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Modelling and experimental verification of a solar-powered liquid desiccant cooling system for greenhouse food production in hot climates

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  • Lychnos, G.
  • Davies, P.A.

Abstract

Experiments and theoretical modelling have been carried out to predict the performance of a solar-powered liquid desiccant cooling system for greenhouses. We have tested two components of the system in the laboratory using MgCl2 desiccant: (i) a regenerator which was tested under a solar simulator and (ii) a desiccator which was installed in a test duct. Theoretical models have been developed for both regenerator and desiccator and gave good agreement with the experiments. The verified computer model is used to predict the performance of the whole system during the hot summer months in Mumbai, Chittagong, Muscat, Messina and Havana. Taking examples of temperate, sub-tropical, tropical and heat-tolerant tropical crops (lettuce, soya bean, tomato and cucumber respectively) we estimate the extensions in growing seasons enabled by the system. Compared to conventional evaporative cooling, the desiccant system lowers average daily maximum temperatures in the hot season by 5.5–7.5 °C, sufficient to maintain viable growing conditions for lettuce throughout the year. In the case of tomato, cucumber and soya bean the system enables optimal cultivation through most summer months. It is concluded that the concept is technically viable and deserves testing by means of a pilot installation at an appropriate location.

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  • Lychnos, G. & Davies, P.A., 2012. "Modelling and experimental verification of a solar-powered liquid desiccant cooling system for greenhouse food production in hot climates," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 40(1), pages 116-130.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:40:y:2012:i:1:p:116-130
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2012.02.021
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    1. Xu, J. & Li, Y. & Wang, R.Z. & Liu, W. & Zhou, P., 2015. "Experimental performance of evaporative cooling pad systems in greenhouses in humid subtropical climates," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 291-301.
    2. Zhang, Qinling & Liu, Xiaohua & Zhang, Tao & Xie, Ying, 2020. "Performance optimization of a heat pump driven liquid desiccant dehumidification system using exergy analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    3. Xie, Ying & Zhang, Tao & Liu, Xiaohua, 2016. "Performance investigation of a counter-flow heat pump driven liquid desiccant dehumidification system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(P1), pages 446-457.
    4. Yang, C.M. & Chen, C.C. & Chen, S.L., 2013. "Energy-efficient air conditioning system with combination of radiant cooling and periodic total heat exchanger," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 467-477.
    5. Komatsu, Satoru & Kaneko, Shinji & Ghosh, Partha Pratim & Morinaga, Akane, 2013. "Determinants of user satisfaction with solar home systems in rural Bangladesh," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 52-58.
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    7. Lin, Terry & Goldsworthy, Mark & Chavan, Sachin & Liang, Weiguang & Maier, Chelsea & Ghannoum, Oula & Cazzonelli, Christopher I. & Tissue, David T. & Lan, Yi-Chen & Sethuvenkatraman, Subbu & Lin, Han , 2022. "A novel cover material improves cooling energy and fertigation efficiency for glasshouse eggplant production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C).
    8. Enteria, Napoleon & Yoshino, Hiroshi & Mochida, Akashi, 2013. "Review of the advances in open-cycle absorption air-conditioning systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 265-289.
    9. Baniyounes, Ali M. & Ghadi, Yazeed Yasin & Rasul, M.G. & Khan, M.M.K., 2013. "An overview of solar assisted air conditioning in Queensland's subtropical regions, Australia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 781-804.
    10. Antonio Franco & Diego L. Valera & Araceli Peña, 2014. "Energy Efficiency in Greenhouse Evaporative Cooling Techniques: Cooling Boxes versus Cellulose Pads," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-21, March.
    11. Yang, Zili & Lian, Zhiwei & Li, Xi & Zhang, Kaisheng, 2015. "Concept of dehumidification perfectness and its potential applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 176-191.
    12. 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.
    13. Pang, S.C. & Masjuki, H.H. & Kalam, M.A. & Hazrat, M.A., 2013. "Liquid absorption and solid adsorption system for household, industrial and automobile applications: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 836-847.
    14. Baniyounes, Ali M. & Liu, Gang & Rasul, M.G. & Khan, M.M.K., 2012. "Analysis of solar desiccant cooling system for an institutional building in subtropical Queensland, Australia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(8), pages 6423-6431.
    15. Pasqualin, P. & Lefers, R. & Mahmoud, S. & Davies, P.A., 2022. "Comparative review of membrane-based desalination technologies for energy-efficient regeneration in liquid desiccant air conditioning of greenhouses," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    16. Shukla, Dhruvin L. & Modi, Kalpesh V., 2017. "A technical review on regeneration of liquid desiccant using solar energy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 517-529.
    17. Antonio Franco-Salas & Araceli Peña-Fernández & Diego Luis Valera-Martínez, 2019. "Refrigeration Capacity and Effect of Ageing on the Operation of Cellulose Evaporative Cooling Pads, by Wind Tunnel Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-11, November.
    18. Yin, Yonggao & Qian, Junfei & Zhang, Xiaosong, 2014. "Recent advancements in liquid desiccant dehumidification technology," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 38-52.
    19. Mohammad, Abdulrahman Th. & Bin Mat, Sohif & Sulaiman, M.Y. & Sopian, K. & Al-abidi, Abduljalil A., 2013. "Survey of hybrid liquid desiccant air conditioning systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 186-200.
    20. Peng, Donggen & Zhang, Xiaosong, 2016. "Experimental investigation on regeneration performance, heat and mass transfer characteristics in a forced solar collector/regenerator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 296-308.
    21. Cui, X. & Islam, M.R. & Mohan, B. & Chua, K.J., 2016. "Theoretical analysis of a liquid desiccant based indirect evaporative cooling system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 303-312.
    22. Abdel-Salam, Ahmed H. & Simonson, Carey J., 2016. "State-of-the-art in liquid desiccant air conditioning equipment and systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 1152-1183.
    23. Giampieri, A. & Ma, Z. & Ling-Chin, J. & Roskilly, A.P. & Smallbone, A.J., 2022. "An overview of solutions for airborne viral transmission reduction related to HVAC systems including liquid desiccant air-scrubbing," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PA).
    24. Entezari, A. & Wang, R.Z. & Zhao, S. & Mahdinia, E. & Wang, J.Y. & Tu, Y.D. & Huang, D.F., 2019. "Sustainable agriculture for water-stressed regions by air-water-energy management," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 1121-1128.
    25. Barkat Rabbi & Zhong-Hua Chen & Subbu Sethuvenkatraman, 2019. "Protected Cropping in Warm Climates: A Review of Humidity Control and Cooling Methods," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-24, July.

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