Performance investigation of a novel hybrid deep-dehumidification process using liquid desiccant

Abstract

As one of the essential dehumidification ways, liquid desiccant air conditioning system has developed quickly in recent years, especially in the deep dehumidification field. A novel hybrid deep- dehumidification system using liquid desiccant driven by heat pump is proposed in this study to simplify the arrangement of air ducts and guarantee a competitive energy efficiency. In the proposed process, the regenerator, condensing dehumidifier and liquid dehumidifier are cascaded, and the process air flow through them sequentially. Heat pump cycle is utilized in the system, where the cooling capacity of evaporator is used to cool the liquid desiccant in dehumidifier, and the heating capacity of condenser is used for desiccant regeneration. The humidity ratio of the supplied air is as low as 2.6 g/kg. No extra regeneration air or corresponding air duct are needed in the proposed process, which obviously simplifies the layout of the system. Performance of the proposed system is then analysed by numerical results. It’s indicated 17.5~29.2% energy is saved compared with the conventional deep dehumidification process with two-stage heat pump, with the outlet humidity ratio of 2.6 g/kg.