A techno-economic investigation of conventional and innovative desiccant solutions based on moisture sorption analysis [dataset]

Liquid desiccant technology has been identified as an energy-efficient replacement for conventional technologies for temperature and humidity control application. This paper investigated conventional and innovative desiccant solutions from a techno-economic point of view using a moisture sorption analysis. Experimental work was carried out by testing different conditions of temperature and humidity in a climatic chamber and evaluating the moisture absorption and desorption capacity of conventional desiccant solutions (such as an aqueous halide solution of lithium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium formate) and innovative desiccant solutions (such as solutions with addition of a surfactant, nanoparticles or ionic liquids). The experiment work was complemented by considerations about desiccant solutions cost and thermo-chemical energy storage capacity. Among the investigated solutions, it was found that calcium chloride outperforms the others in terms of cost and moisture desorption capacity, which could be beneficial for low-grade heat recovery, despite of its low moisture absorption capacity. Ionic liquids (either stand-alone or as additives) are promising substitutes for conventional desiccant solutions as they can provide deep dehumidification, will not crystallise and are of low corrosiveness. The study will be useful for the advancement of liquid desiccant systems to help identify fluids that could perform better in different conditions.