59. Technical Analysis of a Hybrid Desiccant Cooling in a Mediterranean Climate

This chapter presents a performance analysis of a hybrid liquid desiccant cooling system (DCS) with lithium chloride as the desiccant material in a Mediterranean climate. Mathematical models of desiccant contactors are adopted from the literature. The complete system is modeled in the TRNSYS platform and is simulated using Typical Meteorological Year data. The building model was developed in accordance with the building’s construction material and usage style. Simulations are performed over the summer period of a typical year and the results of the system are compared with the results of a conventional vapor compression cooling system (VCCS) from viewpoint of system characteristics and energy savings. One of the important contributions is the conclusion that a transient cycle analysis is necessary to understand the DCS cycle’s performance. The results also indicate that the consumed energy in both systems is approximately equal in magnitudes but different in type; DCS shifts the energy required for the operation of the system from electrical energy to thermal energy. It is also observed that for large supply-airflow rate applications, DCS would be more beneficial than VCCS.