Analysis of supermarket dehumidification alternatives

Technical Report · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:6925351

Beckman, W A; Dorgan, C E; Lindell, C J ^[1]

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1. Wisconsin Univ., Madison, WI (United States). Solar Energy Lab.

Alternative methods to provide space conditioning in supermarkets were studied. Four basic air-conditioning systems were selected for evaluation in a store in Miami, Florida: (1) conventional vapor compression systems, (2) vapor compression air-conditioning systems designed for supermarket loads, (3) hybrid desiccant air-conditioning systems, and (4) cool storage systems. Computer models were created and annual simulations of performance were made. The impacts on energy use and cost of circulation flow rate, store humidity set point, heat pipe heat exchangers, and climate on energy use and cost were determined. Dual path electric systems and desiccant systems were found to consume the least electrical energy. Savings of the desiccant system are partially offset by natural gas needed to reactivate the desiccant. Single path systems with reduced circulation air flow consumed significantly less electricity than the conventional system. Lower humidity shifts the air-conditioning load from the refrigerated cases to the HVAC system and reduces the electrical use for all but the conventional system. Heat pipe heat exchangers provide little benefit. Flat and time-of-use electric rate schedules were used to estimate operating savings and to determine the cost effectiveness of the alternative approaches.

• Research Organization: Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); Wisconsin Univ., Madison, WI (United States). Solar Energy Lab.
• Sponsoring Organization: EPRI; Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6925351
• Report Number(s): EPRI-TR-100352
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320106* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Equipment-- (1987-)
320107 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Systems-- (1987-)
AIR CONDITIONING
BUILDINGS
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
COOLING
DEHUMIDIFICATION
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
PLANNING
REFRIGERATION