Developing a decoupled cooling and dehumidification air-conditioning system

Recent advances in radiant cooling and desiccant dehumidification offer the possibility of independent temperature and humidity control in general air-conditioning applications. Chilled-ceiling systems are being applied in European countries as alternative air conditioning systems. European interest in the system stems from improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort by combining chilled-ceiling with displacement ventilation design. However, the system also offers many energy saving possibilities including reduced fan energy and increased opportunities for free evaporative or sea-water cooling. Tt is significant to investigate the potentials and limitations of the system application in hot and humid climates. This paper reviews the system applications in European countries and discusses some developmental system configurations that are conceived for hot and humid climates. In particular, some related system design concepts that will have drastic impacts on HVAC design will be discussed. System energy and space thermal comfort analysis tool development is needed to evaluate the system.