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Experimental investigation of hybrid air-conditioning system with desiccant-coated heat exchanger using CO2 refrigerant

Number: 2010

Author(s) : HIGASHI T., TOKUNAGA K., ZHANG L., SAIKAWA M., DANG C., HIHARA E.

Summary

It is important to allow temperature and humidity to be individually controlled to ensure a comfortable ambient environment. Typically, vapor compression refrigeration cycles are widely used for conventional air-conditioners with high energy efficiency. The refrigeration cycle can also include cooling dehumidification, which involves eliminating airborne water vapor by condensing it on the evaporator surface. However, this operation may cause refrigeration cycle efficiency to decline and require a drain tube. Moreover, the humidification process requires an additional humidifier and a water supply. The scope for controlling humidity by desiccant is attracting increasing attention as a means of overcoming these issues. The desiccant can adsorb the water vapor directly from the air and this can reduce the energy consumption required to control humidity. Additionally, it can realize non-drain dehumidification and water-free humidification. Meanwhile, although hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants are widely used for air-conditioners, most have considerable global warming potential. Worldwide, there is a need to shift to low-GWP refrigerants, for which natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide (CO2) may prove promising candidates. In this research, a hybrid air-conditioning system using CO2 refrigerant with a desiccant-coated heat exchanger (DCHE) was experimentally investigated. This system comprises a compressor, a four-way valve, indoor and outdoor units, and the DCHE module. The DCHE can function alternately as a gas cooler and evaporator by controlling the expansion valves installed in the system. The DCHE and the indoor heat exchanger manage the humidity and temperature control, respectively, which allows the system to realize sensible/latent heat-separation air-conditioning. Field testing was carried out in the field-test building resembling a real residential house and the system performance was examined under dehumidification and humidification modes.

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  • Original title: Experimental investigation of hybrid air-conditioning system with desiccant-coated heat exchanger using CO2 refrigerant
  • Record ID : 30030464
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2022 Purdue Conferences. 19th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2022/07/10

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