Two line graphs side by side: Distinction between conventional and SSLC operation.

Figure 1: Distinction between conventional and SSLC operation.

Graphic and photo: Desiccant coated metal foam heat exchanger cell.

Figure 2: Desiccant coated metal foam heat exchanger cell.

Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) — Oak Ridge, TN
Partners:
-- Johnson Controls Inc. – Oklahoma City, OK
-- Trane – La Crosse, WI
DOE Total Funding: $570,000
FY19 DOE Funding: $270,000
Project Term: October 1, 2018—September 30, 2020
Funding Type: Direct Funded

Project Objective

Separate sensible and latent cooling (SSLC) air-conditioning (AC) systems offer significant performance improvement when compared to conventional vapor compression systems (VCS). Traditional VCS provide simultaneous sensible and latent cooling, while this new technology would utilize a desiccant-coated dehumidifier to provide dedicated latent cooling. By separating the two, this SSLC technology will have the potential to significantly reduce building energy use intensity by increasing the overall energy efficiency of AC systems.

Project Impact

This project will develop sustainable desiccant-coated dehumidifier technology that can effectively remove the undesired moisture content in AC systems without requiring significant energy use. This technology can effectively provide the same cooling with more precise temperature control and a significant reduction in total energy consumption.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Antonio Bouza  
Lead Performer: Kashif Nawaz, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Related Publications

  1. K. Nawaz, "Desiccant-Based Separate Sensible and Latent Cooling System", BTO Merit review, 2018, Washington D.C.
  2. K. Nawaz, N. Galego, Cristian Contescu, "Transient moisture adsorption / desorption behavior of solid desiccants," International Journal of Refrigeration (under review).
  3. K. Nawaz, N. Galego, Cristian Contescu, "Steady-state moisture adsorption / desorption behavior of solid desiccants," International Journal of Refrigeration (under review).
  4. K. Nawaz, J. Bock, Z. Dai, and A. Jacobi, “Thermal-hydraulic performance of metal foam heat exchangers under dry operating conditions,” Applied Thermal Engineering, 2017, 119(5), 222–232.
  5. K. Nawaz, S. Schmidt and A. Jacobi., “A Parametric Study about Mass Diffusion Coefficient of Desiccants for Dehumidification Applications: Silica Aerogels and Silica Aerogel Coatings on Metal Foams,” HVAC and R Research, 2015.
  6. K. Nawaz, S. Schmidt and A. Jacobi., “Effect of catalysts used in the Sol-Gel process on the microstructure and absorption / desorption performance of silica aerogels,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2014, 74, 25-34.
  7. K. Nawaz, S. Schmidt and A. Jacobi., “Effect of catalyst and substrate on the moisture diffusivity of silica-aerogel-coated metal foams,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2014, 73, 634-644.
  8. Invention Disclosure 201703999, DOE S-138,663, “Silica Aerogel and Hydrophilic Carbon Foams as Novel Materials for Solar Energy Harvesting.”
  9. Invention Disclosure 201703954, DOE S-138,615, “Metal Foam Heat Exchangers for Air and Gas Cooling and Heating Application (Dry, Wet and Frosted Conditions).