Perpustakaan Digital ITB

This study presents a numerical modeling approach to evaluate the thermal performance of direct evaporative cooling (DEC) systems as an alternative to conventional Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) cooling in a university laboratory building located in Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia. Using a two-dimensional steady-state finite volume method (FVM) and the SIMPLE algorithm, the model simulates coupled heat and mass transfer processes within the cooling pad. The simulation incorporates local climate data — characterized by high relative humidity (~78%) — and considers ASHRAE Standard 55 thermal comfort criteria. Results show that under prevailing ambient conditions, the DEC system fails to achieve the desired indoor temperature of 26 °C when operated as a standalone system, especially under high humidity. The best simulated configuration achieved an outlet temperature of 28.76 °C and a relative humidity of 78%, corresponding to a cooling efficiency of 26.57%. This indicates the limitation of direct evaporative cooling in humid tropical climates and suggests the potential need for hybrid or indirect systems to meet comfort thresholds. The findings offer insights for sustainable HVAC design and system integration in similar building types and climates.