Desiccant-based, heat-actuated cooling assessment for DHC (District Heating and Cooling) systems
An assessment has been completed of the use of desiccant-based, heat-actuated cooling for District Heating and Cooling (DHC) systems, showing that such desiccant-based cooling (DBC) systems are generally applicable to District Heating (DH) systems. Since the DH system only has to supply hot water (or steam) to its customers, systems that were designed as conventional two-pipe DH systems can now be operated as DHC systems without major additional capital expense. Desiccant-based DHC systems can be operated with low-grade DH-supplied heat, at temperatures below 180{degree}F, without significant loss in operating capacity, relative to absorption chillers. During this assessment, a systems analysis was performed, an experimental investigation was conducted, developmental requirements for commercializing DBC systems were examined, and two case studies were conducted. As a result of the case studies, it was found that the operating cost of a DBC system was competitive with or lower than the cost of purchasing DHC-supplied chilled water. However, because of the limited production volume and the current high capital costs of desiccant systems, the payback period is relatively long. In this regard, through the substitution of low-cost components specifically engineered for low-temperature DHC systems, the capital costs should be significantly reduced and overall economics made attractive to future users. 17 figs.
- Research Organization:
- TECOGEN, Inc., Waltham, MA (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/CE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG01-89CE26593
- OSTI ID:
- 6460610
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/CE/26593-1; TR-4471-058-90; ON: DE90015516
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
District Heating and Cooling Technology Development Program: Phase 2, Investigation of reduced-cost heat-actuated desiccant cooling systems for DHC applications. Final report, August 20, 1990--January 1, 1992
District Heating and Cooling Technology Development Program: Phase 2, Investigation of reduced-cost heat-actuated desiccant cooling systems for DHC applications
Related Subjects
DISTRICT COOLING
COMMERCIALIZATION
DEHUMIDIFIERS
DESICCANTS
DESIGN
DISTRICT HEATING
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
PROGRESS REPORT
COOLING
DOCUMENT TYPES
ECONOMICS
HEATING
320603* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Municipalities & Community Systems- Public Utilities- (1980-)