A state-of-the-art software tool that
calculates the benefits of desiccant-based air-treatment
equipment is described. The software, a
Desiccant Systems Application Screening Tool, is
written in the WindowsTM environment to promote
user-friendliness. Its graphical interface emphasizes
the simplicity of using default values or, if desired,
provides the user with the option of customizing the
input. The program runs annual loads/energy
calculations with the electric equipment selected by
the user (from a library of typical systems) and
compares performance of a conventional system to
an alternative electric system supplemented with a
commercially available desiccant dehumidifier
providing the required air-conditioning performance.
The screening tool uses DOE 2.1E as the
computational engine, which runs in the background
and is transparent to the user. In addition, the latest
TMY2 meteorological data recently released from the
Department of Energy National Renewable Energy
Laboratory are used by the program.
Output of the program provides the user
with a clear comparison between the performance of
a desiccant/electric system and conventional system
installed in an identical application. Specifically, the
comfort issues are emphasized by comparing the
number of occupied hours when the relative humidity
in the building exceeds 60% RH (or above specific
RH set point, if controlled). The economics are
compared based on the annual/monthly energy
consumption and operating cost. A case study is
presented
