An air conditioning apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chemical dehumidifier which employs an aqueous hygroscopic solution of a glycol and a solar energy collector for use in regenerating the solution. Air to be conditioned is circulated through a contactor of the chemical dehumidifier, in contact with cooled glycol solution. Concentrated hygroscopic glycol solution is circulated from a regenerator to the contactor, while dilute solution is circulated from the contactor to the regenerator. Energy from the solar collector is transferred to facilitate concentration thereof. In one disclosed embodiment energy from the solar collector is also transferred to the generator of heat-powered refrigeration apparatus, e.g., absorption or rankine engine driven refrigeration apparatus. The condenser of the refrigeration apparatus may operate to heat the glycol solution in the regenerator of the dehumidifier and the evaporator may cool the concentrated glycol solution in the contactor and/or may supply chilled fluid to a heat exchanger for cooling the dehumidified air.
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