Experimental Study of a Solar Collector/Regenerator for Liquid Desiccant Systems

摘要

One of the key components of a solar liquid desiccant system is the regenerator, in which the diluted solution from the absorber is reconcentrated for its reuse in the air dehtimidification task. Among the different types of regeneration units stands out the solar collector/regenerator (C/R), in which the liquid sorbent is exposed simultaneously to the solar radiation and the air stream, thus enhancing the regeneration process. In order to assess its thermal performance, an experimental study of a single-glazed forced convective C/R has been carried out using calcium chloride solution. The results of the conducted tests show that the water desorption rate increases strongly with the rise of the solar radiation and the inlet solution temperature as well as with the diminution of the gap height and the tilt angle. For the analysed measuring range, the water desorption rate firstly increases and then reaches a stable value by augmenting the air volumetric flow rate. Finally, the regeneration performance diminishes by increasing the solution volumetric flow rate.