Dehumidification assessment for desiccant coated heat exchanger systems in different buildings and climates: fast choice of desiccants

Abstract Energy conservation and emission reduction have become a global consensus. As a novel promising energy-saving dehumidification technology, desiccant coated heat exchanger (DCHE)-based air conditioning systems have attracted immense attention recently. This paper provides a quick and reasonable selection of desiccant materials for DCHE systems using water as the cooling medium in different buildings and climates. By the theoretical calculation of moisture needed to be removed in three types of buildings (offices, residential buildings and restaurants) and the analysis of the dehumidification capacity of desiccants in DCHEs reported in the literature, optimal desiccants for different building types and ambient air conditions under given parameters are recommended. Salt-supported porous composite desiccants possess flexible dehumidification performance and can be utilized in most climates and building types, except for extremely humid indoor environments with high requirement for fresh air. Zeolites are especially suitable for return air states, American Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) summer and ARI humid climates in buildings with moderate indoor moisture gain, such as offices or residential buildings. Polyelectrolytes can be applied in humid climates and buildings with high indoor wet loads, such as restaurants. This paper offers a promising route to the applications of desiccant materials in novel energy-saving air conditioning technologies.