In-Depth Exergoeconomic Analysis as an Effective Tool for the Development of Energy-Efficient Circuit Solutions in Air-Conditioning Systems (for Example, a Membrane Air Dehumidification System for Seed Storage Premises)

Abstract

The paper presents a method of in-depth exergoeconomic analysis, as well as an example of its application to select the most energy-efficient method of air dehumidification for storing agricultural products, namely pumpkin seeds. Theoretical dependences are presented for determining the exergy components of moist airflow (thermal, humidity and mechanical, as well as full exergy). The formulas and the methodology for determining the exergy efficiency “net", which reflects only the internal thermodynamic transformations of air in the air-conditioning system and the exergy efficiency “gross", taking into account the amount of exergy from external sources are given. For avisual representation of the calculations and analysis of exergy destruction in the air conditioning systems, exergy flow diagrams are constructed. The results of calculations of the costs of processing air in an air conditioning system are presented in the form of streaming accumulative diagrams. Based on the results of analysis and comparison of exergoeconomic costs, a scheme with combined membrane dehumidification of air was selected to ensure the necessary storage conditions. Еxergy efficiency “net" foranair handling unit with combined membrane dehumidification of air is 16 % higher than exergy efficiency “net"for anair handling unit with condensing air drying, and 48 % more than exergy efficiency “net"foran air handling unit with adsorption method of air drying. Еxergy efficiency “gross" for an air handling unit with combined membrane air drying 43.5 % more than exergy efficiency “gross" for an air handling unit with condensing air drying, and 54.6 % more exergy efficiency “gross" for an air handling unit with adsorption air drying. In addition, according to in-depth exergoeconomic analysis, the cost of air treatment in air conditioning systems is halved.