Feasibility Study and Performance Analysis of Solar Assisted Desiccant Cooling Technology in Hot and Humid Climate

Problem statement: New approaches to space conditioning of buildings are to resolve environmental, economic and regulatory issues. One of the alternative systems that brought to agenda is the desiccant cooling systems, which may provide important advantages in solving air conditioning problems. Approach: The performance analysis of desiccant cooling with solar energy are analyzed. The system was designed, constructed and tested in National University of Malaysia. This system consist of a desiccant wheel, heat recovery wheel, evaporative cooler, fan, solar collector (vacuum tube) and electric heater unit. Results: As the key/design parameters, the rotation speed 12 rph and the ratio area of regeneration temperature from 50-120°C and the thermodynamics coefficient of performance obtained was 0.6 conditions. Conclusion: The results confirmed the potential use of the technology satisfactorily in hot and humid conditions.