Will ‘mist cooling’ technology provide relief from heatwave? Know how the surrounding temperature decreases in a few minutes

New Delhi. Amidst the increasing scorching heat and continuous heatwaves in the country and the world, a new cooling technology being used in China has become a topic of discussion. Rooftop mist cooling systems are being installed on the roofs of many residential and commercial buildings. In a viral video on social media, it is being claimed that this technology can reduce the surrounding temperature by 5 to 8 degrees Celsius in a few minutes. However, these claims have not been independently verified. Experts say that this system can be an effective option to provide relief from heat in open spaces by spending less energy.

New effort to deal with heatwave

Due to climate change, heatwaves in many parts of the world have become more intense and longer in duration than before. Concrete buildings, asphalt roads and lack of greenery in big cities increase the ‘urban heat island effect’, causing temperatures to remain high during the day as well as at night. To deal with this challenge, scientists are working on low-energy cooling technologies.

What is rooftop mist cooling system?

This system being adopted in China is being installed in cafes, restaurants, terraces, gardens, warehouses, bus stops and other open places. Its purpose is not to air condition an entire building, but to reduce the temperature of the surrounding air by a few degrees, so that people can get relief from the heat.

How does this technology work?

Mist cooling system works on the principle of evaporative cooling. In this, high-pressure nozzles spray very fine droplets of water in the air. These droplets start turning into steam even before reaching the ground.

Water absorbs heat from the surrounding air in the process of becoming steam. As a result the air temperature starts decreasing and the atmosphere feels relatively cool. The same principle works in the human body, where sweat expels body heat as it dries.

Is it an alternative to air conditioner?

According to experts, mist cooling system is not a substitute for traditional air conditioners. AC controls the temperature in closed rooms with the help of refrigerant gas and compressor, whereas mist cooling system cools the air by a few degrees only in open or semi-open spaces. Therefore it is considered an outdoor cooling technology.

Can the temperature really drop by 5 to 8 degrees?

It is being claimed on social media that the temperature will be reduced by 5 to 8 degrees Celsius, but its effect depends on the local weather and moisture present in the air. If the environment is dry, water evaporates faster and cooling is more effective. At the same time, in areas with high humidity, due to this process being slow, the reduction in temperature can also be limited.

Use may increase in future

Experts believe that amidst rapidly warming cities and increasing urban heat island effect, mist cooling system can prove useful in providing relief to people in public places. It consumes less power than traditional air conditioning and is considered a more practical option for open areas.

Although this technology is not a complete alternative to air conditioners, it is definitely being considered a scientific and energy-efficient solution to reduce the temperature in areas affected by heatwaves. Its use in accordance with local climate and needs can play an important role in combating urban heat in the future.