The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a prototype one-ton liquid desiccant dehumidifier in conjunction with a two-ton high-efficiency electric air conditioner. The dehumidifier uses the desiccating properties of a lithium chloride solution to remove moisture from the indoor environment. The testing was performed in a bilevel research house in Washington, DC., for 10 weeks during a recent summer. The research house provided controlled, yet realistic, conditions of use. This house was moderately furnished to approximate conditions of occupancy for a family of three. The presence of clothing was simulated to provide moisture absorption surfaces. An occupancy simulation protocol was implemented throughout the test period. A wide range of outdoor temperature and humidity conditions was encouraged during the test period. Evaluation of comfort parameters indicated that the desiccant dehumidifier provided comfort levels as measured by predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD) of about 12%. By comparison, the electric air conditioner provided an average PPD of about 20%. Average air infiltration rates were similar during operation of the desiccant dehumidifier and the electric air conditioner. The preliminary evaluation of liquid desiccant technology through this study indicates that further investigation is warranted.

KEYWORDS: performance, calculating, desiccants, dehumidifiers, unit air conditioners, electrically operated, prototypes, lithium chloride, moisture, indoor, testing, housing, research, USA, summer, outdoor temperature, humidity, comfort, comparing, air infiltration, air conditioning