Development of Low Cost Dehumidification and Sensible Only Energy Exchanger Components for Desiccant Based Air Conditioning Systems. Phase 1, Final Report, December 1989-December 1990

摘要

A novel, two-step manufacturing process, which involves the use of a thin aluminum substrate that is coated with a dense layer of a solid adsorbent, was determined to be the most effective method for producing a high performing, low cost desiccant dehumidification wheel. Extensive modeling completed by SEMCO, agreed with the conclusions of research previously sponsored by GRI, that the use of a desiccant material having a moderate type 1 isotherm (Type 1M) would result in optimum dehumidification performance. A compact, high performing 'open cycle' desiccant based cooling system was modeled using the Type 1M desiccant wheel and the high efficiency sensible only wheel also developed as part of the Phase 1 work. Based on performance projections for the system, an estimated selling price per ton of cooling capacity provided was determined for the dehumidification and energy recovery wheel subcomponents. These estimated selling prices were contrasted with those of the dehumidification aenergy recovery subcomponents currently available to the marketplace. This comparison confirmed that dramatic reduction in the selling price of these subcomponents is possible.