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Studying the performance of a pilot scale vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier

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Listed:
  • Bui, T.D.
  • Chen, W.D.
  • Islam, M.R.
  • Zhao, D.
  • Chua, K.J.

Abstract

Research on vacuum-based membrane dehumidification (VMD) has gained significant traction due to it being an efficient isothermal and eco-friendly process. However, most research works are focused on studying well-defined lab-scale membrane dehumidifiers. Therefore, key results on larger-size membrane dehumidifiers are far and few. In this work, a large-scale pilot-scale vacuum membrane prototype is developed and tested for the purpose of achieving high-performing air dehumidification in tropical climate conditions. The membrane prototype comprises 78 m2 of a flat-sheet composite membrane which possesses a high water vapor permeance and selectivity. It is able to remove 25 kg/h of water vapor from input humid air with a dehumidification COP of 2. This COP is much higher than that of a conventional desiccant dehumidifier and reaches 85% of the theoretical COP limit of a single stage pumping vacuum membrane dehumidifier. It is expected that a dehumidification COP of up to 16 can be achieved when this membrane prototype is coupled with a pumping-condensing system with high operating efficacy. The developed VMD system has highly stable performance in 8-week operation test.

Suggested Citation

  • Bui, T.D. & Chen, W.D. & Islam, M.R. & Zhao, D. & Chua, K.J., 2023. "Studying the performance of a pilot scale vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 351(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:351:y:2023:i:c:s0306261923012710
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121907
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rambhad, Kishor S. & Walke, Pramod V. & Tidke, D.J., 2016. "Solid desiccant dehumidification and regeneration methods—A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 73-83.
    2. Chua, K.J. & Chou, S.K. & Yang, W.M. & Yan, J., 2013. "Achieving better energy-efficient air conditioning – A review of technologies and strategies," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 87-104.
    3. Liu, M. & Prabakaran, V. & Bui, T. & Cheng, G.G. & Pang, W., 2023. "Three-dimensional numerical analysis of fin-tube desiccant-coated heat exchanger for air dehumidification in tropics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    4. Bui, D.T. & Vivekh, P. & Islam, M.R. & Chua, K.J., 2022. "Studying the characteristics and energy performance of a composite hollow membrane for air dehumidification," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PB).
    5. Bui, Duc Thuan & Kum Ja, M. & Gordon, Jeffrey M. & Ng, Kim Choon & Chua, Kian Jon, 2017. "A thermodynamic perspective to study energy performance of vacuum-based membrane dehumidification," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 106-115.
    6. Rafique, M. Mujahid & Gandhidasan, P. & Bahaidarah, Haitham M.S., 2016. "Liquid desiccant materials and dehumidifiers – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 179-195.
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