Abstract
In this paper an innovative Membrane Contactor Hybrid System (MCHS) for automotive air conditioning is presented and its energy needs are evaluated and compared with those of a traditional system for internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrid ones. The proposed system joints a Vapor Compression Cycle (VCC) with a Liquid Desiccant Cycle (LDC) provided with innovative Three-Fluid Membrane Contactors (3F-MCs). These components are crossed by air, liquid desiccant and a third fluid operating as an internal heat source/sink to control the desiccant temperature. The VCC refrigerant undergoes a two-stage compression process: the lower level is used in a conventional evaporator for cooling the air, and the higher level in an absorption 3F-MC to dehumidify the renewal air. A second 3F-MC (desorber) is heated (by means of hot water derived from the vehicle’s engine) in order to reconcentrate the desiccant by discharging water vapor to the environment. Air temperatures between 26 and 32 °C and relative humidity in the range 40–80% are considered to perform the comparisons between the two systems. Results show that energy savings can exceed 40% in the case of the most severe external conditions.
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