Air conditioning apparatus utilizing solar energy and method
An air conditioning apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chemical dehumidifier which employs an aqueous hygroscopic solution of glycol and a solar energy collector for use in regenerating the solution. Air to be conditioned is circulated through a contactor of the chemical dehumidifier, in contact with cooled glycol solution. Concentrated hygroscopic glycol solution is circulated from a regenerator to the contactor, while dilute solution is circulated from the contactor to the regenerator. Energy from the solar collector is transferred to facilitate concentration thereof. In one disclosed embodiment energy from the solar collector is also transferred to the generator of heat-powered refrigeration apparatus, E.G., absorption or rankine engine driven refrigeration apparatus. The condenser of the refrigeration apparatus may operate to heat the glycol solution in the regenerator of the dehumidifier and the evaporator may cool the concentrated glycol solution in the contactor and/or may supply chilled fluid to a heat exchanger for cooling the dehumidified air. In a modified embodiment, a diesel engine drives the refrigeration apparatus. Waste heat from the diesel engine either augments the solar energy for regenerating the glycol solution or regenerates desiccant from a second stage of dehumidification.
- Assignee:
- Gershon Meckler Assoc
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4222244
- OSTI ID:
- 6660343
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140901* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
AIR CONDITIONERS
ALCOHOLS
DEHUMIDIFIERS
DESIGN
DIESEL ENGINES
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
GLYCOLS
HEAT ENGINES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MACHINERY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
REFRIGERATING MACHINERY
REGENERATORS
SOLAR AIR CONDITIONERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR REGENERATORS
WASTE HEAT UTILIZATION
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION