Performance analysis of a liquid desiccant and membrane contactor hybrid air-conditioning system

The present study examines the performances of a hybrid air-conditioning system in which a vapour-compression inverse cycle is integrated with an air dehumidification system working with hygroscopic solution and hydrophobic membrane. This model may be a valid alternative to traditional summertime air-conditioning system, in which the air is cooled to below its dew-point temperature and subsequently reheated. The proposed hybrid system involves simultaneously cooling and dehumidifying the air conveyed to the conditioned ambient in an air-solution membrane contactor. An LiCl solution is cooled by means of a vapour-compression inverse cycle using the refrigerant KLEA 407C. The solution is regenerated in another membrane contactor by exploiting the heat rejected by the condenser. A SIMULINK calculation programme was designed in order to simulate the system under examination in steady-state conditions. The performances of the system were analysed on varying a few significant operating parameters, and were compared with those of a traditional direct-expansion air-conditioning plant in typical summertime conditions. The results of the simulations revealed significant energy savings, which, in particular operating conditions, may exceed 50%. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.