Development and life cycle cost analysis of a solar hybrid HVAC system for use in buildings in tropical climates

Abstract

Due to the high amount of energy used by conventional air-conditioning systems in hot/warm and humid climates, solar desiccant cooling systems (SDCSs) have emerged as an alternative with significant energy savings (ESs). The main challenge of these systems is their high initial cost compared to the percentage of energy saved. System optimization will enhance this percentage, making these systems economically viable. This study aims to develop a solar hybrid desiccant cooling system (SHDCS) and assess the life cycle cost of the innovative-optimized model. Three optimization potentials—the dehumidification, cooling, and regeneration air processes—are taken into account for developing an SHDCS. A new two-stage hybrid desiccant system is designed and simulated in TRNSYS software, using the aforementioned optimization potentials for a seminar room located at the National University of Malaysia—or Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)—Selangor, Malaysia, as a site study. The empirical setup validates the simulation model. The influence of optimization potentials on performance indicators such as the coefficient of performance (COP), the solar fraction (SF), ES, and CO2 emissions are evaluated. The results show that the innovative-optimized model can provide thermal comfort in the seminar room while saving ∼38% electricity compared to a conventional fan coil unit (FCU). The COP, SF, and payback period of the optimized system are respectively improved by 0.9, 1.5, and 7 years.