Design of a Coupled BIPV/T - Solid Desiccant Cooling System for a Warm and Humid Climate

The use of vapor compression systems in warm and humid climates is energy intensive due to the excessive latent load in the ambient air. As an alternative, low grade thermally driven cooling systems can contribute to lowering the cooling energy demand. The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of a solid desiccant cooling system (SDC) coupled with an air-based roof building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system located in Chennai, India and provide the basis for the design of such a system. For this purpose, three different configurations are proposed and investigated considering the cooling performance, electrical and thermal output of the BIPV/T, desiccant regeneration temperature and thermal comfort conditions in the building. In addition, parametric studies have been conducted to further analyze the performance of each configuration. The results demonstrate that the BIPV/T outlet air temperature is maintained above 50 degrees C for more than 40% of the daylight hours. At steady state conditions of 30 degrees C ambient temperature, 70% RH and 60 degrees C-80 degrees C regeneration temperatures, supply air temperature and RH range between 25.8 degrees C-17.1 degrees C and 55-60% are achieved, respectively. The moisture removal capacity ranges between 1.96 gr/kg and 4.54 gr/kg for different configurations. Finally, a thermal performance (COPth) of 1.81 is achieved for DINC DS configuration at regeneration temperature of 60 degrees C.