Development of a solar desiccant dehumidifier. Second technical progress report
Research and development of a solar desiccant dehumidifier featuring a rotary bed of granular silica gel and a rotary regenerator for air conditioning is described. The results of the system optimization studies are presented. The studies involved an extensive investigation of the energy saving potential and economic viability of the solar desiccant dehumidifier in different locations in the United States. Conventional electric vapor compression, and solar absorption and Rankine systems also were investigated for comparison. In general, it was found that the solar desiccant equipment, either by itself or in a hybrid system with an electric vapor compression air conditioner, is economically viable for all three locations considered. Substantial energy savings can be effected as well. Seal tests done at AiResearch to develop practical dynamic air seals are described. Leakage and friction tests were performed on a variety of material combinations and configurations. Dacron felt and silicone rubber were found to give an acceptable combination of leakage, friction, and cost characteristics. As part of the commercialization studies for the desiccant equipment, a questionnaire was sent to residential air conditioning equipment distributors. The results of the questionnaire are presented. The specifications and drawings for the 1.5-ton prototype are included. (WHK)
- Research Organization:
- AiResearch Mfg. Co., Torrance, CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EG-77-C-03-1591
- OSTI ID:
- 5654217
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/CS/31591-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
SOLAR AIR CONDITIONERS
DESIGN
MARKETING RESEARCH
COST
DEHUMIDIFIERS
DESICCANTS
DIAGRAMS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
LEAK TESTING
OPTIMIZATION
PERFORMANCE
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SEALS
SILICA GEL
SOLAR REGENERATORS
SPECIFICATIONS
SURVEYS
ADSORBENTS
AIR CONDITIONERS
APPLIANCES
ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
EQUIPMENT
REGENERATORS
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TESTING
140901* - Solar Thermal Utilization- Space Heating & Cooling