Energy performance of next-generation dedicated outdoor air cooling systems in low-energy building operations

A conventional chiller system based on the vapor-compression cycle, widely used in dehumidification and cooling, has its limitations in energy performance and environmental concerns. Previous studies have mainly focused on analyzing one specific type of alternative cooling technology in a certain climate or for a specific building. In this study, we apply thermodynamic models to systematically evaluate the energy efficiencies of next-generation dedicated outdoor air cooling systems, namely those with desiccants and membranes, and compare them against the industry benchmark, revealing their prospects and limitations at different time scales and locations. The innovative systems we propose are coupled with energy recovery and renewable energy systems to further enhance the system energy efficiencies. A sensitivity analysis on equipment performances further informs how to choose equipment parameter values to boost the system energy performances. Results reveal the principles of how to systematically organize cooling equipment to achieve potential energy savings from a thermodynamic point of view, and highlight 100% increase in working-hour average system COP for desiccant and membrane cooling systems exampled in a low-energy office building at Boston. Parametric studies in different climates and working conditions further substantiates the superior system energy performance of next-generation cooling technologies in latent heat removal. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.