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Next-generation HVAC: Prospects for and limitations of desiccant and membrane-based dehumidification and cooling

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  • Labban, Omar
  • Chen, Tianyi
  • Ghoniem, Ahmed F.
  • Lienhard, John H.
  • Norford, Leslie K.

Abstract

Recently, next-generation HVAC technologies have gained attention as potential alternatives to the conventional vapor-compression system (VCS) for dehumidification and cooling. Previous studies have primarily focused on analyzing a specific technology or its application to a particular climate. A comparison of these technologies is necessary to elucidate the reasons and conditions under which one technology might outperform the rest. In this study, we apply a uniform framework based on fundamental thermodynamic principles to assess and compare different HVAC technologies from an energy conversion standpoint. The thermodynamic least work of dehumidification and cooling is formally defined as a thermodynamic benchmark, while VCS performance is chosen as the industry benchmark against which other technologies, namely desiccant-based cooling system (DCS) and membrane-based cooling system (MCS), are compared. The effect of outdoor temperature and humidity on device performance is investigated, and key insights underlying the dehumidification and cooling process are elucidated. In spite of the great potential of DCS and MCS technologies, our results underscore the need for improved system-level design and integration if DCS or MCS are to compete with VCS. Our findings have significant implications for the design and operation of next-generation HVAC technologies and shed light on potential avenues to achieve higher efficiencies in dehumidification and cooling applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Labban, Omar & Chen, Tianyi & Ghoniem, Ahmed F. & Lienhard, John H. & Norford, Leslie K., 2017. "Next-generation HVAC: Prospects for and limitations of desiccant and membrane-based dehumidification and cooling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 330-346.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:200:y:2017:i:c:p:330-346
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.051
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    Cited by:

    1. Cui, Xin & Yan, Weichao & Liu, Yilin & Zhao, Min & Jin, Liwen, 2020. "Performance analysis of a hollow fiber membrane-based heat and mass exchanger for evaporative cooling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 271(C).
    2. Fix, Andrew J. & Braun, James E. & Warsinger, David M., 2021. "Vapor-selective active membrane energy exchanger for high efficiency outdoor air treatment," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
    3. Jagirdar, Mrinal & Lee, Poh Seng, 2018. "Mathematical modeling and performance evaluation of a desiccant coated fin-tube heat exchanger," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 401-415.
    4. Vivekh, P. & Bui, D.T. & Islam, M.R. & Zaw, K. & Chua, K.J., 2020. "Experimental performance and energy efficiency investigation of composite superabsorbent polymer and potassium formate coated heat exchangers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    5. Guo, Yi & Al-Jubainawi, Ali & Peng, Xueyuan, 2019. "Modelling and the feasibility study of a hybrid electrodialysis and thermal regeneration method for LiCl liquid desiccant dehumidification," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C), pages 1014-1036.
    6. Elnagar, Essam & Pezzutto, Simon & Duplessis, Bruno & Fontenaille, Théodore & Lemort, Vincent, 2023. "A comprehensive scouting of space cooling technologies in Europe: Key characteristics and development trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    7. Chua, K.J. & Chou, S.K. & Islam, M.R., 2018. "On the experimental study of a hybrid dehumidifier comprising membrane and composite desiccants," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C), pages 934-943.
    8. Yan, Weichao & Meng, Xiangzhao & Cui, Xin & Liu, Yilin & Chen, Qian & Jin, Liwen, 2022. "Evaporative cooling performance prediction and multi-objective optimization for hollow fiber membrane module using response surface methodology," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 325(C).
    9. Elnagar, Essam & Zeoli, Alanis & Rahif, Ramin & Attia, Shady & Lemort, Vincent, 2023. "A qualitative assessment of integrated active cooling systems: A review with a focus on system flexibility and climate resilience," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    10. Zhang, Ning & Yin, Shao-You & Li, Min, 2018. "Model-based optimization for a heat pump driven and hollow fiber membrane hybrid two-stage liquid desiccant air dehumidification system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 12-20.
    11. Dhumane, Rohit & Ling, Jiazhen & Aute, Vikrant & Radermacher, Reinhard, 2017. "Portable personal conditioning systems: Transient modeling and system analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 390-401.
    12. Thu, K. & Mitra, S. & Saha, B.B. & Srinivasa Murthy, S., 2018. "Thermodynamic feasibility evaluation of hybrid dehumidification – mechanical vapour compression systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 31-44.
    13. Rima Aridi & Jalal Faraj & Samer Ali & Mostafa Gad El-Rab & Thierry Lemenand & Mahmoud Khaled, 2021. "Energy Recovery in Air Conditioning Systems: Comprehensive Review, Classifications, Critical Analysis, and Potential Recommendations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-31, September.
    14. Islam, M.R. & Alan, S.W.L. & Chua, K.J., 2018. "Studying the heat and mass transfer process of liquid desiccant for dehumidification and cooling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C), pages 334-347.
    15. Sui, Zengguang & Wu, Wei, 2023. "AI-assisted maldistribution minimization of membrane-based heat/mass exchangers for compact absorption cooling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PC).
    16. Sun, Bo & Huang, Shifang & Su, Wei & Lu, Lin & Zhang, Xiaosong, 2023. "A comprehensive analysis of the minimum energy and thermodynamic efficiency of regenerating aqueous electrolyte solutions in air-conditioning systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 284(C).
    17. Min, Yunran & Chen, Yi & Shi, Wenchao & Yang, Hongxing, 2021. "Applicability of indirect evaporative cooler for energy recovery in hot and humid areas: Comparison with heat recovery wheel," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 287(C).
    18. Fix, Andrew J. & Oh, Jinwoo & Braun, James E. & Warsinger, David M., 2024. "Dual-module humidity pump for efficient air dehumidification: Demonstration and performance limitations," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 360(C).
    19. Fix, Andrew J. & Pamintuan, Bryan C. & Braun, James E. & Warsinger, David M., 2022. "Vapor-selective active membrane energy exchanger with mechanical ventilation and indoor air recirculation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    20. Gado, Mohamed G. & Ookawara, Shinichi & Nada, Sameh & El-Sharkawy, Ibrahim I., 2021. "Hybrid sorption-vapor compression cooling systems: A comprehensive overview," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).

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