Retrofitting of Conditioning Systems for Existing Small Commercial Buildings - Analysis and Design of Liquid Desiccant - Vapor Compression Hybrid

摘要

The combination of several concepts of new energy technologies may make it possible to reduce the energyneeds for thermal comfort, especially cooling and dehumidification, in small sized, single-story commercialbuildings. The potentials and limitations of retrofit technology for these characteristic structures havebeen the focus of the experience gained through the design and installation of a system adapted to a buildingconstructed in the early 1960's. The existing split package air conditioning system was combined with adesiccant air-conditioning unit with a waste heat and solar heat reclaim component. While this retrofitsystem is feasible, a number of questions remain to be considered regarding the design, installation andoperation of the total system. This paper focuses on the practical applications of such a hybrid system -both architectural/construction issues and the mechanical components/system considerations.