Experimental investigation on performance of a novel composite desiccant coated heat exchanger in summer and winter seasons

Abstract

Experimental investigation on the performance of novel composite desiccant Silica Gel and Sodium Acetate Coated Heat Exchanger (SASCHE) is conducted for typical summer and winter seasons in the city of Shanghai, China. First, effects of main parameters such as regeneration temperature, hot and cooling water temperature, inlet air velocity, thermal coefficient of performance (COPth) and energy efficiency are experimentally investigated in summer and winter for dehumidification-cooling and humidification-heating application, respectively. Then, its performance is compared with Single Silica Gel Coated Heat Exchanger (SCHE), and Potassium Formate and Silica Gel Coated Heat Exchanger (PSCHE). In the summer season, the experimental results showed that the new composite desiccant material can handle dehumidification-cooling process with an excellent performance regarding cooling capacity and efficiency. The dehumidification capacity of SASCHE is improved by 10% and 30% in comparison with that of PSCHE and SCHE, respectively. In the winter season for humidification-heating process, the average humidification capacity of SASCHE is two times higher than PSCHE and SCHE. Additionally, indoor comfort conditions are satisfied with high hot water temperature and low inlet air velocity for summer season, while low hot water temperature and high inlet air velocity are recommended for winter season.