Liquid Desiccant Air-Conditioning (LDAC) system

• Main Author: Kang, Wilson Wei Chen.
• Other Authors: School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53286
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In hot and humid climates, air conditioners are less efficient because they require more energy to remove water from the moisture-rich air. More efficient cooling methods are necessary to reduce building energy consumption and environmental impact. Buildings currently account for 72% of the nation’s electricity use and 40% of our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year, 5% of which comes directly from air conditioning. The refrigerants typically used in air conditioners are potent greenhouse gases that may contribute to global climate change. Because majority of cooling systems are running on electricity, there is a pressing need to improve and research on air conditionals that are able to increase the energy efficiency through green technologies and reduce the use of greenhouse gases refrigerants. The design of a membrane-based LDAC and dehumidification system will help turn mother Earth into a greener and more pleasant place to live in. The use of liquid desiccant is able to absorb moisture from the surrounding air. This will help to conserve a huge amount of energy, as dry air is easier and faster to cool, as compared to moist air. The HMI chosen for this project is SCADA, because most commercial and industrial companies are using SCADA for the interface. Vijeo Citect software will allow operators to monitor and control a complex system through visual graphics, while Unity Pro will link the LDAC components to Vijeo Citect through PLCs and Ethernet. LDAC components like sensors are used to measure the LDAC system in different areas. LDAC system is able to install in most of the buildings, like industries, malls, etc, once the project is completed. With LDAC system installed, it will help to reduce the amount of electricity consume and at the same time reduce the use of greenhouse gases.