Optimization and study of an autonomous solar desiccant cooling system

A desiccant cooling unit powered by 14.8 m2 of solar liquid collectors is implemented in a training room in Chambery in Eastern France. The system uses a Lithium Chloride sorption wheel and is optimized to work without an auxiliary heat regeneration source. Several parameters are studied in order to decrease primary energy consumption and increase system performance. The models are implemented in an object-oriented simulation environment called SPARK which allows system coupling with building models. Simulations show that airflow rate during inoccupation period is a key component in the operation of the system for it can help decreasing required regeneration hours. Our results suggest that an airflow rate of 2.8 ACH during inoccupation decreases the required regeneration hours of about 40% with an increasing of equipment electrical consumption of 8%.