Projects

Advanced Humidity Control Equipment
Sponsors: Trane/FSEC/ORNL, SEMCO/ORNL, DryKor/NREL, and GTI

Under four separate projects, ERC evaluated advanced humidity control systems integrating desiccant technology (dehumidifiers or enthalpy exchangers) with conventional vapor compression cooling coil equipment. In the first project with Trane, the Cromer Cycle, that utilizes a desiccant enthalpy exchange device "straddling" a cooling coil to increase moisture removal, was computer modeled and annual simulations completed to identify building applications that achieved improved humidity control economics. In the second project with SEMCO, ERC tested alternative solid desiccant dehumidifier matrix samples in the M&IE Sorption Test Facility to identify better component selections and more cost effective equipment designs. In the third project with DryKor, ERC developed a CFD analysis to assess the magnitude of the various heat and mass mechanisms contributing to the sustained operation of the liquid desiccant dehumidifier. In the fourth and final project, ERC analyzed alternative supplemental dehumidifiers for residential application, including design assistance with a HVAC manufacturer and a white paper on residential dehumidifiers.

Douglas Kosar
(312) 413-2646
dkosar@uic.edu

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