Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component air conditioning apparatus that provides variable cooling capacities. The apparatus can include a main cooling unit and a heat rejection unit. Air can be treated both sensibly and adiabatically. By controlling the flow and volume of water, the apparatus can condition air to variable temperatures. This allows greater variability of capacity and temperature control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-unit air conditioning system that conditions ambient air below the wet bulb temperature without the use of a mechanical vapor compression system. The system includes two or more individual units. Each unit can include a heat exchanger and evaporative porous media. By varying output of one or more cooling units and controlling water circulation, the system can condition air to variable temperatures. The system can produce a stratified air flow, whereby layers or pockets of air with discernable dry bulb temperatures and/or humidity remain intact. This can improve efficiency of the system and thermal comfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component air conditioning system that cools air below the pre-treatment wet bulb temperature without the use of a mechanical vapor compression system. A heat exchanger cools air followed by an evaporative cooling process that further cools the air through the vaporization of water. A heat rejection unit removes warm air from the system and cools water that can be recycled into a reservoir. A chamber separation plate can be moved to adjust the capacities of the cooling unit and the heat rejection unit. The flow of water through the system can also be controlled. This allows greater variability of capacity and temperature control.