The papers presented at this Symposium have discussed the state-of-the art of sorption equipment. Detailed descriptions of new techniques of dehumidification using sorption have been given, including theoretical concepts of energy savings and descriptions of actual installations.

In this paper some of the new techniques of sorption dehumidification are compared with refrigeration dehumidification. The comparisons are based on economics and on energy consumption, with the emphasis being on the latter. Included in the economic analyses are capitalization cost and operating costs. Particular attention is paid to energy consumption from renewable and from non-renewable sources.