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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

High-efficiency vapor-compression dehumidifier. Volumes 1 and 2. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6754672
Dehumidification required in conjunction with passive cooling, the performance of presently available dehumidifiers, and the development and testing of a significantly improved vapor compression dehumidification system are discussed. Design and testing rationale are explained and test results are presented. The sensitivity of dehumidification performance to room temperature and humidity is quantified. The improved dehumidification system performs better than the best commercially available dehumidifier under all operating conditions. The improved system is approximately 5 times as energy efficient while controlling humidity when room temperatures are near optimum for comfort. A variety of applications for the improved system is outlined and a simplified sizing procedure for design is suggested. A preliminary market assessment is provided for an improved mechanical dehumidifier (IMD) for both passive and conventional application. The IMD is found to provide significant energy savings potential in passive applications and outperforms dehumidifiers and air conditioners in life cycle costs. Utility, builder and commercial inputs indicate the energy saving possibilities and need for common education. Future work is recommended to provide detailed market information, public education and scientific information or application and control of the IMD in the passive cooling environment.
Research Organization:
Trinity Univ., San Antonio, TX (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FC03-80SF11505
OSTI ID:
6754672
Report Number(s):
DOE/SF/11505-T8; ON: DE82019326
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English