Retrofitting of Conditioning Systems for Existing Small Commercial Buildings - Analysis and Design of Liquid Desiccant - Vapor Compression Hybrid

Abstract

The combination of several concepts of new energy technologies may make it possible to reduce the energy needs for thermal comfort, especially cooling and dehumidification, in small sized, single-story commercial buildings. The potentials and limitations of retrofit technology for these characteristic structures have been the focus of the experience gained through the design and installation of a system adapted to a building constructed in the early 1960's. The existing split package air conditioning system was combined with a desiccant air-conditioning unit with a waste heat and solar heat reclaim component. While this retrofit system is feasible, a number of questions remain to be considered regarding the design, installation and operation of the total system. This paper focuses on the practical applications of such a hybrid system - both architectural/construction issues and the mechanical components/system considerations.