IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/appene/v287y2021ics0306261921001458.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Applicability of indirect evaporative cooler for energy recovery in hot and humid areas: Comparison with heat recovery wheel

Author

Listed:
  • Min, Yunran
  • Chen, Yi
  • Shi, Wenchao
  • Yang, Hongxing

Abstract

The indirect evaporative cooler (IEC), used as a novel energy recovery component for central air-conditioning (AC) systems, can cool and dehumidify the fresh air by capturing the waste thermal energy of exhaust air. To facilitate its implementation in hot and humid areas, the applicability of the hybrid AC system integrated with IEC needs to be addressed. This study quantitatively evaluated the cooling and energy-saving potentials of an IEC for energy recovery and compared it to a traditional hybrid AC system with a heat recovery wheel (HRW). On-site performance measurements were conducted in a wet market located in Hong Kong, where two air-handling units were integrated with a newly-designed IEC prototype and a commercial HRW respectively. Simulation models of the two hybrid AC systems were established based on TRNSYS platform by incorporating the numerical model of IEC and HRW respectively. The field-measurement data was used to validate the component models, and further calibrate the system models. To compare the regional adaptability of the two systems, annual simulations were conducted among 8 selected cities in southern China. Results showed that the total cooling capacities of IEC and HRW are closely related to local ambient relative humidity. Compared with the baseline AC system, the AC + IEC provides an annual energy saving intensity of 64.2–73.4 MJ/m2 for cities with hot and moderate humid climates, which is more competitive than the AC + HRW (45.5–51.8 MJ/m2). The annual energy saving ratios of the two types of hybrid systems range from 14.4% to 26.4%.

Suggested Citation

  • 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).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:287:y:2021:i:c:s0306261921001458
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.116607
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261921001458
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.116607?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Min, Yunran & Chen, Yi & Yang, Hongxing, 2019. "A statistical modeling approach on the performance prediction of indirect evaporative cooling energy recovery systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    2. Zheng, Bin & Guo, Chunmei & Chen, Tong & Shi, Qi & Lv, Jian & You, Yuwen, 2019. "Development of an experimental validated model of cross-flow indirect evaporative cooler with condensation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 252(C), pages 1-1.
    3. Fu, Huang-Xi & Zhang, Li-Zhi & Xu, Jian-Chang & Cai, Rong-Rong, 2016. "A dual-scale analysis of a desiccant wheel with a novel organic–inorganic hybrid adsorbent for energy recovery," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 167-179.
    4. Kim, Hui-Jeong & Ham, Sang-Woo & Yoon, Dong-Seob & Jeong, Jae-Weon, 2017. "Cooling performance measurement of two cross-flow indirect evaporative coolers in general and regenerative operation modes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 268-277.
    5. Zanchini, Enzo & Naldi, Claudia, 2019. "Energy saving obtainable by applying a commercially available M-cycle evaporative cooling system to the air conditioning of an office building in North Italy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 975-988.
    6. 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.
    7. Chua, K.J. & Chou, S.K. & Yang, W.M. & Yan, J., 2013. "Achieving better energy-efficient air conditioning – A review of technologies and strategies," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 87-104.
    8. Chen, Chih-Hao & Hsu, Chien-Yeh & Chen, Chih-Chieh & Chiang, Yuan-Ching & Chen, Sih-Li, 2016. "Silica gel/polymer composite desiccant wheel combined with heat pump for air-conditioning systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 87-99.
    9. Chen, Yi & Yang, Hongxing & Luo, Yimo, 2017. "Parameter sensitivity analysis and configuration optimization of indirect evaporative cooler (IEC) considering condensation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 440-453.
    10. Rey Martínez, F.J. & Velasco Gómez, E. & Martín García, C. & Sanz Requena, J.F. & Navas Gracia, L.M. & Hernández Navarro, S. & Correa Guimaraes, A. & Martín Gil, J., 2011. "Life cycle assessment of a semi-indirect ceramic evaporative cooler vs. a heat pump in two climate areas of Spain," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(3), pages 914-921, March.
    11. Lee, S.H. & Lee, W.L., 2013. "Site verification and modeling of desiccant-based system as an alternative to conventional air-conditioning systems for wet markets," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 1076-1083.
    12. Hu, Maomao & Xiao, Fu & Jørgensen, John Bagterp & Wang, Shengwei, 2019. "Frequency control of air conditioners in response to real-time dynamic electricity prices in smart grids," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C), pages 92-106.
    13. Zhuang, Chaoqun & Wang, Shengwei & Shan, Kui, 2019. "Probabilistic optimal design of cleanroom air-conditioning systems facilitating optimal ventilation control under uncertainties," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C), pages 1-1.
    14. Angrisani, Giovanni & Minichiello, Francesco & Roselli, Carlo & Sasso, Maurizio, 2012. "Experimental analysis on the dehumidification and thermal performance of a desiccant wheel," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 563-572.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Zhuang, Chaoqun & Gao, Yafeng & Zhao, Yingru & Levinson, Ronnen & Heiselberg, Per & Wang, Zhiqiang & Guo, Rui, 2021. "Potential benefits and optimization of cool-coated office buildings: A case study in Chongqing, China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    2. Qu, Ke & Barreto, Germilly & Iten, Muriel & Wang, Yuhao & Riffat, Saffa, 2023. "Energy and thermal performance of optimised hollow fibre liquid desiccant cooling and dehumidification systems in mediterranean regions: Modelling, validation and case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PC).
    3. Shi, Wenchao & Min, Yunran & Ma, Xiaochen & Chen, Yi & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Dynamic performance evaluation of porous indirect evaporative cooling system with intermittent spraying strategies," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    4. Qian Chen & Muhammad Burhan & M Kum Ja & Muhammad Wakil Shahzad & Doskhan Ybyraiymkul & Hongfei Zheng & Xin Cui & Kim Choon Ng, 2022. "Hybrid Indirect Evaporative Cooling-Mechanical Vapor Compression System: A Mini-Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-17, October.
    5. Ma, Xiaochen & Shi, Wenchao & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Study on water spraying distribution to improve the energy recovery performance of indirect evaporative coolers with nozzle arrangement optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 318(C).
    6. Shi, Wenchao & Yang, Hongxing & Ma, Xiaochen & Liu, Xiaohua, 2023. "Performance prediction and optimization of cross-flow indirect evaporative cooler by regression model based on response surface methodology," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    7. Yang, Hongxing & Shi, Wenchao & Chen, Yi & Min, Yunran, 2021. "Research development of indirect evaporative cooling technology: An updated review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Yang, Hongxing & Shi, Wenchao & Chen, Yi & Min, Yunran, 2021. "Research development of indirect evaporative cooling technology: An updated review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    2. 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.
    3. Qian Chen & Muhammad Burhan & M Kum Ja & Muhammad Wakil Shahzad & Doskhan Ybyraiymkul & Hongfei Zheng & Xin Cui & Kim Choon Ng, 2022. "Hybrid Indirect Evaporative Cooling-Mechanical Vapor Compression System: A Mini-Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-17, October.
    4. 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).
    5. Ma, Xiaochen & Shi, Wenchao & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Study on water spraying distribution to improve the energy recovery performance of indirect evaporative coolers with nozzle arrangement optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 318(C).
    6. 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.
    7. Mahmood, Muhammad H. & Sultan, Muhammad & Miyazaki, Takahiko & Koyama, Shigeru & Maisotsenko, Valeriy S., 2016. "Overview of the Maisotsenko cycle – A way towards dew point evaporative cooling," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 537-555.
    8. Ruivo, Celestino R. & Goldsworthy, Mark & Intini, Manuel, 2014. "Interpolation methods to predict the influence of inlet airflow states on desiccant wheel performance at low regeneration temperature," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 765-772.
    9. Shamim, Jubair A. & Hsu, Wei-Lun & Paul, Soumyadeep & Yu, Lili & Daiguji, Hirofumi, 2021. "A review of solid desiccant dehumidifiers: Current status and near-term development goals in the context of net zero energy buildings," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    10. Chen, K. & Zheng, X. & Wang, S.N., 2022. "Investigation on activated carbon-sodium polyacrylate coated aluminum sheets for desiccant coated heat exchanger," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    11. Tariq, Rasikh & Sheikh, Nadeem Ahmed & Livas-García, A. & Xamán, J. & Bassam, A. & Maisotsenko, Valeriy, 2021. "Projecting global water footprints diminution of a dew-point cooling system: Sustainability approach assisted with energetic and economic assessment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
    12. Chiang, Yuan-Ching & Chen, Chih-Hao & Chiang, Yi-Chin & Chen, Sih-Li, 2016. "Circulating inclined fluidized beds with application for desiccant dehumidification systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 199-211.
    13. Wu, X.N. & Ge, T.S. & Dai, Y.J. & Wang, R.Z., 2018. "Review on substrate of solid desiccant dehumidification system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3236-3249.
    14. Lin, Jie & Bui, Duc Thuan & Wang, Ruzhu & Chua, Kian Jon, 2018. "On the fundamental heat and mass transfer analysis of the counter-flow dew point evaporative cooler," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 126-142.
    15. Tariq, Rasikh & Sheikh, Nadeem Ahmed & Xamán, J. & Bassam, A., 2018. "An innovative air saturator for humidification-dehumidification desalination application," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 789-807.
    16. 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.
    17. Wenchao Shi & Xiaochen Ma & Yunran Min & Hongxing Yang, 2024. "Feasibility Analysis of Indirect Evaporative Cooling System Assisted by Liquid Desiccant for Data Centers in Hot-Humid Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-20, February.
    18. 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.
    19. Shi, Wenchao & Min, Yunran & Ma, Xiaochen & Chen, Yi & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Dynamic performance evaluation of porous indirect evaporative cooling system with intermittent spraying strategies," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    20. Zhuang, Chaoqun & Wang, Shengwei & Shan, Kui, 2020. "A risk-based robust optimal chiller sequencing control strategy for energy-efficient operation considering measurement uncertainties," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:287:y:2021:i:c:s0306261921001458. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/405891/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.