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Mathematical modeling and performance evaluation of a desiccant coated fin-tube heat exchanger

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  • Jagirdar, Mrinal
  • Lee, Poh Seng

Abstract

A solid-desiccant system that utilizes low grade heat is potentially a viable add-on to conventional HVAC systems since it can help reduce power consumption significantly, for achieving indoor thermal comfort conditions. In contrast to desiccant wheels which carry out adiabatic dehumidification, isothermal dehumidification process that may be realized by a cross-flow heat exchanger is much more efficient. In this paper, a novel mathematical model is developed to simulate heat and mass exchange phenomena of a desiccant coated fin tube heat exchanger (DCFTHX). This model takes solid side mass transfer resistance as well as fin efficiency into consideration. The model is validated using experimental results in the literature. It is also compared against simplified models to establish its utility. A parametric study is then conducted to investigate the effects of geometrical parameters as well as mass flow rate of water and air velocity on dehumidification and adsorption heat removal performance of the DCFTHX as well as the performance of the augmented air-conditioning system under warm and humid ambient conditions. Under the range of parameters and conditions simulated, if low grade waste heat (50 °C hot water) is available for regeneration, integration of DCFTHX sub-system with a conventional air conditioning system can yield as high as 31% energy savings (even when the additional power consumed by pumps and blower fans is accounted for).

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  • Jagirdar, Mrinal & Lee, Poh Seng, 2018. "Mathematical modeling and performance evaluation of a desiccant coated fin-tube heat exchanger," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 401-415.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:212:y:2018:i:c:p:401-415
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.12.038
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    6. Feng, Y.H. & Dai, Y.J. & Wang, R.Z. & Ge, T.S., 2022. "Insights into desiccant-based internally-cooled dehumidification using porous sorbents: From a modeling viewpoint," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
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    9. Zu, Kan & Qin, Menghao & Cui, Shuqing, 2020. "Progress and potential of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as novel desiccants for built environment control: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
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    12. Vivekh, P. & Kumja, M. & Bui, D.T. & Chua, K.J., 2018. "Recent developments in solid desiccant coated heat exchangers – A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 778-803.
    13. 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).
    14. Vivekh, P. & Islam, M.R. & Chua, K.J., 2020. "Experimental performance evaluation of a composite superabsorbent polymer coated heat exchanger based air dehumidification system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    15. Jiang, L. & Lu, Y.J. & Roskilly, A.P. & Wang, R.Z. & Wang, L.W. & Tang, K., 2018. "Exploration of ammonia resorption cycle for power generation by using novel composite sorbent," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C), pages 457-467.
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    17. Jiang, L. & Roskilly, A.P. & Wang, R.Z. & Wang, L.W., 2018. "Analysis on innovative resorption cycle for power and refrigeration cogeneration," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 10-21.
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    19. Valarezo, Andres S. & Sun, X.Y. & Ge, T.S. & Dai, Y.J. & Wang, R.Z., 2019. "Experimental investigation on performance of a novel composite desiccant coated heat exchanger in summer and winter seasons," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 506-518.

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