Quantification of Condensate Water Generated from Air Conditioning System

Md. Arafat Ali, Sumaiya Saifur and Muhammad Ashraf Ali

Condensate water generated from air conditioning system is often treated as wastewater and discharged to the building drainage system. In this study, controlled experiments have been carried out to assess generation of condensate water under different weather and operational conditions. The most important parameters affecting condensate water generation are time, difference between outdoor and indoor temperature and humidity. The difference between outdoor and indoor humidity has been found to affect generation of condensate water most significantly; as the difference increases, water generation increases. Water generation also increases as the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature increases. The experimental results have been used to develop and validate an empirical relationship for estimating generation of condensate water. Apart from estimation of condensate water generation in residential and commercial buildings, the relationship could be used to properly design condensate water drainage system of air conditioners. The quantity of condensate water generated from air conditioning system appears to be quite significant. Recycling of condensate water could reduce water demand from city water supply system particularly during the hot and humid months of the year, thus reducing pressure on precious ground and surface water resources.