Developing an Integrated Solid Desiccant Dehumidifier and Dew-Point Evaporative Cooler for Green Air Conditioning

The advancement of eco-friendly air conditioning technology has garnered significant interest in light of energy shortages and concerns regarding global warming. However, current research endeavors have encountered obstacles in addressing issues like chemical erosion and energy-intensive processes. A promising solution to overcome these challenges involves integrating a solid desiccant coated heat exchanger-dehumidifier (SDHED) with a dew-point evaporative cooler (DPEC). This innovative approach eliminates the need for condensation dehumidification, reduces compressor workload, and eliminates the use of harmful refrigerants. This study marks a pioneering effort in experimentally assessing and analyzing the performance of an integrated SDHED and DPEC system. Parametric studies have been carried out under various ambient and application conditions, yielding impressive experimental results. The DPEC achieves a dew-point effectiveness of 0.9, a DPEC COP of 15.9, and an electric COP of the integrated system reaching an impressive 6.43. The dynamic characteristics of the integrated system have been scrutinized, unveiling the underlying mechanisms of its operation. Additionally, this study outlines development methodologies for the integrated green air conditioning system, encompassing material selection and prototype testing. The findings underscore the potential of the integrated SDHED and DPEC system to enhance indoor comfort and reduce energy consumption concurrently, making it a compelling choice for future environmentally responsible building designs.