Experimental Investigation on Solid Desiccant Vapour Compression Hybrid Air Conditioning System using Solar Energy

Abstract

quotSolid desiccant vapour compression hybrid air-conditioning systems are considered as promising alternative to conventional air conditioning systems because of the independent control of temperature and humidity and being environment friendly. The use of renewable solar energy can be a good source of regeneration heat provided in reactivating desiccant dehumidifiers used in alternate cooling systems. Desiccant dehumidification-assisted vapour compression-based hybrid air-conditioning systems can successfully couple to renewable solar thermal power to dampen electricity use and conserve the environment in place of traditional air-conditioning. newlineIn the present research work, experimental investigation on solid desiccant vapour compression hybrid air-conditioning system using solar energy has been experimentally carried out for hot and humid weather of Vadodara. A test room having dimensions 3.5m × 3m × 2.6m has been selected for the study. The sensible and latent cooling loads are 2.3 kW and 0.6 kW respectively. The indoor comfort condition is taken as 50% RH and 26°C DBT. In this experimental study, desiccant wheel speed was kept constant at 20 revolutions per hour. Process air flow rate were varying as 0.10 kg/sec, 0.12 kg/sec and 0.16 kg/sec and regeneration air flow rate was kept constant at 0.08 kg/sec. Regeneration air temperatures were kept at 60 and#8451;, 80 and#8451;, and 100 and#8451; during the experimental studies of the system regenerated by conventional air heater and between 48 and#8451; to 69 and#8451; during the experimental studies of the system regenerated by solar energy depending on solar intensity. newlineThe overall system performance has been evaluated for a cooling season from September to October on the basis of various outdoor conditions. The results show that the performance of the system is significantly affected by variations in ambient temperature and humidity ratio. It is found that by increasing the process air flowrate adsorption rate, desiccant wheel effectiveness and COP of the system have been decreased. A hybrid solid desic