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Modeling and Dynamic Simulation of a Hybrid Liquid Desiccant System with Non-Adiabatic Falling-Film Air-Solution Contactors for Air Conditioning Applications in Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Juan Prieto

    (CREVER, Mechanical Engineering Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain)

  • Antonio Atienza-Márquez

    (CREVER, Mechanical Engineering Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain)

  • Alberto Coronas

    (CREVER, Mechanical Engineering Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain)

Abstract

This paper presents an experimentally validated, dynamic model of a hybrid liquid desiccant system. For this purpose, we developed new components for the air-solution contactors, which are of the non-adiabatic falling-film type with horizontal tubes (made of improved polypropylene) and the solution tanks. We also provide new experimental correlations for both the tube-solution heat transfer coefficient and the mass transfer coefficient on the airside as a function of the air velocity. To validate the model, the results obtained from the dynamic simulations were compared with those obtained by monitoring a demonstration unit installed in a sports center in Taipei (Taiwan). Once validated, the model was used to perform a sensitivity analysis at different operational conditions, such as the inlet water temperatures in the air-solution contactors and the LiCl mass fraction at which the system operates. The results of the sensitivity analysis were used to optimize the seasonal performance in terms of comfort and energy required by the system. Compared with a conventional air-handling unit that controls air temperature and humidity, the annual energy savings of the liquid desiccant systems are 17%.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Prieto & Antonio Atienza-Márquez & Alberto Coronas, 2021. "Modeling and Dynamic Simulation of a Hybrid Liquid Desiccant System with Non-Adiabatic Falling-Film Air-Solution Contactors for Air Conditioning Applications in Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:2:p:505-:d:483100
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wang, Xinli & Cai, Wenjian & Lu, Jiangang & Sun, Youxian & Ding, Xudong, 2013. "A hybrid dehumidifier model for real-time performance monitoring, control and optimization in liquid desiccant dehumidification system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 449-455.
    2. Wang, Xinli & Cai, Wenjian & Yin, Xiaohong, 2017. "A global optimized operation strategy for energy savings in liquid desiccant air conditioning using self-adaptive differential evolutionary algorithm," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 410-423.
    3. Wu, Qiong & Cai, WenJian & Shen, Suping & Wang, Xinli & Ren, Haoren, 2017. "A regulation strategy of working concentration in the dehumidifier of liquid desiccant air conditioner," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 648-661.
    4. Mohammad, Abdulrahman Th. & Mat, Sohif Bin & Sopian, K. & Al-abidi, Abduljalil A., 2016. "Review: Survey of the control strategy of liquid desiccant systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 250-258.
    5. Li, Xian & Liu, Shuai & Tan, Kok Kiong & Wang, Qing-Guo & Cai, Wen-Jian & Xie, Lihua, 2016. "Dynamic modeling of a liquid desiccant dehumidifier," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 435-445.
    6. Mei, L. & Dai, Y.J., 2008. "A technical review on use of liquid-desiccant dehumidification for air-conditioning application," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 12(3), pages 662-689, April.
    7. Mohammad, Abdulrahman Th. & Bin Mat, Sohif & Sulaiman, M.Y. & Sopian, K. & Al-abidi, Abduljalil A., 2013. "Survey of hybrid liquid desiccant air conditioning systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 186-200.
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