A comprehensive review on solid desiccant-assisted novel dehumidification and its advanced regeneration methods

Abstract

A solid desiccant-based novel dehumidification technique in indoor cooling is a viable substitute for a traditional dehumidification system in regions with high humidity levels. The ozone layer is being steadily destroyed by vapour compression-based conventional dehumidification systems, which also have a number of other disadvantages such as excessive power consumption and a rise in the amount of chlorofluorocarbons type refrigerant leakage in the atmosphere. As compared to traditionally used vapour compression type refrigeration air conditioners, solid desiccant-integrated novel cooling may be more advantageous as it provides more easily accessible, cost-effective, and ecologically sound cooling. It can be more competitive when it is reactivated by freely available renewable heat available from solar power and industrial waste heat. Not only marginally saving energy, but it can also help in drastically lower operational costs. Recently, many studies have been carried out with aim of ameliorating desiccant air conditioners' overall performance through the development of novel system configurations, enhanced system designs and better controls, and the integration of hybrid energy sources for desiccant reactivation as well as sub-systems technological advancements. By this means, the present study offers a thorough analysis of the previously described investigations. This offers detailed study on possible suggestions and recommendations for possible future work direction based on the most recent investigations in the field of the desiccant-powered novel cooling techniques. These recommendations can help to amplify the efforts to find better solutions to concurrent technological issues, which will definitely ameliorate the overall performance of desiccant-integrated dehumidification and hybrid cooling in the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.