In the developing world, particularly in hot, desert climates, there is a great need to provide effective, low-cost cooling methods for residences and small commercial buildings. In many situations, the building heat load is very high, and conventional technologies are prohibitively expensive. Low-cost conditioning through evaporative cooling may reduce temperature levels, particularly in dry climates, but the corresponding increase in humidity creates an uncomfortable environment. On the other hand, less effective and less costly cooling means may be capable of reducing temperatures so that residences and buildings can be tolerably occupied during the hottest portions of the day