An overview on use of desiccant dehumidifiers in modern air-conditioning

Abstract

The solid desiccant based dehumidifier used in conjunction with the conventional HVAC combines the dehumidification of solid desiccant system and with the cooling capacity of the conventional air conditioning system. This hybrid cooling system provides thermal comfort to the occupants of the conditioned space. The hybrid systems main appeal lies in the fact that, it consumes much lesser high grade electrical energy as compared to the dedicated standalone traditional air conditioning systems. The electrical energy usage is possible still lower by use of primary energy sources for to supply the thermal energy needed for the desiccant regeneration. For this purpose freely available renewable solar energy or industrial waste heat can also be used for the regeneration heat source. Sometimes it is also possible to provide condenser waste heat for the part of desiccant reactivation heat supply may increase the overall performance of the system. It was also found that this cooling system with use of air to air waste heat recovery wheel performed better than without it in terms of dehumidification as well as cooling performance. The present study report important literature survey on the dehumidification potentials of desiccant integrated hybrid cooling system operating in hot and humid climates. Keywords: Hybrid air-conditioning; Rotary desiccant dehumidifier; Heat recovery wheel; Regeneration heat; Renewable solar energy; Waste heat