Developing an integrated simulator and optimizer model for liquid desiccant dehumidification system “LDDSim”

Abstract

This study introduces “Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification Simulator” (LDDSim), a novel software tool aimed at simplifying the construction of adiabatic liquid desiccant systems, with a particular focus on innovative series two-stage regenerator configurations. LDDSim enables parametric studies and optimizations, enhancing system design and selection. Moreover, LDDSim facilitates thorough system analyses through informative graphical outputs and employs multi-objective optimization tools to boost efficiency. This paper outlines the software’s main inputs, outputs, subroutines, inference engine, and complexity analysis and verification using a real case study utilizing multiple-effect regeneration (MER). Results highlight the advantages of employing a series two-stage regenerator, such as lower power consumption and more flexibility in space compared to single-stage setups. Furthermore, system optimization efforts led to a significant reduction in power consumption while maximizing dehumidifier efficiency and moisture removal rate, yielding promising results with a 36.2 % decrease in power consumption, alongside a dehumidifier efficiency of 94.02 % and a moisture removal rate of 9.84 g/s. LDDSim is a valuable tool for engineers and researchers in liquid desiccant dehumidification systems for design, simulation and optimization.