Performance analysis of a solar desiccant air conditioning system.

A desiccant air conditioning system driven by solar energy is proposed, and the absorption performance of two kinds of sorbent material, mesoporous silica and polymeric sorbent, which can be regenerated at relatively low temperatures were experimentally studied. Based on the experimental results of both the absorption capacity and absorption speed of each absorbent, a mathematical model was constructed considering effects of geometry parameter, operation condition and the absorption property of each sorbent. A cycle simulation model was set up to predict the operating performance of the proposed desiccant system and conventional vapor compression system including the power consumption, in-tube evaporation and condensation temperature, cooling load. A solar collector is introduced into this system to reduce the regenerative energy consumption and the system is able to be operated normally even the solar radiation is weak. The energy efficiency of the proposed hybrid cycle by using different absorbents was evaluated.