ANALYSIS OF THE SEASONAL PERFORMANCE OF HYBRID LIQUID DESICCANT COOLING SYSTEMS

A simulation model for the liquid desiccant component of a hybrid liquid desiccant cooling system was developed. Seasonal simulations were performed on different operational modes of a hybrid liquid desiccant cooling system including regeneration by solar energy. The seasonal thermal and electrical energy use and operational costs were compared to those of conventional cooling systems. For the system configuration investigated, the study shows that the cooling energy required by the conditioner exceeds the cooling requirements of the load. Although the conditioner cooling water is provided at a higher temperature (and therefore at a higher COP) than required in a conventional system, the additional requirement of regeneration energy cause the operating costs to be comparable to greater than those of a conventional chilled water cooling system. A preferred liquid desiccant configuration from an operating cost standpoint is proposed.