Dehumidification with solid hygroscopic sorbents for low-carbon air conditioning

Humidity’s impact on current and future greenhouse gas emissions associated with air conditioning has been shown in a recent issue of Joule. Here, we highlight challenges and opportunities in the utilization of advanced solid hygroscopic dehumidification materials for efficient cooling in next-generation air conditioning systems. Humidity’s impact on current and future greenhouse gas emissions associated with air conditioning has been shown in a recent issue of Joule. Here, we highlight challenges and opportunities in the utilization of advanced solid hygroscopic dehumidification materials for efficient cooling in next-generation air conditioning systems. Humidity’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions from air conditioningWoods et al.JouleMarch 11, 2022In BriefAir conditioning is both a cause and an effect of climate change, accounting for 4% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. However, humidity’s role in these emissions is overlooked; managing humidity (a critical part of air conditioning) accounts for 1% of the global emissions, about half that of aviation. We calculate these emissions for today and 2050 and show how dramatically humidity-related emissions will increase with rising cooling demand. We discuss the potential for new humidity control technologies to address this challenge. Full-Text PDF Open Archive