requirements can have unintended consequences.
CIOB announces 2024/25 vice president
Sustainability champion Professor Saul Humphrey.
Accelerating towards a net-zero built environment.