Field Development of a Desiccant-Based Space-Conditioning System for Supermarket Applications

摘要

The benefits associated with the use of gas-regenerated desiccant dehumidifiers in conjunction with electric vapor compression sensible cooling to provide space conditioning in supermarkets were evaluated. Data collected at two field installations were used for the assessment, in addition to the results of a computer program developed by Thermo Electron to simulate the loads and equipment performance in a supermarket. Both conventional humidity level operation (47% relative humidity at 75F) and reduced store humidity level operation were evaluated for the desiccant-based system. Reductions in food refrigeration system electric consumption with reduced store humidities were experimentally verified at both field sites. The use of desiccant dehumidifier hybrid space-conditioning systems produced operating cost savings over all electric vapor compression systems in climates of moderate and high humidities.