| Solar cooling techniques were investigated for a potential favorable economic return for humid climates. A solar open-cycle liquid desiccant air dehumidification system appears to be the most promising method. The liquid desiccant used in this study is a solution of calcium chloride and water. The desiccant is dehumidified and regenerated in packed bed towers. Transpired collectors are used for desiccant regeneration because these collectors are less expensive than conventional glazed collectors. With computer models, the performance of a desiccant cooling ventilation cycle integrated with unglazed transpired collectors was studied and compared with the conventional vapor compression approach. Transfer Function Method (TFM) was used to predict the heat gain, cooling load, and heat extraction rate in a small commercial building. The initial estimated cost of the desiccant is about 4.5 times higher than the conventional vapor compression system but the desiccant system is expected to pay for itself in 6 years. |
