Performance Analysis of a Novel Solar-Assisted Desiccant Wheel-Based Heating and Humidification System
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The building sector accounts for nearly 40% of global primary energy consumption, with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems contributing significantly to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional HVAC systems face challenges in addressing humidity control and efficiency, particularly in cold and dry climates. This research demonstrates the development and transient simulation of a novel solar-assisted desiccant wheel-based system for heating and humidification (SDHH) in Taxila, Pakistan. The proposed system includes a desiccant wheel, heat wheel, water-to-air heat exchanger, and a direct evaporative cooler. An array of flat plate collectors supply hot water to the heat exchanger. TRNSYS simulations investigated the performance of SDHH by evaluating heating capacity, humidification, and indoor temperature and humidity values in winter. Results show that the SDHH system maintained the required temperature in the zone and improved the zone humidity level. The desiccant wheel increased the absolute humidity of product air by 0.003 kg/kg. The average indoor temperature was 21 °C, and the average absolute humidity was around 0.008 kg/kg. These results justify using the proposed system in dry and cold climate conditions.
Authors: Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Usman, Owais Ahmad, Awais Mansoor, Farhan Ali, Abdul Moiz, Muzaffar Ali
Institution: University of Engineering and Technology Taxila
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7084104875