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A thermodynamic perspective to study energy performance of vacuum-based membrane dehumidification

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  • Bui, Duc Thuan
  • Kum Ja, M.
  • Gordon, Jeffrey M.
  • Ng, Kim Choon
  • Chua, Kian Jon

Abstract

In humid environments, decoupling the latent and sensible cooling loads - dehumidifying - can significantly improve chiller efficiency. Here, a basic limit for dehumidification efficiency is established from fundamental thermodynamics. This is followed by the derivation of how this limit is modified when the pragmatic constraint of a finite flux must be accommodated. These limits allow one to identify promising system modifications, and to quantify their impact. The focus is on vacuum-based membrane dehumidification. New high-efficiency configurations are formulated, most notably, by coupling pumping with condensation. More than an order-of-magnitude improvement in efficiency is achievable. It is contingent on water vapor exiting at its saturation pressure rather than at ambient pressure. Sensitivity studies to recovery ratio, temperature, relative humidity and membrane selectivity are also presented.

Suggested Citation

  • Bui, Duc Thuan & Kum Ja, M. & Gordon, Jeffrey M. & Ng, Kim Choon & Chua, Kian Jon, 2017. "A thermodynamic perspective to study energy performance of vacuum-based membrane dehumidification," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 106-115.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:132:y:2017:i:c:p:106-115
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.05.075
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Chai, Shaowei & Sun, Xiangyu & Zhao, Yao & Dai, Yanjun, 2019. "Experimental investigation on a fresh air dehumidification system using heat pump with desiccant coated heat exchanger," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 306-314.
    2. Xin Cui & Le Sun & Sicong Zhang & Liwen Jin, 2019. "On the Study of a Hybrid Indirect Evaporative Pre-Cooling System for Various Climates," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Bui, D.T. & Vivekh, P. & Islam, M.R. & Chua, K.J., 2022. "Studying the characteristics and energy performance of a composite hollow membrane for air dehumidification," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PB).
    4. Bui, T.D. & Chen, W.D. & Islam, M.R. & Zhao, D. & Chua, K.J., 2023. "Studying the performance of a pilot scale vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 351(C).
    5. Mustapha, Rasha & Zoughaib, Assaad & Ghaddar, Nesreen & Ghali, Kamel, 2020. "Modified upright cup method for testing water vapor permeability in porous membranes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(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. Cui, X. & Islam, M.R. & Chua, K.J., 2019. "Experimental study and energy saving potential analysis of a hybrid air treatment cooling system in tropical climates," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 1016-1026.
    8. 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).
    9. 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).

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