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A comprehensive sizing analysis using an effectiveness-NTU framework for vacuum membrane dehumidification systems.

Number: 2590

Author(s) : RAHMAN A., FIX A. J., OH J., BRAUN J. E., WARSINGER D. M.

Summary

Vacuum membrane dehumidification (VMD) has emerged as a highly efficient technology for air conditioning systems in recent years. By using highly selective membranes to avoid phase change for moisture removal, VMD can operate with less power consumption than traditional air conditioning systems. However, for efficient operation and high energy savings, proper membrane size is essential. In this study, VMD module sizing is determined using a partial pressure-driven ε-NTU framework, which is analogous to the temperature-driven ε-NTU method for heat exchanger sizing. Annual weather data and building loads are obtained from EnergyPlus for medium office buildings in the US to further study the impact that annual climate conditions have on the required system size. The required membrane area is determined using a statistical tool for 94 cities across the United States. The effects of ventilation ratio (VR) and compactness of the membrane module on energy savings and membrane area are also investigated. For a VR ratio from 15% to 100%, the energy savings per building floor area increased from 2 kWh•m-2 to 7.4 kWh•m-2 compared to the baseline system. With the variation of compactness from 130 m2•m-3 to 1000 m2•m-3, the energy savings reached a maximum value of 2 kWh•m-2 and then started decreasing due to the increase of fan power. This comprehensive study highlights the membrane area requirement and corresponding energy savings in any location for membrane-based dehumidification applications.

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Pages: 10 p.

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  • Original title: A comprehensive sizing analysis using an effectiveness-NTU framework for vacuum membrane dehumidification systems.
  • Record ID : 30033010
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2024 Purdue Conferences. 20th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2024/07/17

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