۱- Introduction

۲- Desiccant cooling systems

۳- Key factors for choosing desiccant materials in cooling systems

۴- Advanced desiccant materials

۵- Discussion and future works

۶- Conclusion

References

Abstract

A desiccant cooling system is among the best options to overcome future energy demand issues while considering human comfort by its ability to control both temperature and humidity. Although desiccant materials remarkably affect the performance of desiccant-based cooling systems, most studies focus on the design. This paper presents a review of the recent investigations on advanced desiccant materials regarding the improvement of the material properties for desiccant cooling application, emphasizing other important parameters, such as environmental conditions, cost, and design to achieve optimal performance. The preparation and performance of silica- and carbon-based desiccant materials are discussed. The current most suitable desiccant materials under different conditions for desiccant air conditioning systems and suggestions for future works are presented.

Introduction

Modern lifestyle and industrialization come with the consumption of a huge amount of energy for cooling systems to provide thermal comfort in buildings and working places. Recent statistics from IEA claims triple demands on air conditioner system worldwide by the next 30 years [1], which means that almost three-fold energy usage and global warming will result if no significant changes will be made in modifying or replacing available air conditioner systems. This fact opens many research challenges for scientists and industries to study and develop eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for conventional vapor compression air conditioning systems. The desiccant cooling system is among these alternatives with very interesting concepts. Desiccant cooling system is not only energy efficient but also could effectively control the indoor humidity, which is another important factor for human comfort aside from temperature. The ability of separate control of latent and sensible loads, which removes the overcooling and reheating of process air, is an advantage of desiccant cooling system over conventional air conditioning systems, because of a huge decrease in energy consumption and increase in coefficient of performance (COP) [2]. The utilization of desiccant cooling system in industries such as pharmaceutical, food, laboratories, and chemical industries, which needs very dry air to maintain severe hygienic conditions constantly, is highly preferred because of its strong control for adjusting humidity and its cost-effectiveness.