Experimental Study on a Hybrid Desiccant Dehumidification and Air Conditioning System

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental tests on hybrid desiccant dehumidification and air conditioning systems. Experimental tests are carried out with LiCl desiccant at typical operative ranges for air conditioning applications, particularly for high humid regions like Hong Kong. Results are reported in terms of coefficient of performance (COP) based on primary energy usage and electrical energy usage, respectively. Experiments have demonstrated consistent reduction in humidity ratio satisfying the sensible as well as latent load through a respective subsystem and thereby resulting in a higher COP based on primary energy usage. Also, results show that the regeneration temperature as well as process air flow rate have a significant role on the system performance. It is found that the hybrid system can achieve a higher part load performance, and hence can assure of its effective operation all year around in hot humid regions.