Design of a Coupled BIPV/T – Solid Desiccant Cooling System for a Warm and Humid Climate
Abstract
The use of vapor compression systems for cooling in warm and humid climates can be energy intensive due to the excessive latent load of the ambient air. Low grade thermally driven cooling systems can contribute to lowering the cooling energy demand. The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of a solid desiccant cooling system (SDC) coupled with an air-based roof building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system located in Chennai, India and provide the basis for the design of such a system. For this purpose, several configurations are investigated with regard to the cooling performance, energy consumption, electricity production, desiccant regeneration heat contributed by the BIPV/T system and thermal comfort of the building. In addition, parametric studies have been conducted to optimize each configuration. Preliminary results show that for ambient temperature of 30oC and 70% RH and regeneration temperatures between 70oC 90oC, supply air temperatures between 25.8oC-21.9oC and 55-60% RH, respectively, can be achieved, while the BIPV/T outlet air temperature is maintained above 50oC for more than 40% of the daylight hours.