TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS FOR THE HUMIDITY CONTROL FOR HOTELS IN HOT, HUMID CLIMATE

摘要

Hotels located in hot and humid climate suffers from serious molds growth problems, and therefore great financial losses due to vacancy may occur. In this paper, the inherent loose RH control of conventional air-conditioning system design is numerically investigated using annual energy simulation programs DOE-2.1E and DesiCalc~(TM). Two technology design options, which include wrap-around heat pipes, and desiccant-outdoor air dehumidification, are simulated. Although simple re-heat design is not allowed as it stands in energy conservation codes in many countries, the annual energy consumption of such a system is also simulated for comparison purposes. It becomes apparent that desiccant-enhanced air-conditioning systems can realize a close RH humidity control with an additional energy use for regenerating the desiccant unit, while it helps reduce the peak electric demand and annual electricity consumption. If heat comes from a fuel fired boiler, the total annual primary energy use will be increased marginally by 5 to 7.5%, depending on equipment efficiencies. It is obvious that, when other low grade heat sources are available, desiccant enhanced air conditioning system is an energy efficient option and offers close RH control for hotels.